Sundays in the Windy City: When Does the Booze Flow?
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and...confusing liquor laws? Fear not, thirsty adventurer, for we shall navigate the murky waters of Sunday Funday regulations together. Buckle up, because this isn't your average snooze-fest of legalese.
The Tale of Two Sundays: Grocery Stores vs. Liquor Stores
First things first, Sundays are a two-faced beast in the Windy City. Here's the skinny:
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Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: These friendly giants are like your early bird boozers, slinging brews and wine as early as 8 am. Hallelujah! Stock up on mimosas for brunch or that celebratory six-pack because, well, it's Sunday.
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Liquor Stores: Ah, the elusive liquor store. They operate under a stricter "Cinderella" policy, with a curfew of midnight every day, including Sundays. So if the clock strikes twelve and you haven't replenished your reserves, well, tap water and reruns it is, my friend.
But wait! There's a plot twist! Some larger grocery stores with a special license can actually start selling booze at 8 am on Sundays too. These are basically the grocery store equivalent of overachievers, but hey, more options for us, right?
Here's the not-so-fine-print: You'll need to do some detective work to find these early-bird boozers. They're typically large stores with a decent amount of food selection, so keep your eyes peeled.
The Boozy Brunch Bunch: Bars and Restaurants to the Rescue!
Now, if you're more of a "hair of the dog" kind of person, fret not! Bars and restaurants with a Retail Food License can start serving alcohol as early as 9 am on Sundays. That's right, folks, you can get your Bloody Mary fix alongside your pancakes. Cheers to that!
Important note: Just because some places can serve booze early, doesn't mean all of them will. It's always best to check the restaurant's hours or website before you head out for that mimosa-fueled brunch.
The Final Verdict: A Toast to a Tipsy Sunday!
So, there you have it, folks. The not-so-secret secrets of snagging a drink on a Sunday in Chicago. Remember, responsible drinking is always in fashion, and pacing yourself is key (those deep-dish pizzas can be a doozy). Now get out there and explore the delicious (and boozy) possibilities that Chicago Sundays have to offer!
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