Apero Chicago

Apero is pure joy at 4:30 in the afternoon. Anytime, really, but to name one’s café after the golden hour would indicate the best time of arrival, wouldn’t you think?

Truly, Apero has the most French vibe of any spot in Chicago, as far as I’m concerned. The light food menu is modern and nonspecifically (but deliciously) Euro-chic, the wine list is global, but the vibe is instantly and impeccably French. A young, hip crowd lounges on the patio, drinking vermouth and burrowing through happy-hour-oysters like a walrus and/or carpenter - stylish yet unstuffy, you’ll be ready to light a Gauloise and discuss film by the end of your first round.

The wine list leans into the Aperitif style with great panache - showcasing lighter, fresher, “glou-glou” wines, spritzes, and similar treats that keep you sprawled on your imaginary lido deck until sundown. If you’re looking for somewhere decidedly fun, and pining for that weekend in Marseilles, definitely make Aperó a stop on your evening rounds.