This list of the best happy hour in Chelsea was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
There are a handful of moments in history that have altered the trajectory of humankind; like the creation of the wheel, the ability to farm, the cultivation of fire, and happy hour. And I’m only half kidding! Without the discounted happy hour prices, many New York City locals (like me) would be relegated to only drinking on holidays or special occasions.
But luckily, Chelsea has a happy hour practically everywhere you look. With its diverse range of restaurants and bars, each happy hour offers something different. Whether you’re planning a casual date night or just looking for an affordable drink before a party, Chelsea’s happy hours have you covered.
Ready to dive into it? Because I am!
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 +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Happy Hour in Chelsea NYC
Table of Contents: Chelsea Happy Hours
Table of Contents: Where to Grab Happy Hour in Chelsea NYC
Before we dive into this guide, please keep in mind prices and specials are subject to change at any time.
The Grey Dog
Website: The Grey Dog
Address: 242 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 3 to 7 pm | Saturday & Sunday 4 to 7 pm
The Grey Dog is a cozy spot in the neighborhood known for its friendly atmosphere and great food. While it’s famous for its top-notch brunch, it offers a fantastic happy hour deal in Chelsea. During happy hour, you can grab beer and wine for just $6 and cocktails at half price. Even though their cocktails are already reasonably priced at $12-$16, the Chelsea happy hour special is too good to miss.
The Mermaid Inn
Website: The Mermaid Inn
Address: 227 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Daily 4:30 to 6:30 pm
For an exceptional seafood happy hour in Chelsea, head to the Mermaid Inn. Enjoy $1.50 oysters (minimum order of six) and pair them with a $6 happy hour beer and fried calamari. If you prefer cocktails, there are $10 craft options and wine available during happy hour.
The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for warm summer evenings with open bay doors. With its efficient service and ample seating, it’s no wonder the Mermaid Inn is a top choice for happy hour in Chelsea. Arrive early or right at 4:30 pm to beat the wait!
The Chelsea Bell
Website: The Chelsea Bell
Address: 316 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday 12 to 7 pm
The Chelsea Bar is the ultimate spot in the neighborhood for catching a game or hanging out with friends. They nail the basics of hospitality, offering a cozy atmosphere for enjoying cold beers, made even better by their beloved happy hour.
You can grab Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Light for just $6, whether on tap or bottled – a selection that would make my father-in-law ecstatic. They also serve up $7 well drinks and $9 glasses of wine, setting the stage for a fantastic time.
And if you’re feeling hungry, the Chelsea happy hour spot has a menu that features $11 appetizers. While the pigs in a blanket are always tempting, the jalapeño poppers are often too irresistible to resist. But with prices like these, why not indulge in both?
The Copper Still
Website: The Copper Still
Address: 206 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 12 to 6 pm
The laid-back, pub atmosphere and kind staff make visiting The Copper Still one of the best experiences for happy hour in Chelsea. Mix in a few of the $10 cocktails or $6 draft beers and you’ll be on a first-name basis in no time. There are also a few small bites available at the Chelsea happy hour joint, offering fries, sliders, and popcorn all for under $6.
Bocca di Bacco
Website: Bocca di Bacco
Address: 169 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 7 pm (Bar Only)
Another great happy hour in Chelsea is Bocca di Bacco, an Italian restaurant just steps from the High Line. Available at the bar only, you’ll find $5 beer, $8 glasses of wine, and $10 cocktails. Add some $1.50 oysters or meatballs to the mix and you’re all set for one of the best happy hours in Chelsea. There are no fancy bells or whistles, just good drinks and tasty bites.
Crown Alley
Website: Crown Alley
Address: 263 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 7pm
Crown Alley may be small, but its charm has made it incredibly popular among locals. While I’d love to have it all to myself, the word is out, and there’s no use complaining. Its major attraction lies in the happy hour that Chelsea locals can’t resist.
Despite its limited menu, the happy hour is loaded with fantastic deals. Expect to find $5 beers and $8 wines, as well as $8 cocktails. Unlike other joints, Crown Alley doesn’t just offer discounted well drinks; instead, you’ll find discounted classics like negronis, whiskey sours, and mojitos – a rare find in NYC.
