Post overview: best happy hours in and near Times Square
Look I’m going to be honest with you, Times Square isn’t all it’s cracked out to be. I know the movies build it up to be magical, full of bright lights and massive TV’s but in reality it’s crowded and most locals avoid it at all cost.
But at the end of the day it’s an iconic attraction and anytime I have out-of-town visitors I encourage them to check it out. We’ll snap photos and stop by the gift shops, and the next thing is always grabbing a bite to eat.
So over the years I’ve gotten creative and made it worthwhile by finding the best happy hours in Times Square. As you might now, New York City is the most expensive city in the world so I try to save us a few bucks where I can.
From Irish pubs to rooftop lounges the options are endless, and if you’re searching for a happy hour in Times Square too I’m going to share my personal list of the best with you.
But hey, enough of the small talk. What do you say we get right into it?
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Happy Hour in Times Square
Before we dive into this guide, please keep in mind prices and specials are subject to change at any time.
#10. Castell
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 4 – 6PM
New York City’s skyline is famous all over the world, why not linger at a rooftop bar enjoying happy hour in Times Square? There are so many great rooftop bars to choose from, but my favorite is Castell Rooftop Lounge.
This Times Square happy hour spot exudes sophistication and can make a regular joe like me feel like a classy hell of a dude (for a fraction of the price might I add!).
During the week, between 4-6pm folks can enjoy classic cocktails like margaritas or an old fashioned for $12, a glass of wine for $10 or a cold beer for $6, all while soaking in the inspiring city views.
The lounge style seating screams opulent New York and every visit can make you feel like a celebrity. This is one of the best spots for happy hour in Times Square if you’re looking to impress a special someone or you just want to treat yourself (and your wallet) to a good time.
Address: AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
#9. The Rum House
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 4 – 6 PM
The Rum House is one of the few happy hour spots in Times Square for the cocktail-connoisseur. Whereas most happy hours in Times Square cater to the dive bar, beer drinking crowd The Rum House is a swanky establishment.
The wood tones, tiled floors and candle-lit tables give an old-world but posh atmosphere. I’d venture to say there’s a slight speakeasy vibe thanks to the 20th century decor.
And as mentioned, The Rum House makes expertly crafted cocktails. These aren’t your granfathers recipes, the bartenders are talented mixologists coming up with ingenious and innovative cocktails.
The Times Square happy hour hot-spot has select $10 craft cocktails that rotate with the menu. The drink you try today may not have the same price tomorrow, so enjoy it while you can and visit often to try new cocktails.
There are also $5 beer and house wines if you’re looking to play it safe, but I’ll warn you that you won’t be getting the full experience. Visiting The Rum House and not ordering a cocktail is like going to the movies and not getting popcorn!
Address: 228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
#8. Margaritaville
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 11AM – 6PM
Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffet fan or not, visiting Margaritaville is an experience you won’t want to miss. Named after the American musician’s hit song the hotel has a sunny Florida vibe in the middle of Manhattan.
Inside Margaritaville you’ll find four bars, but the namesake Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant is home to the best happy hour in Times Square. You’ll get to partake in $5 domestic draft beer, $6 well drinks and $7 house margaritas.
If you’re visiting with friends and need a quick bite there are also $8 fried pickles and $9 spinach and artichoke dip. I’ll admit the restaurant houses a lot of tourists, but I can’t blame them for wanting to visit – it’s a hoot!
Seriously — there is a two-story replica of the Statue of Liberty raising a margarita glass (I’ll drink to that) amid the tropical atmosphere. It’s easy to forget you’re in Manhattan when enjoying the Times Square happy hour.
If you want to take it a step further consider staying at the Margaritaville hotel while visiting the Big Apple. You’ll have the generous happy hour right outside your door and while living in the heart of Times Square.
Address: 560 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
#7. Mr. Bigg’s
Happy hour: all day everyday!
Mr. Bigg’s a quintessential NYC dive bar. It’s a local hot-spot selling affordable drinks in a casual, easy going atmosphere. That’s why you’ll find the bar is rarely empty, and before you know it you might become a regular too.
The big draw is of course the affordable alcohol thanks to a can’t miss happy hour in Times Square. Select shots and beers are only $4 all day every day which is an absolute steal in New York City.
For such an insane deal you’d expect the place to be littered with college students who can’t control their alcohol but the crowd is always well behaved. Even the bathroom is clean, which says a lot about a bar!
Plus, Mr. Bigg’s doesn’t close until 4AM so there’s plenty of time to spread out those drinks. I’ve stumbled out the joint past midnight more often than I’d like to admit, but I always tell myself it was worth it because the Times Square happy hour deal was too good to pass up.
Address: 596 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
#6. Russian Vodka Room
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 4 – 7PM
I’ll be the first to admit that the Russian Vodka Room is a little north of Times Square, but the happy hour deals are too good for me not to mention them. Plus it’s less than a 10 minute walk which is only “down the street” in New York City.
The Russian Vodka Room is one of the few spots you can visit for happy hour near Times Square and be surrounded by a majority of locals. Heck, if anything you’ll be transported to Eastern Europe thanks to the frenzy of accents that fill the place.
My wife is Russian and can attest that the Russian Vodka Room is truly authentic. Not only in regards to the drinks, but also the food and the atmosphere, plus during happy hour you can enjoy the experience at a discount
Perhaps the best reason to visit is for the infused vodka shots which come in a wide variety of flavors. At only $5 a pop it’s easy to try a handful and find your favorite, but I suggest at least one cranberry shot.
