Post Overview: Best happy hour NYC
In New York City, finding a terrific happy hour spot is like winning the lotto. And I am not even remotely joking! New York City is the most expensive city in the world so locals and tourists alike should spend ample time planning how to save a buck.
With drinks frequenting north of $20, spending a few hundred bucks on a few measly rounds is just painful. Luckily happy hour in NYC is here to save the day.
But with so many bars and restaurants across the city finding the best deal isn’t as easy as snapping your fingers. Fortunately I have plenty of hard-earned experience spending too much money on sub-par drinks and have complied a list of my few, local favorites.
So with that said, I’ll be sharing the best happy hour in NYC in this article. From easy drinks to tasty bar food, whether you’re a struggling college student or have an established career with a strict budget, happy hour in NYC is a a necessity.
So without further ado, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are all the best happy hours in New York City!
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 NYC
#20. Sojourn Social (Upper East Side)
Happy hour: Monday – Friday 4 to 7pm
Few happy hour spots in NYC offer a 2 for 1 deal, which is why Sojourn Social is among the best in the city and shouldn’t be skipped!
During the week between 4 and 7pm all signature drinks, draft beers and glasses of wine are offered in a buy-one-get-one deal. The best part is that Sojourn Social runs happy hour specials on small bites too.
For $5 you’re given the choice of shrimp tacos, short rib sliders and braised chicken meatballs to name a few. It’s a great happy hour spot in NYC if you find yourself on the Upper East Side looking to save some money.
Something to note: happy hour pricing only applies if you’re seated at the bar. Try to arrive early to secure a spot.
Address: 1708 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
#19. Entwine (West Village)
Happy hour: Monday – Friday 4 to 7pm | Saturday & Sunday 2 to 6pm
Entwine is one of my personal favorites for happy hour in NYC. With the cutest garden and a cozy fireplace to relax by, the lovely cocktail bar is just the right amount of intimate.
And don’t even think for a second that the menu will be limited due to the small size of the bar. On the contrary, this is one of the few happy hour spots in NYC that offers a pretty hefty food and drink menu at a discounted rate.
You’d be foolish not to take advantage of the fantastic discounts when there are more than 10 different cocktail options available, as well as various beers, wines, and bar snacks, all priced under $10.
Address: 765 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
#18. Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails (Chelsea)
Happy hour: Monday – Friday 11am to 7pm
Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails is not only one of the best happy hour spots in NYC, it’s a fun hangout all-around. Regardless of when you visit you’re sure to leave stuffed to the brim and thoroughly tipsy.
The gastropub is unique because in addition to serving high-quality, regional beer, it also creates mixed beverages on par with those found in cocktail lounges. A carefully chosen menu of unique cocktails at Cooper’s is available to satisfy every need.
Every weekday from 11 to 7pm folks 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
All this to say, Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails provides a number of possibilities to save money, including one of the top happy hours in New York City.
Address: 169 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#17. Tacombi (Multiple Locations)
Happy hour: Monday – Friday 4 to 7pm
Tacombi has a lot of naysayers, but I will not stand for its slander. The chain restaurant consistently serves unfussy, tasty Mexican food, because sometimes all you want is a burrito and beer (who cares if it’s not Michelin rated?)
Even better Tacombi has one of the best happy hours in NYC. There’s $9 cocktails, $5 beer and (my favorite) $5 micheladas. And for those of you who’ve never heard of a michelada, it’s a drink made of beer, lime juice, and tomato sauce (and trust me, it tastes better than it sounds).
The vibe is more laid back than any other NYC happy hour I’ve been to. Hell the interior makes me feel like I’m back in Mexico. It’s easy to hang a while and enjoy a few rounds. Especially since happy hour runs all the way until 7PM!
Address: Multiple locations in New York City
#16. White Horse Tavern (Financial District)
Happy hour: Monday – Saturday 3 to 9pm
The White Horse Tavern is home to one of the best happy hours in NYC, steeped in a rich history that dates back to the days before America even existed. The tavern today sits on the same plot of land the Dutch West India Company opened a brewery way back in the 17th century.
Fast forward several generations, the White Horse Tavern is housed in a building constructed around the 1850’s, and you can tell it’s old. If any of you have seen the movie Up (2009), the tavern looks like Carl’s house, aged and surrounded by buildings made of concrete and steel.
Even the interior oozes an atmosphere of an old world. It makes enjoying a drink a richer experience, and luckily White Horse Tavern is one of the best happy hour spots in NYC.
Beer and well drink can be enjoyed for under $10, so you’ll find it easy to stay a while, especially when you consider this NYC happy hour runs until 9PM.
