Buck up!

You’ve got almost everything you need for the perfect summer evening: clear skies, prime patio seating and a crew that’s game for a night of cocktailing. Only one thing’s missing: The cash to pay for it all. Don’t turn on the window fan and crack open a beer in your living room just yet—we’ve got drink deals that’ll save you a buck (or five) every day of the week.

Monday: Paddy Mac’s
The patio: Squeeze into this tiny Old Irving neighborhood bar or cozy up on the 35-seat patio, where you can have a quintessential summer evening complete with citrusy drinks and juicy burgers. Expect to bump into the neighborhood regulars, plus a healthy crowd of twenty- and thirtysomethings looking to chill out after work.
The deal: $4 pints of lemonade and iced tea spiked with Smirnoff Citrus and Cranberry
You save: $1.25

Tuesday: The Fifty/50
The patio: New this summer, this dog-friendly Division Street patio is already so popular that you have to get here early to snag a seat among the sports-obsessed, somewhat rowdy yipster crowd. But it’s worth it—the 60-seat sidewalk patio is the perfect place for people watching, and the drinks are strong.
The deal: $3 Goose Island drafts or $2 Mickey’s Hand Grenades. Good through August 26.
You save: $2 per drink

Wednesday: The Pumping Company
The patio: The Edgewater beer garden with space for 70 turns into a meat market during the summer months. The crowd is mostly Loyola students (and those looking to hook up with Loyola students) and younger neighborhood folks out for cheap drinks.
The deal: $4 house margaritas, $5 Cuervo margaritas and $7 Patron margaritas
You save: $1 on house margs, $2 on all others

Thursday: Cactus Bar & Grill
The patio: This wrap-around patio on a busy sidewalk in the middle of the Financial District attracts just the happy hour crowd you’d expect: loads of rowdy, suit-wearing professionals.
The deal: $4.25 frozen drinks. Choose from margaritas (traditional, mango or strawberry), Rum Rummers (Rum, blackberry brandy, pineapple and orange juices) and Shark Attacks (rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple and orange juice)
You save: $1.75

Friday: Bella Lounge
The patio: The alfresco area at this Rush and Division hotspot offers a somewhat reserved alternative to the craziness that goes down elsewhere in the neighborhood. Pull up a seat on the small sidewalk patio and revel in your sophistication while you watch the over-served masses wander past.
The deal: $5 Stoli bombs
You save: $5

Saturday: Finley Mahony’s
The patio: Two brand new patios seating a total of about 55 surround this Lakeview bar; choose from the sun-flooded patio or the tree-lined street-side alfresco area. Iron fencing, charming floral baskets and wood tables complement the pub’s rustic Irish-inspired decor.
The deal: $5 Absolut bloody marys and $5 mimosas
Your savings: $1 per drink

Sunday: Buck’s Saloon
The patio: The back patio is the best spot for cruising the boys at this relaxed Boystown bar, and the Sunday scene is happening thanks to a free weekly cookout (burgers, dogs, slaw).
The deal: $11 Miller pitchers and $2 Schnapps
Your savings: The deal’s good every day, so it’s hard to say. Can’t beat a free barbecue though.

[ Danielle Braff is a Metromix special contributor. ]