Post Overview: Roundup of the Best Happy Hours on the Upper East Side from a Local’s Perspective
Whoever coined the saying “two things in life are certain; death and taxes” should make a revision and add “and outrageous New York City prices”.
Seriously, whenever I have out-of-town visitors I can’t avoid the dreaded earful about how expensive everything is. But at the end of the day this is New York City, the place where people come to make things happen.
And if you’re frugal like me, you know just how important finding deals can be when trying to make it in the Big Apple. This is where I come in!In this post we’re going to cover the best happy hour spots the Upper East Side has to offer.
I’ve lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and have had my fair share of trial and error, and have found some hidden gems. So without further ado, let’s cover the best Upper East Side happy hours!
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.
Happy Hour Upper East Side
The Sefton
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 11am to 7pm
The Sefton is not only one of the best Upper East Side happy hour spots but one of the best bars for a generous pour of Guiness. Sure you can order cocktails and wine, but why bother when the clear standout is the simple brew. 😉
The bartenders at The Sefton are some of the kindest in the city. Even if the drinks were bad I’d visit for their service. I always try sit at the bar for pleasant small-talk and the full Irish pub experience.
The best part is the generous happy hour from 11AM to 7PM. Featuring $5 domestic bottles and $9 margaritas, you can spend a full eight hour workday drinking booze at this Upper East Side happy hour spot (although I don’t recommend it).
Something to know: The Sefton is named after a horse that was seriously injured in the Hyde Park Bombings in London. The horse remarkably regained its health and became a symbol of defiance against terrorism, even winning Horse of the Year in 1982.
Address: 1373 1st Ave., New York, NY 10021
The Penrose
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3pm to 7pm
The Penrose’s claim to fame is the delicious brunch served, but they also host one of the best Upper East Side happy hour spots.
The rustic-vibe in the bar is cozy and during the brunch hour the whole joint is bright and welcoming.
If you choose to visit during more tradition bar hours you won’t be disappointed. As one of the best cocktail bars in the Upper East Side there’s a wide variety of drinks to choose from. This UES happy hour spot offers a $2 off beer, wine and well drinks between 3pm to 7pm.
The dirty-pickle martini is worth a shout-out because the drink is so unique. Although I wouldn’t label myself a pickle person I can appreciate the ingenuity and flavor behind the cocktail.
You should know that The Penrose is strictly 21+ after 8PM and reservations are only available for parties of 5 or more.
Address: 1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
The Pony Bar
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 Ave. and the next you’re in a wild saloon. The only thing missing is a 10 gallon hat and your trusty steed.
The decor is only the beginning since The Pony Bar offers a can’t miss happy hour in the Upper East Side. 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, that’s a steal of a deal.
The Pony Bar is the first bar in NYC to exclusively pour American beer. And during happy hour you can taste beer made from coast to coast. The Upper East Side 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 Upper East Side happy hour spot runs the special 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
The District
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 12pm to 8pm
Located on the corner of 3rd Ave. and 94th St. The District is a quintessential New York City watering-hole. The bar is a popular local hangout thanks to its easy going atmosphere and finger-licking pub food.
It also offers an Upper East Side happy hour headlined by $6 well drinks. Although there are deals on wine, beer and special shots, a strong & cheap vodka soda is too good to pass up.
You’ll find the pub wears many hats. Serving as a sports bar, a cozy date spot and a casual gathering place for friends. It’s not hard to see why the joint is littered with locals. The staff is kind, befriending their regulars and welcoming newcomers.
Plus, since the Upper East Side happy hour lasts from noon until 8PM so there’s plenty of time to cash in on the low-priced booze. On occasion I’ll have my friends meet me at The District to pregame affordably before heading on to more expensive places we couldn’t afford to drink.
Address: 1679 3rd Ave #2522, New York, NY 10128
Stella & Fly
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3pm to 8pm
Stella & Fly operates as a cozy cafe during the day, but in the evening transforms into one of the best wine bars in the Upper East Side. The neighborhood bar has become a local hot-spot for an after-work drink.
When most folks think of a wine bar the image of a relaxing and quiet establishment often come to mind. Stella & Fly is anything but thanks to a loaded schedule full of trivia, open mics and live music.
For those of us who are always on the lookout for a good deal Stella & Fly has plenty. Wine Wednesday offers $9 wine all evening, and Cocktail Thursday has $10 drinks. This Upper East Side happy hour spot is worth making detour for since the same pricing applies from 3-8PM Monday through Friday.
It’s easy to see why Stella & Fly has become one of the happy hour spots in the Upper East Side, the deals are too good to pass up! If you’re thinking about visiting and want a peek at the schedule visit the official website.
Address: 1705 1st Ave., New York, NY 10128
The Five Lamps
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4pm to 7pm
The Five Lamps is one of the best Upper East Side happy hours for those looking for a casual hangout. The neighborhood staple provides a place to watch a game, unwind after a long workweek, or meet with friends.
Created to “feel like home” The Five Lamps has curated an atmosphere that makes it easy to lose track of time. The bar has plenty of seating and the waitstaff is so welcoming they can begin to feel like roommates.
The Five Lamps is one of the best Upper East Side happy hour spots if you’re looking to score a deal. You can expect $2 tacos and $6 margaritas on taco Tuesday (after 4PM) or enjoy a burger and a beer for only $20 on Wednesday.