There are two notable White Horse Taverns in New York City, one in the Greenwich Village and one in the Financial District. They have no correlation to each other.
Address: 25 Bridge St, New York, NY 10004
#15. The Pony Bar (Upper East Side)
Happy hour: Monday-Friday 4:20pm-6:20pm
The Pony Bar looks like it’s been taken straight off the set of a western film and plopped down in the opulent Upper East Side. One second you’re walking up First Avenue and the next you’re in a wild saloon. The only thing missing is a 10 gallon hat and your trusty steed.
The western-decor sets the mood to one of the most unique happy hours in NYC. Starting at 4:20PM (an elevated time, to say the least) you’ll get to enjoy $7 draft beer, well drinks and glasses of wine. I know for folks from the wild-west that seems expensive but believe me when I tell you, in New York City that’s a steal of a deal.
The Pony Bar is the first bar in NYC to exclusively pour American beer. During the beloved NYC happy hour you can taste beer made from coast to coast. The NYC happy hour runs for two hours so there’s ample time to try the low-priced booze.
There’s also a decent food menu offering traditional bar food including wings, tacos and nachos. The best part? This NYC happy hour has happy hour all-day every Monday. Not only can you enjoy discounted drinks, nut the tacos are only $2!
Address: 1444 1st Ave., New York, NY 10021
#14. Ama Raw Bar (West Village & East Village)
Happy hour: Daily from 5 – 7PM | Menu
A unique Asian-inspired seafood restaurant, Ama Raw Bar boasts one of the best happy hours in New York City. The main draw is a $1.25 east coast oyster special that draws in locals like moths to a flame.
You can also choose to enjoy west coast oysters for $2.25, and some folks even mix and match. All the oysters are served with house-made, Asian inspired sauces that add a special twist.
As far as drinks go, Ama Raw Bar has three cocktails to choose from. Need a suggestion? My favorite is the lychee martini which is sweet with a nice, tart finish. The NYC happy hour spot also has $10 sake and wine.
Address: 190 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
#13. The Grey Dog (Multiple Locations)
Happy hour: Monday-Friday 3PM to 7PM & Saturday-Sunday 4PM to 7PM
One of the most affordable places to grab happy hour in NYC is The Grey Dog in the West Village.
Serving American classics all day, you can enjoy the laid-back environment without having to set an alarm clock. Expect to find all the basics that are simple, quick and satisfying at this West Village restaurant.
The Grey Dog has great a great value menu, made only better by one of the premier NYC happy hours.
Regular cocktails will cost you $12-$16 (which is almost unheard of in a pricey city like NYC!). But during the popular NYC happy hour, you can score beer for $4, wine for $5 and half-off priced cocktails, daily.
A daily happy hour in West Village with a menu full of less than $10 options? Sign me up!
Address: 49 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
#12. Mermaid Oyster Bar (Multiple Locations)
Happy hour: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
If you love seafood, make a beeline for the Mermaid Oyster Bar. Serving a seafood-forward happy hour in NYC, this local joint is loved by all who visit.
The headliner is the $1.25 oyster special (minimum order of 6 required). Pair the $6 happy hour beer with the salmon tartare and you’ll see why locals consider this one of the best New York City happy hours.
If cocktails are more your speed, don’t fret. The Mermaid Inn offers a handful of $10 craft cocktails and wine during happy hour as well.
This goes without saying, but expect a wait unless you show up right around opening time at 4:30pm. The team does a great job of keeping things moving efficiently, so if you’re running behind there’s no need to worry.
All this to say, between the welcoming ambience and great selection of seafood, it’s no wonder why the Mermaid Inn is considered one of the best places for happy hour in NYC.
Address: 89 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
#11. Tile Bar (East Village)
Happy hour: Monday – Friday 5 to 8pm
Tile Bar has dubbed themselves the “best dive bar in the East Village” and I’m inclined to agree with them. The bar is small, friendly and unpretentious which is all you truly need.
They also have one of the best happy hours in New York City, offering beer for as little as $3. I’m not inclined to mention specifics though, because the deals rotate. Just know that Tile Bar is a great spot for inexpensive drinks.
Also worth noting, Tile Bar is a cash only establishment. Be sure to stop by an ATM before swinging by this NYC happy hour spot!
There are no Instagrammable floral motifs, neon quotes, or espresso martinis. There is cold beer, strong drinks, and a bartender that most likely knows your name.
TILE BAR
Address: 115 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
#10. Tessa (Upper West Side)
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday 11am to 6pm
Tessa and its sister restaurant Asset have one of the best happy hours in New York City, but when given the choice I choose Tessa.
