Paul Kushner
Happy hours in New York City are a welcome break from the never-ending hustle and bustle of life in the city that never sleeps. Notable features of this urban jungle include its striking skyline, top-notch culture, and, of course, an exciting and varied nightlife. From the tall skyscrapers of Manhattan to the hippest hangouts in Brooklyn, New York City’s best happy hours provide a brief respite from the daily grind and the ideal environment for relaxing, mingling, and soaking up the local spirit. With the help of this article, you can find the best happy hours in New York City, complete with delectable drinks, appetizing food, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes for unforgettable get-togethers. Come along with us as we review the best places for relaxation and camaraderie in the city that defines nightlife on a global scale.
Greenwich Treehouse
46 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
(212) 675-0395
Visit Website
The Greenwich Treehouse has a distinct, moody vibe, making it one of my favorite places to go out and enjoy some innovative cocktails. It’s like an elevated dive bar with stellar happy hour deals, and I always go for their fun Jell-O shots! It’s nestled between the West Village and Greenwich near the Washington Square Arch.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 5:00 to 8:00 pm – $5 Jell-O shot, $8 beer & shot, $1 off all beer, $1 off all WINE, and $1 off all Well. Sunday 3:00 to 8:00 pm – $5 Jell-O shot, $8 beer & shot, $1 off all beer, $1 off all WINE, and $1 off all Well.
The Mermaid Inn
570 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
(212) 799-7400
Visit Website
The Mermaid Inn is one of my favorite hidden gems in NYC. It’s on the Upper West Side a few blocks from the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, serving up delectable appetizers and mains. While I couldn’t resist their stellar oyster deals, I also tried the lobster roll which was heavenly. It has a beautiful but simple ambiance, perfect for any occasion.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 4:30 to 6:30 pm – $1.50 East Coast Oysters, select $6 beers, $9 wines, and $10 cocktails.
L’Accolade
302 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
(917) 409-1407
Visit Website
Another one of my favorite fun places to go out is L’Accolade! If you’re done with the dive bars, you’ll enjoy the upscale, elegant vibe of this restaurant. It’s in the West Village a few streets away from Hudson Square near the iconic Friends apartment! My favorite item is their creamy chicken gnocchi.
Happy Hour Deals: Tuesday to Thursday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm – $13 all wine by the glass, $14 cocktails and snack bar menu. Friday to Saturday 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm – $13 all wine by the glass, $14 cocktails and snack bar menu.
Fish Cheeks
55 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 677-2223
Visit Website
Fish Cheeks is near Little Italy along Colonnade Row, so it’s near plenty of museums, making it an easy place to grab a bite during happy hour. I like to bring lots of friends and enjoy their family platters of seafood like ceviche, whole fish, and more!
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 12 to 3:15 pm & 5:00 to 6:00 pm – $9 1/2 dz oyster, $18 1 dz oyster, $6 beer, and $10 wine.
Dante NYC
79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 982-5275
Visit Website
Dante NYC is on Sixth Ave even closer to the Friends apartment and a few museums. They’re not quite a wine bar, but I’m obsessed with their extensive wine list. It’s also hard not to try their fancy cocktails. The bar is bright and eclectic with an artistic feel, reflected in their plating and cocktails!
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 3:00 to 6:00 pm – $10 negroni and $14 to $17 cocktails.
Vinatería
2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem, NY 10026
(212) 662-8462
Visit Website
In the historical Harlem neighborhood is one of my favorite spots for happy hour, Vinateria. It has a modern, minimalist feel, ideal for a swanky dinner with friends you want to impress. Near the Apollo Theatre, it’s a great restaurant to visit before a show. I highly recommend the crispy polenta appetizer and grilled octopus.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 4:00 to 7:00 pm – $7 wine by the glass, $5 beer, $8 cocktails, $8 bites and oysters.
The Pony Bar
1444 1st Ave., New York, NY 10021
(212) 288-0090
Visit Website
The Pony Bar is of the best places if you love craft beer and cheap deals. Their rotating selection of drafts makes it exciting every time I go, from pineapple ciders to pumpkin spice ales to coffee stouts. It’s on a charming corner in Lenox Hill on E 75th, so you can’t miss it!
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:20 to 6:20 pm – $7 all draft beer, $7 all well drinks, and $7 all wine.
Bar Belly
14 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
(917) 488-0943
Visit Website
On the Lower East Side not far from the Brooklyn Bridge is a rustic and upscale spot called Bar Belly. I always try to take advantage of their happy hour food, like the indulgent belly fries or juicy shrimp cocktail, along with a tasty glass of wine. Sit at their stunning hand-crafted copper bar for the full experience!
