Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour 2026: Full Menu, Deals & Schedule
Quick Answer: Lou Malnati’s happy hour runs Monday through Thursday, 3 PM–5 PM, featuring $6 drinks and pizzas, plus $8 appetizers.
Craving authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza without spending too much on dinner? Lou Malnati’s happy hour offers an affordable way to enjoy famous pizza, Italian appetizers, and refreshing drinks. It’s a convenient choice when you want a satisfying afternoon meal without paying regular menu prices.
In 2026, Lou Malnati’s offers Monday through Thursday happy hour from 3 PM to 5 PM at participating dine-in restaurants. The promotional menu features $6 beverages and select pizzas, along with $8 appetizers, cocktails, and specialty pizzas. These specials make early dining especially appealing for pizza lovers.
Whether you’re meeting friends, enjoying a casual date, or grabbing an early dinner, knowing the schedule can help you save. Here’s everything you need to know about Lou Malnati’s happy hour menu, promotional prices, participating restaurants, and dining policies.
What Time Is Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour in 2026?
Lou Malnati’s happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at participating dine-in restaurant locations.
The promotion lasts two hours, offering discounted appetizers, personal pizzas, beer, wine, and selected cocktails during afternoon service.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | No regular happy hour |
| Saturday | No regular happy hour |
| Sunday | No regular happy hour |
Important: This is the officially advertised promotion at participating restaurants. Hours may vary by location, and not every Lou Malnati’s restaurant offers happy hour.
Does Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Start at 3 PM Every Day?
No, Lou Malnati’s happy hour starts at 3 PM only Monday through Thursday at participating restaurant locations.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are excluded from the regularly advertised promotion, although standard restaurant dining remains available.
When Does Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour End?
Lou Malnati’s happy hour ends at 5 PM, making it a relatively short afternoon dining promotion.
Arriving around 3 PM or 4 PM gives you more time to enjoy qualifying appetizers, pizzas, and drinks.
Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Menu and Prices
Lou Malnati’s happy hour menu features $6 pizzas and beverages, alongside $8 appetizers, specialty pizzas, and canned cocktails.
The promotion includes several Chicago-style favorites, allowing customers to enjoy smaller pizza portions and shareable Italian appetizers.
Lou Malnati’s $6 Happy Hour Specials
The $6 happy hour menu includes cheese pizzas, selected beer, wine, and canned wine at participating locations.
These selections provide an affordable introduction to Lou Malnati’s signature food without purchasing a regular full-sized pizza.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Cheese Deep Dish | Personal Chicago-style deep-dish cheese pizza | $6 |
| Small Cheese Thin Crust | Small thin-crust pizza with mozzarella cheese | $6 |
| Bottled Beer | Selected bottled beer varieties | $6 |
| Canned Beer | Selected canned beer varieties | $6 |
| Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio | Six-ounce glass of Italian white wine | $6 |
| La Crema Pinot Noir | Six-ounce glass of red wine | $6 |
| Josh Cabernet Sauvignon | Six-ounce glass of Cabernet Sauvignon | $6 |
| Scarpetta Frico Frizzante Veneto | Selected sparkling canned wine | $6 |
| Scarpetta Frico Sparkling Lambrusco | Selected sparkling red canned wine | $6 |
Menu note: These are advertised promotional selections from Lou Malnati’s café happy hour menu. Participation and availability depend on the restaurant.
Lou Malnati’s $8 Happy Hour Appetizers
Lou Malnati’s also offers $8 Italian appetizers, including mozzarella bites, ravioli crisps, meatballs, bruschetta, and beef bites.
These shareable dishes make happy hour convenient for friends who prefer trying several foods instead of ordering separate entrées.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Bites | Crispy breaded mozzarella served as an appetizer | $8 |
| Ravioli Crisps | Fried ravioli served as a crispy Italian appetizer | $8 |
| Italian Beef Bites | Bite-sized Italian beef appetizers | $8 |
| Chicago-Style Meatballs | Italian meatballs prepared in Chicago-style tradition | $8 |
| Lou’s Bruschetta | Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and fresh ingredients | $8 |
Lou Malnati’s $8 Pizza and Cocktail Specials
The $8 happy hour selection also features pepperoni and sausage pizzas alongside qualifying canned cocktails.