The NYC happy hour menu has signature cocktails half price, so you have a full array of drinks to choose from. I ordered the Strawberry Fields cocktail, inspired by John Lennon. In fact Lennon lived at the Dakota Building which is only a 10 minute walk from Tessa. I wonder if he would’ve thought this is the best happy hour NYC?
The staff is extremely friendly at this NYC happy hour spot. On our first visit the server made for pleasant conversation and by the time we left was on a first name basis with us. We’ve since returned and been welcomed by the same server who remembered our names!
Address: 349 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
#9. Bar Belly (Lower East Side)
Happy Hour: Sunday & Saturday 5 – 7pm
$1 oysters every day for happy hour? Take my money! The best part? Bar Belly’s hosts the NYC happy hour daily, from 5-7PM. Bar Belly was already one of the best bars in the Lower East Side, and the generous happy hour just ensures it will continue to be a popular watering-hole.
There’s live music adding to the incredible vibe, and the drinks only make the musicians sound that much better. The whole place resonates with a contagious energy and I feel like I’m vacationing every time I visit.
Not to mention Bar Belly hosts one of the friendliest happy hours in New York City, with both the service and other guests always adding to the pleasant experience.
Address: 14 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
#8. Roey’s (West Village)
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4pm to 6pm
Roey’s is a sister restaurant to two other spots on our list of best West Village happy hour spots (Rosemary’s and Bobo). So it should come as no surprise that the happy hour special at Roey’s is one of the best in NYC!
Serving $5 cocktails, $4 beer, pizzas starting at $6 and $6 glasses of wine, Roey’s has been a hot-spot for locals and visitors alike who are trying to save a buck.
The restaurant is flooded with natural light and the atmosphere is both inviting and charming. The no-frills, clean and open layout is sure to impress, but the best part is you don’t have to break the bank.
Thanks to the prime location you can enjoy some of the best happy hour spots in NYC while people watching in one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods.
Address: 1 Perry St, New York, NY 10014
#7. Rum House (Times Square)
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 6pm
One of the top cocktail bars in New York City is without a doubt The Rum House. An intimate, historic New York setting complements the bar’s distinctive Times Square location.
I’m about to get a lot of flack for saying this but The Rum House is one of the more affordable cocktail bars in NYC (in my opinion).
I know, I know paying $17 for a drink feels like highway robbery but compared to most other places that charge around $22 for a decent drink, the $5 discount goes far! Plus The Rum House offers a stellar NYC happy hour daily from 4 to 6 PM.
The posh piano bar is wood-lined and cozy. Drinks can be enjoyed in a phenomenal atmosphere while listening to a soothing live jazz band.
The Rum House offers a massive list of specialty cocktails. And the best part is you don’t have to be a fan of rum to enjoy one of the best cocktail bars in NYC. On the contrary, the menu is made to fit anyone’s needs.
But efore heading to Midtown to enjoy a fun night of the best NYC happy hour, drinking and music, check the calendar to see who’s performing.
Address: Inside Hotel Edison | 228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
#6. A10 Kitchen (East Village)
Happy hour: Tuesday – Friday 4 to 7pm, Saturday 4 to 7pm, Sunday 5 to 8pm | Menu
Not only does A10 Kitchen have one of the best happy hours in the East Village, I’d argue the restaurant has one of the best in NYC.
For starters, you can enjoy this happy hour during the weekend. A good deal should be available regardless of the day, and A10 Kitchen makes that possible.
Besides the excellent NYC happy hour deals on drinks, the food options are worth the trip alone. They have a $12 burger that isn’t going to win any awards, but for the price is pretty-damn good.
Pair your meal with one of the cocktail pitchers and you’ll have a hard time leaving. The NYC happy hour hot-spot has margarita pitchers for $20, perfect sharing share with friends, or you can ride solo with $5 margaritas or wine.
If you had “one of those days” and you need something stiff A10 Kitchen has a beer and a shot combo for $8. It seems the restaurant just about has everything covered, which is why it’s the best happy hour in NYC.
Address: 162 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
#5. El Coco (Multiple Locations)
Happy Hour: All Day
Ask any local of the best happy hour in NYC and the true experts will mention El Coco. With three locations across Manhattan they offer happy hour all day, so you can get a drink no matter the time.
$5 margaritas, $4 tacos and $3 empanadas keep folks coming back time and time again. The Mexican-food restaurant has locals wrapped around its finger, you can eat like royalty and pay the bill of a layman!