If you’re looking to try your hand at trivia you need to head to The Five Lamps. Every Thursday at 7:30PM the bar hosts the NYC Trivia League for good ol’ fashion neighborly competition (prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams).
Address: 1586 York Ave, New York, NY 10028
Five Mile Stone
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3pm to 6pm
From the outside Five Mile Stone looks like a restaurant you’d find in New Orleans. The two-story bar has a balcony that swells with animated locals in the summer like a scene straight out of the French-Quarter.
The bar offers an impressive 24 rotating craft brews on tap making it one of the best happy hour spots in the Upper East Side for beer-enthusiasts. The selection goes beyond local breweries too, there’s plenty of international beer up for grabs.
If whiskey is more your speed Five Mile Stone offers plenty, the bar has a staggering 90 different whiskeys for you to try. The joint also lacks the whiskey-snobs (often found at tasting rooms) so the vibe is easygoing and laid-back.
This UES happy hour spot consists of a menu made up of delicious drinks and select $7 appetizers. At Five Mile Stone you’re able to leave with a buzz and not have to break the bank.
Address: 1640 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Canyon Road
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 5pm to 7pm | Saturday & Sunday 12pm to 7pm
Canyon Road has been around since 1985 and has served the neighborhood with one of the best happy hours on the Upper East Side.
A place where locals can gather after work to unwind and visitors can find temporary reprieve. In 2016, Chef Ruperto Ramirez took over ownership and with that created a menu of authentic Mexican food, an ode to his upbringing.
This Upper East Side happy hour spot offers classic Mexican dishes like tacos, flautas and quesadillas for $10 along with margaritas, sangrias and buckets of beer for a reasonable price.
That’s right, you can get a party bucket of beers (made up of 6 beers) for $25 to share with the table! Service is exceptional at this UES happy hour spot and the drinks are made strong. 😉
Address: 1470 1st Ave., New York, NY 10021
Serena’s Wine Bar
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 12pm to 7pm | Saturday & Sunday 12pm to 3pm
I’m convinced wine tastes better when enjoying at Serena’s Wine Bar. There’s something magical about enjoying your favorite glass at one of the best Upper East Side happy hour spots on a sun-soaked afternoon.
The extensive wine list provides something every palette will enjoy. I’ll admit that the wine-world can be daunting, but Serena’s staff is kind and knowledgeable. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Although the happy hour at this Upper East Side establishment pertains to the drinks, the food is also worth mentioning. Serena’s Wine Bar’s kitchen is a well-oiled machine. All of the flatbreads are must-tries and the pasta rivals any neighborhood restaurant I’ve been to.
If you have a small appetite Serena’s offers charcuterie meats and cheeses to hold you over until your next meal. The easy-going atmosphere makes it hard to leave one of the best happy hour spots in the Upper East Side.
Address: 1268 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065
The Bar Room
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm to 6pm
The Bar Room looks like a restaurant straight out of a movie scene. I can’t help but pinch myself every time I visit. The checkered floor tiles and chandeliers are the perfect setting for one of the best happy hours in the Upper East Side.
A perfect mix between bar and restaurant I don’t know what to compliment first. If you need a drink you can expect expertly made classics like martinis and mojitos, perfect for a sophisticated dinner.
If you only take one thing away from this article — I want you to know the crispy duck wings are divine. I never make it more than halfway home before I’m tempted to turn around for more soy-glaze smothered wings.
The Bar Room is also one of the best Upper East Side bars thanks to a solid happy hour. Although there aren’t any flashy drinks, you can enjoy sangria, wine and more for only $10! Happy hour is from 3-6PM, daily.
Address: 117 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
Pil Pil
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4pm to 6:30pm
Pil Pil is a great happy hour spot on the Upper East Side 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 Upper East Side 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
The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4pm to 7pm
If you’re on the hunt for the best happy hour on the Upper East Side for beer and seafood, I’ve got just the spot for you.
During the weekdays between 4-7pm, The Jeffrey offers $1 oysters paired with $6 draft beers, which is a steal in this pricey city. If beer is not for you, no worries. This Upper East Side happy hour spot also offers deals like $10 cocktails and $2 off house wines.
One of my favorite things to do during the summer is snagging a spot outside on the backyard patio and sharing a beer with my husband. Although the food options are limited during happy hour at this UES establishment, the real menu is made up of delicious bites and meals.
I recommend trying the pho tacos (yes, you read that correctly) and the barrio dip sandwiches, the flavors are unmatched.
Address: 311 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
Best Happy Hours UES (Post Overview)
- The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites
- Pil Pil
- The Bar Room
- Serena’s Wine Bar
- Canyon Road
- Five Mile Stone
- The Five Lamps
- Stella & Fly
- The District
- The Pony Bar
- The Penrose
- The Sefton
Map of the best Happy Hour Upper East Side
Love the Upper East Side? Us too! Check out some of our other guides regarding the charming New York City neighborhood.
- 15+ Great Things to Do in the Upper East Side
- 15 Flavorful Brunch Spots in the Upper East Side
- 8+ Satisfying Cafes in the Upper East Side
- 10 Delicious Upper East Side Bakeries
- 15 Epic Bars in the Upper East Side
I hope you enjoyed my personal list of the best happy hours in the Upper East Side. Let us know if you think we missed a spot.
Cheers!
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