NYC is a hub of diversity and all walks of life, but what ultimately unites us is our undying love for the coveted happy hour. As a recent post-grad, I know that everyone here, and I mean everyone, resides in struggle city (read: works a day job) from 9-5, living to sip on a fresh, discounted drink with the crew by the time 6 p.m. rolls around. Fortunately, there’s a whole slew of places that offer insane booze deals, yummy snacks, and an even better time. Keep reading to find out some happy hour hot spots that you and your friends must check out.
Located in the Lower East Side, Hotel Chantelle emanates Parisian style and provides rooftop views for days. You’ll be immediately greeted by happy hour denizens, chatting loudly and unapologetically about the day-to-day happenings. It’s carefree and quaint, perfect for a first date, for a birthday party, and everything else in between. From 5:00-8:00 p.m., you can get half off on select specialty cocktails, a $10 beer plus burger, and $1 oysters, so there’s something for everyone.
Serving up a unique blend of Tex-Mex and Cal-Mex cuisine, The Heights Bar & Grill offers handcrafted beers and cocktails that are #instaworthy and delicious. Here, you can find not one, but two daily happy hour specials. From 4:00-7:00 p.m., you can score yourself some $6 frozen margs, $5 drafts, and $5 for select glasses of wines. Later on, from 11:00-2:00 a.m., $6 pint-sized frozen margaritas, $5 drafts, and $5 for select glasses of wine. Then, from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m., you can still get the frozen margs now for $5, along with draft beer and well drinks for five bucks; so even if you work overtime, you won’t be missing out (which is ideal for me and my friends since that’s become our lives). No FOMO here.
If you’re in the mood for something elevated, The Flora Bar is an upscale eatery tucked in the heart of Uptown NYC. It’s the third restaurant from renowned chef Ignacio Mattos, whose culinary resume goes on for miles. I find this especially impressive because, well, like most post-grads, I cannot coke. Anyway, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. happy hour, The Flora Bar offers $8 wines, $10 refreshing cocktails, and $5 beers, plus oysters and a bunch of finger-food snacks. I would recommend bringing your beau here as a pregame for anniversary dinner based on the prestige and classy ambiance along. The dining experience, of course, has been hailed as unlike any other.
Sometimes, happy hours are cut way too short; and things happen, like the regular MTA delay, or last-minute to-do’s to cross off the list. This isn’t the case at David Burke Tavern, which offers four fun hours (3:00-7:00 p.m.) of specials, so you can maximize the opportunity. Some revered deals include, but aren’t limited to, $1 oysters, $5 fries, $10 burgers, and of course, $6 beers. $5 fries? Sign me up.
I went to Clinton Hall the other day with a close friend and let me tell you, this hot spot does not disappoint. With numerous locations sprawled across the city, the “2018 NYCWFF Burger Bash Champion” Clinton Hall has “super-craft” burgers and beers that live up to their name. Luckily for you, during happy hour, beers, wines, and cocktails are all discounted; and if you’re craving larger-than-life meals over snacks, there are extravagant dishes you must try.
A humble neighborhood bar, Bonnie Vee is the place to unwind without the chaos of more elaborate rooftops, which is especially necessary with all the craziness this city brings. You can get $5 select beers, $2 off all wines, and an array of snacks and dishes to treat yourself with after a long, long day writing emails (among other things). As a wine girl, I will most definitely be a frequent visitor.
Excuse My French is a charming, old-fashioned bar with everyday happy hour specials and a bunch of snacks, is there really anything better? No, there isn’t, especially since I live by the mantra that happy hour should never be restricted to one hour. Here, you can order two-for-one select beer, wine, and well drinks, which is pretty lit if you ask me. Make sure to double up and don’t forget to capture an #instaworthy moment before you go.
A historic 100+-year-old bar, 169 Bar resembles a colorful and quintessential dive joint that’s neither non-threatening nor silent in personality. It’s a modest space that holds its own against the elitism of this city. Everything here is super cheap, which is great for many of us who pay hefty rent fees. You can order a can of beer or a well shot for $3, and two bucks off of everything else. Here, you’ll never have to regret order five shots on a Tuesday and ultimately relive your college glory days.
Like 169 Bar, The Magician offers an unpretentious vibe in a sea of elitism, The Magician is something out of the movie, Grease, with an eclectic jukebox and some happy hour deals worth noting (the only caveat is it’s a cash-only bar). During happy hour, well drinks, draft beers, and wines are five bucks, so load up and have a good time. Normally, I wouldn’t recommend mixing your booze, but in this case, what do you have to lose?
Located in West Village, The Brooklyneer brings the charm and essence of the Brooklyn borough to Manhattan, offering much-needed bar food and drinks to keep everyone content in your happy hour squad. Select wines and well drinks are $7, and the universally-hyped Brooklyner Pilsner is $3. For those who don’t know, myself included, a pilsner is a type of pale lager that is lighter in taste. Enjoy!
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