To sweeten the deal, there are $1 oysters (minimum order of six), perfect for sharing or enjoying solo (no judgment here). Combine these happy hour offerings with the friendly neighborhood bar’s charm, and it’s easy to understand why locals flock to Crown Alley like moths to a flame.
Jungle Bird
Website: Jungle Bird
Address: 174 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 3 to 7pm
Jungle Bird is an eccentric cocktail bar that is bright, bold, and colorful and the drinks are equally as exciting. Playing off the name, the Chelsea happy hour spot refers to the discounted drinks as an “early bird special”. During the weekdays between 3 to 7 pm, folks can enjoy select beer, wines, and cocktails from $6 to $12. Along with a handful of small bites for less than $10.
Crompton Ale House
Website: Crompton Ale House
Address: 159 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 7 pm
Crompton Ale House is my sports bar of choice when I want a break from typical sports bars. Unlike the dingy, frat house-smelling places, Crompton Ale House offers a clean and classy Irish pub experience. With one of Chelsea’s best happy hours, it provides discounted beer, wine, and spirits in a posh setting featuring copper accents, a granite bar, and bookshelf-lined walls exuding casual sophistication.
Despite its elegant appearance, Crompton Ale House transforms into a lively college-bar atmosphere on game days, especially during events like the World Cup. Offering $5 canned beer, $6 draft beer, $7 wine, and $6 well drinks, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best happy hours in Chelsea.
Cull & Pistol
Website: Cull & Pistol
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4 to 6 pm
Calling all oyster enthusiasts! Cull & Pistol is the go-to spot for one of the best happy hours in Chelsea. Every Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6 pm, folks can enjoy high-quality oysters at half the regular price.
During this happy hour, oysters are priced at around $2 each, and the menu boasts a diverse range of options to suit various flavor preferences. For those not keen on oysters, this Chelsea happy hour spot has you covered with additional small bites, including clam chowder, fries, and grilled broccoli rabe, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Bar Veloce
Website: Bar Veloce
Address: 176 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Daily 5 to 7 pm
Modern and chic, Bar Veloce has one of the best happy hours in Chelsea for a date night. It’s hard not be charmed by the brick walls, intricate wine displays and wooden accents. Add a nice glass of wine to the mix and everything feels, warmer.
The happy hour menu at Bar Veloce is small but does its job. For only $7 you get to choose either Prosecco, rosato or red wine, and the staff is kind enough to give suggestions if you’re new to the world of wine.
Worthwild
Website: Worthwild
Address: 156 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4 to 6pm
A casual neighborhood restaurant Worthwild is an ideal meeting spot for happy hour in Chelsea. With a plethora of tasty plates and drinks to break the ice conversation naturally flows adding to the lively chatter of the restaurant.
The Chelsea happy hour menu consists of drinks and small snacks, so hunger will have to be resolved with the full-price menu or a visit elsewhere since the restaurant is on the pricier side. The biggest reason Worthwild is a go-to happy hour Chelsea locals can’t help but love is because of the discounted old fashioned’s. For only $10 you get to choose between a rye, bourbon, or gin old fashioned! There’s also select $10 wine and $5 beer to quench any remnant thirst.
And remember how I mentioned the Chelsea happy hour spot only has discounted small bites? Those include $5 potato chips, marinated olives and spiced nuts.
Fonda
Website: Fonda
Address: 189 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday: All day | Tuesday – Sunday 4 to 6pm (Bar Only)
Fonda is the ideal happy hour spot in Chelsea for those who can’t get enough guacamole and tequila. This Mexican restaurant serves authentic dishes and the tequila-based drinks are hard to beat. With plenty of seating indoors thanks to the two levels in the restaurant and the charming outdoor seating, finding an open table just became easier.
Happy hour at this Chelsea restaurant runs all day Monday, and Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 6pm (at the bar only). During this time appetizers go for $11 and drinks will range anywhere from $7-12.