Along with the $5 infused shots of vodka you’ll also find $5 beer, $8 martinis, and $4 regular shots of vodka. As can be expected with Russian hospitality the pours are generous and strong, which is why the Russian Vodka Room is a can’t miss happy hour in Times Square.
Address: 265 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
#5. Printer’s Alley
Happy hour: Daily from 11AM to 7PM.
Most people visiting happy hour in Times Square are tourists, and that’s okay. If you fall into this category you might be visiting for a Broadway show that starts early and want to grab a drink before (no judgement here).
That’s why I’m telling you about Printer’s Alley, a casual but trendy sports bar in Times Square that has happy hour starting at 11AM. And not only does the joint have happy hour for a long time, it has it every day!
There’s no weekend discrimination here folks! You can visit Printer’s Alley and enjoy happy hour every day of the week. The specials only pertain to the drinks and you’ll find cocktails, wines, and beer for under $10.
You’ll find a lively crowd and a steady stream of energetic music which makes Printer’s Alley a perfect place to pregame (drink before going out or attending an event). I’ve used the joint as a meeting point on the weekends, where all my friends gather for a few cheap drinks before hitting the town.
If you’re visiting with a large group I strongly encourage reservations. Since Printer’s Alley has the best happy hour in Times Square it’s usually full of folks looking to get in on the deals, and you don’t want to split up your friends.
Address: 215 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
#4. O’Donoghue’s
Happy hour between 4-7 Monday to Friday
O’Donoghue’s does a great job mixing the warmth of an Irish pub with the quick-paced nature of a restaurant in the middle of Manhattan. And boasting 24 beers on tap the warmth is only amplified after a few drinks!
You’ll also find O’Donoghue’s boasts more than 10 TV’s, so it’s a can’t miss Times Square happy hour spot for sports fans. The pub plays football, baskebtall and baseball so it’s a great place to unwind with a beer after work.
It’s easy to lose track of time, getting lost in a game and drinking more than you planned on. However the Times Square happy hour spot has select beer for as little as $5, so at least your wallet won’t hurt like your head will in the morning.
You’ll also find classic Irish pub food, albeit not on the happy hour menu. If you visit and are hungry I recommend ordering the bangers and mash, which is basically sausages and mashed potatoes, O’Donoghue’s always knocks it out of the park.
Address: 156 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
#3. Dos Caminos
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3 – 6PM and 9PM to close
In a city full of happy hour margaritas Dos Caminos in Times Square just might have the best. There are three options – traditional frozen, the house margarita and a prickly pear, with the last of the bunch being my favorite.
And for those of you who would prefer an ice cold Mexican beer with your food there are options for as little as $6 at this Times Square happy hour spot. You can choose between Tecate, Corona, and Pacifico which are all refreshing.
If you’re looking for food there is a small happy hour menu but it mostly consists of appetizer-sized portions. The queso fundido (similar to fondue) is perfect to share with a friend and tasty as can be.
Happy hour is only available if you sit at the bar, so I wouldn’t consider Dos Caminos for a dinner happy hour in Times Square. It is on the other hand a great joint for a quick drink before a Broadway performance or concert.
Address: 1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
#2. The Mean Fiddler
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 2 – 9PM
I remember telling my wife that I wish restaurants would have a “bottomless dinner” the same way there are bottomless brunch, fries etc. It seems The Mean Fiddler heard my cries because they delivered!
For $25 the Times Square happy hour joint offers bottomless drinks with the purchase of an entree. Everyone in your party must participate, so bring your friends to partake in a fun happy hour in Times Square!
Whether you go for margaritas, Moscow mules, wine or draft beer one thing is for certain – you’re going to have a great time. I’ll be frank – the restaurant itself is a little run down but about 2 drinks in you’ll forget all about it.
The menu at The Mean Fiddler is diverse and you’ll find all your pub classics. There are burgers, flatbreads, chicken wings and nachos which pair deliciously with a slight buzz.
The Times Square happy hour is available Monday through Friday, with the only exception being on Tuesday when you have to order tacos to qualify for the bottomless drinks.
Address: 266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
#1. Havana Central
Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 4 – 7PM
If you’ve never tried Cuban cuisine you’re missing out, and there’s no better opportunity than at sitting down for happy hour in Times Square at Havana Central.
One of the most popular items at the restaurant are empanadas, which are made with cheese, beef, or chicken wrapped in a flavorful breading. Havana Central has sold more than 7 million of them so you know they’re good!
The best part? If you’re visiting for happy hour in Times Square you’ll get to enjoy them half off! Normally considered an appetizer I prefer to treat empanadas as the starter, entree and dessert.
Further making the case that Havana Central has the best happy hour in Times Square are the drink options. You’ll get to enjoy tropical cocktails like margaritas, mojitos and sangrias for only $7.
And I’m going to give you a little local’s trick – try to visit on a Thursday. It’s the only day of the week where the happy hour and the live Latin music overlap, with music starting at 6PM and happy hour ending at 7PM.
Address: 151 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Best Times Square Happy Hour (Post Summary)
- Havana Central
- The Mean Fiddler
- Dos Caminos
- O’Donoghue’s
- Printer’s Alley
- Russian Vodka Room
- Mr. Bigg’s
- Margaritaville
- The Rum House
- Castell
Happy Hour Times Square (Map)
And there you have it folks, the best happy hour in Times Square, I hope you found the post helpful.
Cheers & happy drinking (and don’t forget to tip your bartenders!).
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