Happy Hour Deals: Saturday to Sunday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $12 old fashioned, $12 jackalope spritz, $12 star dust, $12 kung-fu pandan, $9 white wine, $9 red wine, $17 shrimp cocktail, $1 oysters, and $6 belly fries.
Lido Harlem Restaurant
2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
(646) 490-8575
Visit Website
If you want fun places to get drinks in the Harlem area, check out Lido just a few blocks away from Central Park. They serve some of the finest food, but I can afford it thanks to their happy hour deals. Their decadent lamb chops are a must-have. Despite the impeccable food, the bar has a moderately casual vibe, perfect for a fancy lunch.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:00 to 7:00 pm – $5 beer, $9 small bites, $7 glasses of wine and well drinks.
Skinny Dennis
152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(212) 555-1212
Visit Website
Skinny Dennis is in Williamsburg off of Third St and offers a dark, dive bar vibe with a slightly retro feel. They’ve dubbed themselves NYC’s premier honky tonk bar, with 18 draft beers and a funky jukebox. I love Willie’s frozen coffee, one of their iconic drinks you have to try.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 12:00 to 7:00 pm – $1 off draughts & cans and $3 wells. Tuesday 12:00 to 7:00 pm – $4 Tito’s lemonades and $2 Tito’s single shot any style.
Verlaine
110 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
(212) 614-2494
Visit Website
Verlaine is on the Lower East Side off Bowery near the New Museum. I love their creative cocktails, which often feature extraordinary simple syrups and liqueurs. Try their lychee martini or rose sangria for a delightful cocktail experience in this casual but whimsical spot.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 5:00 to 10:00 pm – $6 lychee martinis, house red and white wines, basic cocktails, southeast Asian sangria, Vietnamese bloody marys, and $3 Yuengling lagers.
Huertas
107 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-4490
Visit Website
What’s better than happy hour tapas? I love small plates and small prices! This bar has a dark, rustic vibe with painted wood and low lighting. Go during happy hour so you can enjoy their famous pintxos at half the regular price! You can find this spot on the Lower East Side on First Ave.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day until 6:30pm – $7 huertas vermouth (red or white), $5 beer (lager or ipa), $6 cider (basque-style cider), $7 sherry (manzanilla), $10 huertas gin-tonic (housemade tonic), $8 house wine (red, white, rosé, or cava 8), $12 can & conserva (narragansett & mackerel tin), $5 basque dog (chistorra sausage, piquillo mostarda, aioli), and half-off menu price for pinxtos.
169 Bar
169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
(516) 986-7938
Visit Website
The 169 Bar has a funky and casual vibe, making it one of my favorite bars for a fun night out. But if you go before 7:30, you can enjoy a rowdy evening with their generous happy hour deals. Try their oysters or enjoy the cheap beer with friends before 8 pm. It’s right off Canal St near Chinatown, mimicking the energetic vibe of its neighborhood.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm – $2 off everything else, $3 beer and a shot, and $1 off can and draft beers.
Ten Degrees
121 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
(516) 400-4147
Visit Website
In the heart of the East Village is the gastropub Ten Degrees. I take people here when I want to impress them with fancy NYC fare without emptying my wallet. They have unique shots and a diverse menu of scrumptious food, from chips and guacamole to toasty paninis.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Sunday until 7:00 pm – 2 for 1 on wines, beers, cocktails, and scotch. Saturday to Sunday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm with brunch – 2 for 1 on wines, beers, cocktails, and scotch.
Harlem Tavern
2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
(212) 866-4500
Visit Website
The Harlem Tavern is, well, in Harlem. It’s a black away from Morningside Park near Columbia University and is a staple in the Harlem community. They serve upscale bar food, like innovative burgers and sandwiches and extraordinary French fries. The ambiance walks the line between casual and grand, so it’s perfect for any occasion.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $8 select red & white wine, $9 sangria, $7 house mixed drinks, $6 select beer drafts, and $10 cocktail of the day.
The Wayland
700 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-7022
Visit Website
Just three blocks from the East River off Avenue C is The Wayland, a stunning bar with a refined vibe. It is not an exaggeration to say this may be the best bar in the East Village! They have three perfect cocktails on their menu, my favorite being the Pearls of the East, an herby vodka drink.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – 10 half/18 dozen oysters, $7 oyster shooters (tequila & sangrita and shallot-infused mezcal & sangrita), $10 pearls of the east (vodka, lime, lemongrass-basil syrup, seltzer), $10 sazerac (red whiskey, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe), $11 margarita, $4 Sunday beer lager, $4 Tecate, $5 founder’s all day IPA, $9 cava, $9 rose, $9 sauvignon blanc, and $9 cabernet sauvignon.