These options are especially appealing when you want something more substantial than appetizers without ordering a larger pizza.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Sausage Deep Dish | Personal deep-dish pizza topped with sausage | $8 |
| Personal Pepperoni Deep Dish | Personal deep-dish pizza topped with pepperoni | $8 |
| Small Sausage Thin Crust | Small thin-crust pizza with sausage | $8 |
| Small Pepperoni Thin Crust | Small thin-crust pizza with pepperoni | $8 |
| Canned Cocktails | Selected ready-to-drink cocktails | $8 |
Important: Happy hour food and beverage menus can differ between restaurants. Promotional items are available for dine-in customers only.
Which Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Deals Offer the Best Value?
The $6 personal cheese deep dish is an appealing option for enjoying authentic Chicago-style pizza at a promotional price.
If you prefer additional toppings, the $8 sausage or pepperoni deep dish provides another affordable choice.
Best Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Pizza
Lou Malnati’s personal deep-dish pizzas offer its familiar buttery crust, mozzarella cheese, and Chicago-style preparation in smaller portions.
The cheese version costs $6, while qualifying sausage and pepperoni varieties cost $8 during the promotion.
Best Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Appetizers
Mozzarella Bites and Ravioli Crisps are convenient sharing options when you want something crispy alongside your pizza.
For more traditional Italian flavors, Chicago-Style Meatballs and Lou’s Bruschetta provide satisfying alternatives at $8 each.
Where Is Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Available?
Lou Malnati’s offers happy hour at select dine-in restaurants, including several locations in Chicago, surrounding suburbs, and Arizona.
However, locations offering only carryout and delivery do not automatically participate in the dine-in happy hour program.
Participating Lou Malnati’s Locations
The following restaurants advertise the Monday–Thursday, 3 PM–5 PM happy hour promotion on their official location pages.
| Restaurant | Location | Happy Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Lou Malnati’s Michigan Avenue | Chicago, Illinois | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
| Lou Malnati’s Lincoln Park | Chicago, Illinois | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
| Lou Malnati’s Lincoln Square | Chicago, Illinois | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
| Lou Malnati’s Midway | Chicago, Illinois | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
| Lou Malnati’s Lincolnwood | Lincolnwood, Illinois | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
| Lou Malnati’s Tinley Park | Tinley Park, Illinois | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
| Lou Malnati’s Surprise | Surprise, Arizona | Mon–Thu, 3 PM–5 PM |
Does Every Lou Malnati’s Restaurant Offer Happy Hour?
No, the promotion is limited to participating dine-in restaurants, so it is not available at every location.
Lou Malnati’s operates different restaurant formats, including full-service dining rooms and locations dedicated exclusively to takeout and delivery.
Is Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Available in Arizona?
Yes, Lou Malnati’s Surprise location in Arizona advertises the same Monday–Thursday, 3 PM–5 PM promotional schedule.
Its available happy hour menu may differ from Chicago restaurants, even when the advertised promotional hours remain identical.
Does Lou Malnati’s Have Weekend Happy Hour?
No, Lou Malnati’s standard happy hour promotion operates Monday through Thursday, excluding Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Weekend diners can still enjoy regular pizzas and appetizers, but the advertised $6 and $8 specials are unavailable.
Lou Malnati’s Friday Happy Hour
Friday is excluded from the standard Lou Malnati’s happy hour schedule, despite restaurants remaining open for regular dining.
Customers visiting Friday afternoons generally pay regular menu prices unless another separately advertised offer applies.
Lou Malnati’s Saturday and Sunday Happy Hour
Saturday and Sunday are not included in the chain’s officially advertised weekday happy hour promotional schedule.
You can still order signature deep-dish pizza during regular operating hours at restaurants that are open.
How Much Can You Save During Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour?
Lou Malnati’s offers $6 and $8 menu selections, making it possible to enjoy pizza and beverages affordably.