Porchlight
Website: Porchlight
Address: 271 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Happy Hour: Monday – Saturday 3 to 7pm | Sunday all day
Porchlight, brought to us by Danny Meyer, the mind behind Shake Shack, Gramercy Tavern, and Daily Provisions, is a charming spot for happy hour in Chelsea—ideal for a date night. Described as a “New York bar with a southern accent,” Porchlight seamlessly blends the flavors of the American South with the vibe of the Big Apple, showcasing a rustic yet industrial aesthetic.
Their outstanding Chelsea happy hour offers two cocktails for $11, with a rotating selection, $6 beers, and $5 flasks of punch. With Porchlight’s constant innovation, there’s always something new to try, making it not only one of the best happy hours in Chelsea but also one of the most innovative. A pit-stop here is always worthwhile.
Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails
Website: Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails
Address: 169 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 11 am to 7 pm
Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails stands out as one of the top happy hours in Chelsea and an all-around enjoyable hangout. Whenever you visit, expect to leave both satisfied and pleasantly tipsy. This gastropub is unique for offering not only high-quality local beer but also crafting mixed drinks at the caliber of cocktail bars.
Another reason Cooper’s is one of the best bars in Chelsea is thanks to a great happy hour. Every weekday from 12-7PM you can enjoy select cocktails and beer for a fraction of the cost (as little as $7!).
The deals don’t end at happy hour either, every day brings a new special. Here’s what you can expect:
- Mezcal Mondays
- Taco & Tequila Tuesday
- Old-Fashioned Wednesdays
- Tiny Tini Thursdays
In sum, Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails offers one of the best happy hours in Chelsea as well as other ample opportunities to save some cash.
The Orchard Townhouse
Website: The Orchard Townhouse
Address: 242 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday 3 to 6 pm
The Orchard Townhouse in Chelsea has one of the best happy hours for a great time with friends. Set in a charming four-story townhouse, the relaxed atmosphere feels like hanging out at a friend’s place with good drinks.
The interior is cute, clean, and modern, flooded with natural light during the day. With both an indoor and an adorable outdoor patio, getting a table for one of the best happy hours in Chelsea is easy. Enjoy $10 cocktails, with my top pick being the piña colada sazerac. There are also shareable appetizers like hummus, fried radishes, and mussels, perfect for a fantastic happy hour experience.
Local’s Tip: The Orchard Townhouse is a 2 minute walk from the High Line, one of the best parks in New York City. Make sure to check it out!
Best Chelsea Happy Hours (Post Summary)
- Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails
- Porchlight
- Fonda
- Worthwild
- Bar Veloce
- Cull & Pistol
- Crompton Ale House
- Jungle Bird
- Crown Alley
- The Orchard Townhouse
- The Copper Still
- Bocca di Bacco
- The Chelsea Bell
- The Mermaid Inn
- The Grey Dog
Further Reading for Chelsea
Best Bakeries in Chelsea: 12 Cheerful Chelsea Bakeries
Best Bars in Chelsea: 12 Charming Bars in Chelsea NYC
Things to Do in the Neighborhood: 20 Epic Things to Do in Chelsea
Best Coffee in Chelsea: 15 Charming Coffee Shops in Chelsea
Neighborhoods Near Chelsea Worth Checking Out
Restaurants in Greenwich Village: 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village
Happy Hour in the West Village: 10+ Wonderful West Village Happy Hour Spots
Coffee Shops in Greenwich Village: 12 Gorgeous Greenwich Village Coffee Shops
Best Bars in the Greenwich Village: 15 Boozy Bars in Greenwich Village
Map of the Best Happy Hour in the Chelsea NYC
And there it is, the best Chelsea happy hour spots. I hope you enjoyed the post.
Cheers!
JES Banana says
I followed your recommendation and went to Cooper’s. I live in the area and I have always been curious about it. My experience is not nearly as positive as yours. The bartender has a major attitude (I guess that’s what happens when you ask about happy hour) and just talked over me when I asked about lite beer. I never knew a woman could mansplain! But, she did. I won’t be coming back here