10 Best Happy Hour Spots in NYC
It’s happy hour time again and you aren’t sure where to meet your friends. Rooftops are now overflowing and drinks are overpriced, but there are still some amazing spots out there with a happy hour menu and a view to complement it. Check out these happy hour spots you need to visit!
1. Stone Street
Stone Street is all the way downtown by Wall Street and boasts some of the best happy hour spots in the city. From pizza bars to outdoor beer gardens and margaritas, you can find every cuisine and cocktail you’re looking for all in one cute street.
Pro-tip: Get a square dish of pizza and bucket of Stella’s and snag a table outside at Adrienne’s for the perfect after-work happy hour setup.
2. Cafè Select
This happy hour spot is a true gem is tucked away on Lafayette Street in Soho, and is frequented by many Europeans. The interior is absolutely adorable with string lights and vintage ski posters, while the sidewalk tables offer a more intimate spot to linger over a bottle of wine.
3. Le Bain
This rooftop at the Standard Hotel is a disco, bar, pool, and crêperie all in one epic happy hour spot in the Meatpacking District. This gorgeous view is perfect for an after-work spritz or on a bustling Summer Friday.
Pro-tip: Go for the sunset and a glass of wine after work as prices tend to run high here (I mean look at that view).
4. Mother’s Ruin
This fun and upbeat cocktail bar is a happening happy hour spot in Soho that boasts a lively crowd whether it’s a weeknight or weekend. Go for the intimate setting and stay for the music and strong cocktails.
Pro-tip: Go on the early side as it tends to get crowded quickly, especially in the winter.
5. Bluesmoke
This amazing barbeque joint is part of the Jazz Standard live jazz nightclub and offers happy hour specials on weekdays from 3-6 pm. Snag a table outside and order some savory brisket or barbeque rub salmon with a side of mac and a house draft of local NY beers.
Pro-tip: This is the best happy hour spot pre-show, as Jazz Standard has nightly two-hour runs starting at 7:30 and 9:30 pm respectively.
6. Gilligan’s
This outdoor jungle bar in the Soho Grand Hotel is the most upbeat happy hour spot in all of NYC. Their signature drink is a frozen watermelon margarita that comes with a whole wedge of watermelon tucked on the side, but they also offer pitchers of all of their signature cocktails. Don’t miss out on the seats by the bar as well, which will cool you down with overhead sprinkler systems.
7. Night of Joy
This gorgeous rooftop deck is tucked away in Williamsburg and is the ideal happy hour spot for catching up with friends or lingering over their $7 frozen margarita happy hour specials. Stay a bit later and you’ll catch the string lights on and the spirits rise.
8. Plado
This new tasting bar opened up on the Lower East Side and we’re here for it. This new happy hour spot not only offers cocktails and elaborate cheeseboards (Italy vs. Spain anyone?) but also has an appetizing bottomless brunch menu for weekend power hours.
9. Donna
This adorable Williamsburg happy hour spot is a chic hangout for hipsters and offers an extensive list of craft cocktails. In addition to the vibrant environment, they have live DJs and a rotating list of tacos daily. This all-white plant-covered space is just the change of scenery you need post-work.
10. City Vineyard
This amazing rooftop patio deck sits atop City Winery on Pier 26 in Chelsea and is the picturesque happy hour spot to grab a bottle and linger with friends over sunset. Upstairs on the rooftop, you can order a variety of wine, beer, and cocktails while downstairs at the restaurant you can select from a simple menu of American fare with equally gorgeous riverfront views.