Combining qualifying appetizers, personal pizzas, and drinks allows you to manage spending while enjoying different Italian favorites.
| Happy Hour Order | Total Before Tax |
|---|---|
| Personal Cheese Deep Dish | $6 |
| Small Cheese Thin Crust + Beer | $12 |
| Personal Sausage Deep Dish + Wine | $14 |
| Personal Pepperoni Deep Dish + Canned Cocktail | $16 |
| Mozzarella Bites + Wine | $14 |
| Two Cheese Deep Dish Pizzas | $12 |
| Two Sausage Deep Dish Pizzas | $16 |
| Cheese Deep Dish + Ravioli Crisps + Beer | $20 |
Totals use published promotional prices and exclude applicable taxes, gratuity, and additional items.
Can You Eat at Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour for Under $15?
Yes, a $6 personal cheese deep dish and $6 qualifying beverage total $12 before taxes and gratuity.
Alternatively, a personal sausage deep dish with selected wine costs $14, assuming both promotional items remain available.
Is Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Good for Groups?
Yes, Lou Malnati’s appetizer selection and personal pizzas provide convenient options for sharing with friends or coworkers.
Ordering several $8 appetizers alongside qualifying pizzas gives your group variety without purchasing multiple full-sized entrées.
Does Lou Malnati’s Accept Happy Hour Reservations?
Some Lou Malnati’s full-service restaurants accept regular dining reservations, although reservation availability differs between individual locations.
Happy hour discounts apply only at participating dine-in restaurants, and a reservation does not guarantee specific promotional availability.
Do You Need Reservations for Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour?
Reservations are not generally required for a casual happy hour visit, although busy restaurants may have limited seating.
Arriving shortly after 3 PM can make scheduling easier when you want to enjoy the complete two-hour promotion.
How Long Are Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Wait Times?
Wait times depend on restaurant demand, seating availability, day of the week, and your group’s size.
Deep-dish pizza also requires preparation time, so consider ordering early rather than arriving near the 5 PM cutoff.
Is Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Available for Takeout?
No, Lou Malnati’s officially states that its happy hour promotional menu is available for dine-in orders only.
The restriction means delivery and carryout purchases do not qualify for advertised $6 pizzas or $8 appetizers.
Can You Order Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Online?
Lou Malnati’s offers online ordering for regular menu items, but the advertised happy hour is not an online promotion.
Pickup and delivery orders follow their available menus and prices rather than automatically receiving discounted dine-in specials.
Can You Combine Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour With Coupons?
No, Lou Malnati’s states that additional coupons and discounts cannot be combined with its happy hour menu.
This restriction applies even when you have another promotional offer, so eligible happy hour pricing stands separately.
Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Holiday Hours
Lou Malnati’s does not publish one nationwide holiday happy hour schedule guaranteeing normal promotions during every major holiday.
Special restaurant hours, holiday closures, and modified dining service can override the usual Monday–Thursday afternoon promotion.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Location-dependent | Holiday schedule may differ |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Location-dependent | Regular or modified hours |
| Presidents’ Day | Location-dependent | Regular or modified hours |
| Easter Sunday | No standard happy hour | Holiday schedule may differ |
| Memorial Day | Location-dependent | Regular or modified hours |
| Independence Day | Location-dependent | Holiday schedule may differ |
| Labor Day | Location-dependent | Regular or modified hours |
| Halloween | Location-dependent | Regular schedule may apply |
| Thanksgiving Day | Location-dependent | Closure or reduced hours possible |
| Christmas Eve | Location-dependent | Reduced hours possible |
| Christmas Day | Location-dependent | Closure possible |
| New Year’s Eve | Location-dependent | Holiday schedule may differ |
Important: These are possible holiday operating arrangements, not guaranteed opening times or promotional schedules for every restaurant.
Is Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour Available on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving does not have guaranteed happy hour service, even though it occurs on Thursday during the regular promotional week.
Holiday restaurant operations may replace normal dining schedules, making standard afternoon discounts unavailable at affected locations.
Does Lou Malnati’s Offer Christmas Happy Hour?
Christmas Day happy hour is not guaranteed because restaurants may close or operate special holiday schedules.
You should not assume weekday promotions apply during Christmas, even when the holiday falls between Monday and Thursday.
How to Check Lou Malnati’s Hours Near You
Lou Malnati’s publishes individual restaurant operating hours and happy hour information through its official location pages.
Because hours may vary by location, selecting the correct restaurant helps distinguish normal business hours from promotional service.
1. Google Search
Search “Lou Malnati’s happy hour near me” or include your city to find nearby participating restaurants.