The three locations are in the Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Hells Kitchen so the best NYC happy hour is readily accessible. On the weekends the restaurant is open until midnight meaning that you can enjoy all day!
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
#4. Pil Pil (Upper East Side)
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4pm to 6:30pm
Pil Pil is a great happy hour spot in NYC if you’re searching for a place that has a nice ambience but is still casual.
The Spanish restaurant has a relaxed vibe to it. Branches hang from the ceiling and there is a wall of wine bottles behind the bar that adds character. The cozy, homey feeling you get when dining here makes coming back all the more enticing. That is largely due to the friendly staff who work here.
Serving tapas and wine, this NYC happy hour spot offers a small bites menu, along with $6-$8 drinks during the week. As a gal who loves sangria, I will find any excuse to swing by Pil Pil for some of the best on the UES.
If at all helpful, I recommend ordering the Croquetas De Espinaca (Manchego cheese & spinach croquettes) and the Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes wedges). I mean does life get any better than discounted drinks and fried food? Probably not!
Address: 265 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
#3. Time Out Market Rooftop (DUMBO)
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4 to 7pm
The Timeout Market is a collection of some of the best restaurants in New York City. By bringing 21 unique dining experiences together under one roof, Timeout Market has made choosing a place to eat so much easier. But the real fun starts to happen when you head up to Time Out Rooftop!
During sunset the 5th floor rooftop bustles with both tourists and locals alike, and it’s not hard to see why. As one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn, the views of Manhattan are hard to beat.
What’s more, if you visit during the week (between the hours of 4 to 7PM), the Time Out Market Bar offers the best happy hour in NYC. Beers start at $5 and cocktails at $8, can I get one of each?
Not to mention the Timeout Market is located in picturesque DUMBO and provides stellar views of the East River, could it get dreamier than that?!
Try to go during sunset (it’s busy, but worthwhile ) to watch the colors of the skyline ablaze in warm shades of orange and red while you’re nursing a drink. It’s one of the most scenic happy hours in New York City!
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
#2. Drop Off Service (East Village)
Happy Hour: Daily until 7pm
Before Drop Off Service was a bar it was a laundromat, so the name is both fitting and cute. Sometimes when I want to get out of the house I ask my wife, “hey want to do laundry” and before you know it we’re out the door.
Our favorite reason to visit Drop Off Service is for one of the best happy hours in NYC. The bar is small and casual with brick lined walls and a mellow crowd which makes it perfect for an impromptu date night.
It’s not the fanciest place, but hey if you say $3 beer I come running. Sometimes all you need is a friendly face and a good pour, and that’s exactly what Drop Off Service provides.
Although Drop Off Service has the best happy hour in NYC the joint rarely feels crowded. I’d go as far as to call the joint a hidden gem, heck it doesn’t even have a website (but they do have an Instagram).
As far as discounts go, they change often but are consistently some of the best happy hour prices in NYC. Don’t visit Drop Off Service expecting artisanal cocktails, but if you want a beer and a dive-bar you can’t find much better.
Address: 211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
#1. Caffe Dante (West Village)
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm to 5pm
Dante Caffe dates back to 1915. It served as a staple for the community before slowly fading into oblivion before two Australians decided to breathe new life into the historic institution in 2015. The result was striking, Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 (4 years after re-opening!) and appeared on the list again in 2020.
This NYC happy hour spot is just as amazing as it sounds. The menu is well curated with small fare but the drinks is where this popular NYC bar truly shines.
Dante boasts two locations — Dante West Village and Caffe Dante. The two bars are located a few blocks apart. I haven’t had luck getting into Caffe Dante without a reservation, so I suggest booking in advance.
Dante offers the most generous happy hour in NYC. Both locations have a different drink set for happy hour. Dante West Village offers martinis for $10 and Caffe Dante offers negronis for $10. The price/quality ratio can’t be beat!
Address: 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 & 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Quick recap of the best happy hours in New York City
- The Pony Bar
- Ama Raw Bar
- The Grey Dog
- Mermaid Oyster Bar
- Tile Bar
- Tessa
- Bar Belly
- Roey’s
- Rum House
- A10 Kitchen
- El Coco
- Pil Pil
- Time Out Market
- Drop Off Service
- Caffe Dante
- White Horse Tavern
- Tacombi
- Cooper’s Craft & Cocktails
- Entwine
- Sojourn Social
Best New York City happy hour (Helpful Map)
And there you have it, folks! Our roundup of the best happy hour in New York City. I hope you find the post helpful and it helps you save a few bucks the next time you’re out on the town.
Cheers!
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