Tara Rose
384 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
(929) 602-5983
Visit Website
The Tara Rose near Kips Bay and Gramercy is the spot for craft cocktails. You’ll fall in love with the tart key lime martini or creamy espresso martini. But my favorite is the succulent plum margarita, which is perfectly sweet and punchy. The bar has pops of soothing colors and finished wood for a casual but sleek appearance.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $15 for 2 bites, $8 Aperol spritz, $8 kick-ass mule, $6 select draft, and $8 house wine. Thursday night – for drinks only.
Bubo
515 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
(212) 532-3300
Visit Website
Bubo is several blocks away from the Empire State Building in Kips Bay on Third Ave with a beautiful blue exterior you can’t miss. The romantic, moody lighting and furniture make this the perfect place for a lovely date! They have superb happy hour deals on oysters, but I recommend the Faroe Island Salmon seasoned to perfection.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm – $12 1/2 DZ oysters, $24 1 DZ oysters, $24 Faroe island salmon, extra virgin olive oil, mediterranean sea salt, $11 cocktails (boulevardier, whiskey, Campari, sweet vermouth), $7 beers on tap.
Valerie
45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 302-4545
Visit Website
Valerie is an exquisite restaurant with a distinct speakeasy aura. With dramatic artwork and lighting, this spot is indulgent and luxurious. It’s near Bryant Park off Sixth Ave, and don’t let the tiny front mislead you, the interior is massive.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $11 cocktails, $7 seasonal draft beer, $9 house wine, $16 cheese & charcuterie, and $4 happy hour oysters (only available with the purchase of a beverage, minimum 6 order).
Ampersand
294 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
(212) 477-8100
Visit Website
For an upscale snack and drink, check out Ampersand, an upscale joint with an eclectic menu. I recommend their cheese plate and shishito peppers, which have just the right amount of heat. It’s three blocks from Madison Square Park in the Flatiron neighborhood in a shotgun-style building with a dramatically long bar top.
Happy Hour Deals: Every day until 7:00 pm – $2 off draft beers, $6 well drinks, $6 house wines, and $8 frozens.
Fresh Salt
146 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038
(212) 962-0053
Visit Website
Fresh Salt is my favorite place for a special date night. It has a lovely aesthetic combining romantic and vintage vibes. It may sound weird, but my favorite dish is the hot-breaded eggplant sandwich, with mozzarella and pesto on fresh ciabatta. And it’s right by Pier 17, so if you sit outside you can enjoy water views.
Happy Hour Deals: Everyday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – $5/$6 draft beers, $6 house liquor, and $7 select wines.
The Folly
92 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
(646) 726-4740
Visit Website
The Folly is a gastro-lounge with a laidback vibe and fun energy. When you don’t know where to get a drink in SOHO, I highly recommend making your way here off Laguardia Place. The bartenders and servers are personal and passionate. And my favorite thing in the world is their happy hour lobster mac and cheese!
Happy Hour Deals: Every day until 8:00 pm – $18 classic cheeseburger, $18 Cubano sandwich, $22 lobster mac & cheese, and $20 the dirty mac.
The Penrose
1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
(212) 203-2751
Visit Website
The Penrose is on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with a charming colloquial vibe, perfect for a fun dinner with friends. I am obsessed with the pink peppercorn tequila in their Mister Pink cocktail, which I’ve never found anywhere else, and will search every corner of the earth until I find it!
Happy Hour Deals: Weekdays 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $6 well liquor, $5 drafts, $7 house red and white wine, and $7 mules. Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – $6 well liquor, $5 drafts, $7 house red and white wine, and $7 mules.
Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails
Multiple Locations
(646) 661-7711
Visit Website
I always go to Cooper’s in Chelsea near the Museum of Illusions, but you can also check out their East Village location. All of their happy hour menus are top-notch, including the soft pretzels and cheese curds. I tried their Lost Irish Old Fashioned, which was a robust twist on the classic cocktail, adding warm, rich flavors.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $10 draft cocktails (pineapple passion fruit margarita, mezcal negroni, lost Irish old fashioned, botanical spritz), $7 draft selections (sixpoint crisp, Ommegang Witte, interboro lifted IPA L.L.C. beer project, summer beats), and $9 house spirits and wines.