Google results can display restaurant opening hours, although promotional eligibility may not appear in standard business listings.
2. Google Maps
Google Maps allows you to view Lou Malnati’s addresses, opening hours, restaurant directions, and customer reviews.
Choose a full-service dining location if your main goal is accessing the restaurant’s dine-in happy hour promotion.
3. Lou Malnati’s Official Website
Lou Malnati’s official website provides individual restaurant pages, menus, operating hours, and reservation information where applicable.
Participating locations advertise Monday–Thursday, 3 PM–5 PM, alongside their dine-in rules and promotional menu restrictions.
4. Direct Phone Call
Calling your chosen Lou Malnati’s restaurant provides another way to obtain location-specific dining and seating information.
This can be useful for larger groups, special occasions, or holidays when standard restaurant schedules may change.
Popular Lou Malnati’s Menu Items
Lou Malnati’s is famous for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, but its regular menu includes salads, pasta, sandwiches, and appetizers.
These dishes are available beyond happy hour, with prices depending on the selected restaurant, portions, and additional ingredients.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Malnati Chicago Classic | Deep-dish pizza with sausage, mozzarella, and tomato sauce | Location-specific |
| Lou’s Special | Deep-dish pizza with sausage, spinach, mushrooms, and sliced tomatoes | Location-specific |
| Cheese Deep Dish | Traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza with mozzarella | $6 personal size during happy hour |
| Sausage Deep Dish | Deep-dish pizza topped with sausage | $8 personal size during happy hour |
| Pepperoni Deep Dish | Deep-dish pizza with pepperoni | $8 personal size during happy hour |
| Thin Crust Pizza | Thin, crispy pizza with customizable toppings | $6–$8 selected happy hour sizes |
| Lou’s Bruschetta | Toasted bread with tomatoes and fresh ingredients | $8 during happy hour |
| Chicago-Style Meatballs | Italian meatball appetizer | $8 during happy hour |
| Ravioli Crisps | Crispy fried ravioli appetizer | $8 during happy hour |
| Mozzarella Bites | Breaded mozzarella appetizer | $8 during happy hour |
| Chicken Wings | Wings with selected sauces and dipping dressing | Location-specific |
| Malnati Salad | Signature salad with vegetables and house dressing | Location-specific |
| Pasta | Italian-inspired pasta dishes with selected sauces | Location-specific |
What Is Lou Malnati’s Most Famous Pizza?
The Malnati Chicago Classic is one of Lou Malnati’s signature pizzas, featuring sausage, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Its deep-dish style uses a buttery crust and generous ingredients, creating the hearty pizza experience associated with Chicago.
Does Lou Malnati’s Have Vegetarian Options?
Yes, Lou Malnati’s offers vegetarian-friendly selections, including cheese pizzas, salads, and several vegetable-based pizza combinations.
During happy hour, the $6 cheese deep dish or thin crust provides an affordable meat-free choice.
Best Tips for Enjoying Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour
The easiest way to maximize savings is visiting a participating dine-in restaurant between 3 PM and 5 PM.
Choosing the dedicated promotional menu also prevents confusion between discounted personal pizzas and regular full-sized restaurant selections.
Useful tips for your visit:
- Arrive around 3 PM: Enjoy the full two-hour promotional window.
- Try the $6 cheese pizza: Choose personal deep dish or small thin crust.
- Explore $8 appetizers: Mozzarella Bites and Ravioli Crisps are good sharing options.
- Choose eligible drinks: Selected beers and wines cost $6.
- Visit Monday through Thursday: The standard promotion excludes weekends and Fridays.
- Dine in: Takeout and delivery orders do not qualify.
- Avoid coupon stacking: Additional discounts cannot be combined with happy hour pricing.
- Allow cooking time: Deep-dish pizza preparation can take longer than standard fast-casual meals.
What Is the Best Day for Lou Malnati’s Happy Hour?
Lou Malnati’s advertises the same promotional schedule from Monday through Thursday, without designating one day as cheaper.
Visiting earlier in the week may fit your schedule better if you prefer quieter afternoon dining periods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Lou Malnati’s happy hour in 2026 offers $6 drinks and pizzas, plus $8 appetizers from 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday. Visit a participating dine-in restaurant and check its hours before heading out!