Porchlight
271 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
(212) 981-6188
Visit Website
Porchlight is in Chelsea near the Lincoln Tunnel, so it can be out of the way for some people, but I promise it’s worth the journey. They make an exceptional dirty martini that always makes me feel fancy and sophisticated. But during summer I love the rum daiquiri which is fruit and rich.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Saturday 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $11 salty dog, $11 daiquiri, $11 mint julep, $11 dirty vodka martini, $5 flask of punch, $6 coney island IPA, $6 coney island pilsner. Sunday 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm – $11 salty dog, $11 daiquiri, $11 mint julep, $11 dirty vodka martini, $5 flask of punch, $6 coney island IPA, $6 coney island pilsner.
Cask Bar & Kitchen
167 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 300-4924
Visit Website
Cask Bar & Kitchen has a warm aesthetic with orange lightbulbs and cork walls. While it’s a popular spot in Kips Bay off Third Avenue, many people aren’t aware of its stellar happy hour offerings. My go-to orders here are any of the sangrias, as all three of idyllic, and the smoked trout dip with crispy sourdough.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Wednesday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $10 cocktails (blood & spice, main squeeze, eastsider, capitol hill, red, rosé or white sangria), $7 tap beer (cask pilsner, cask wheat), $6 bottled beer (Modelo especial, founders all day IPA), and $8 wine (pinot grigio, malbec, rosé, sparkling rosé, champagne). Thursday to Friday 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $10 cocktails (blood & spice, main squeeze, eastsider, capitol hill, red, rosé or white sangria), $7 tap beer (cask pilsner, cask wheat), $6 bottled beer (modelo especial, founders all day IPA), and $8 wine (pinot grigio, malbec, rosé, sparkling rosé, champagne).
Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails
367 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
(212) 689-3000
Visit Website
Off E 26th St in Gramercy is the Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails. While the name may not be exciting, their happy hour deals are. With discounts on share plates and signature cocktails, you can try their fancy fare at a reasonable price! I love their pina colada and chicken tacos.
Happy Hour Deals: Everyday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $7 select beers, $8 wines by the glass, $10 select signature cocktails, $8 happy hour rum punch, $10 frose, $12 notorious pina colada, and 2 for $20 shareable bites.
Jackdaw
213 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
(212) 507-9333
Visit Website
Jackdaw is in the East Village on the corner of Second Ave and E 13th St. It’s suitable for almost any occasion from a lunch date with friends to a hot date. I go nuts for their pork belly bao buns which are fluffy and juicy and all-around perfect. And they make a mean spicy margarita.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday until 8:00 pm – $5 founders all day IPA, $5 pacifico, $10 gérard Bertrand rosé, $8 danzante pinot grigio, $8 Los cardos malbec, $10 seasonal sangria, $8 old fashioned, and $9 margarita picanté. Saturday to Sunday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $5 founders all day IPA, $5 pacifico, $10 gérard bertrand rosé, $8 danzante pinot grigio, $8 los cardos malbec, $10 seasonal sangria, $8 old fashioned, and $9 margarita picanté.
The Winslow
243 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-7717
Visit Website
Near Peter Cooper Village right behind Stuyvesant Square park is The Winslow. The bar has casual and fun energy with a bit of a bro-y vibe, so not ideal for a date. When I go with a group of friends, we always get the $20 beer bucket of Tecate to kick things off, but their gin is phenomenal.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm (until 8:00 pm on Thursday) – $8 gin & tonic, $20 beer bucket, $6 select draught beer, $7 select wines, and $7 select reds.
Goodnight Sonny
134 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
(646) 692-3254
Visit Website
Goodnight Sonny has a casual European vibe that makes you feel cozy and welcomed. It’s on the same corner as the Museum of American Gangsters and has a similar vibe to a speakeasy. I always order their tuna tartare along with a Disco Old Fashioned, a fun twist on this standard cocktail.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – $18 oysters 1 dz, $12 margarita & daiquiri cocktails, $5 bottles & cans, $5 all draft pints, and $10 wines.
Botanica Bar
47 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-7251
Visit Website
The Botanica Bar is in the Nolita neighborhood, serving stellar martinis and late-night vibes. It’s the best place to go out for a fun time with friends, especially when you want awesome happy hour deals. They have infused alcohols that make delicious cocktails, my favorite being the rosemary vodka!
Happy Hour Deals: Every day until 7:00 pm – $2 off draft beers, $6 well drinks, $6 house wines, and $8 frozens.
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 5 reputable blogs and websites, including theinfatuation.com, ny.eater.com, timeout.com, atyourleisurenyc.com, and secretnyc.co. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings