Happy Hour is the best. Period. Cheap drinks after work, little bites that don’t drain your wallet—what’s not to love? Living in New York City is expensive (shocker, I know), and sometimes Happy Hour is the only way to socialize, have a good time, and not feel like your bank account is judging you.
But you know the kind of Happy Hour I can’t stand? The ones where the “deals” are $10 well drinks and $5 frozen pizza that’s one bite away from food poisoning. No thanks. I want good vibes, great cocktails, and food that makes me happy—not questioning my life choices.
Researching this list was such a tough job (wink, wink). I got to sip on some amazing cocktails, devour delicious small plates, and leave each spot happy, just the way Happy Hour was intended. So, without further ado, here are my favorite Happy Hours in NYC that offer more than just a buzz—they’re a whole experience.
One - Dante
If you’re into martinis, you have to hit up Dante. This Greenwich Village icon was once named the best bar in the world—and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Their Happy Hour is a martini lover’s dream, with versions featuring pickled onion brine, olive bitters, and lime for just $10. The deal runs from 3 to 5 p.m. every day, so you can swing by after work or make it your pre-dinner stop. The vibe here? Timeless and classy.
Location: 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Two - Asset
I think I’m in love—with Asset. Located on Columbus Avenue near 75th Street, this spot is a mix of elegance and coziness. During Happy Hour, any cocktail from their menu is just $10. My go-to drinks here are the Sparkling Grapefruit and Lychee Island Elixir—both fruity, fresh, and fabulous. Small plates start at $10, and the wings are a must-try. It’s the perfect place for those nights when you want to treat yourself without going overboard.
Location: 329 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
Three - Nobody Told Me
Located uptown on Amsterdam Avenue, Nobody Told Me has a rotating Happy Hour cocktail menu that never disappoints. Last time I went, I had an Aperol Spritz Slushee (yes, you read that right) and a citrusy vodka-based cocktail called “So What?”—both $12 and absolutely delicious. Their bar snacks are a steal at $5 each, with standouts like the Little Shrimp Roll and Crispy Fish Taco. This spot is a hidden gem for anyone looking to mix great drinks with affordable eats.
Location: 951 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Four - Cask Bar + Kitchen
Murray Hill’s Cask Bar + Kitchen is a lively spot with a classic vibe, thanks to its wood-beamed interiors and dim lighting. Their Happy Hour, running Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday starting at 3 p.m., features $10 cocktails, $8 wine, and $7 beers. With plenty of space and a DJ downstairs, it’s great for groups looking to keep the energy high.
Location: 167 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
Five - Jungle Bird
For tropical cocktail vibes, Jungle Bird on 8th Avenue has you covered. Their Happy Hour menu is full of fun, with cocktails priced around $14. On my visit, I tried La Bailadora (Reposado tequila-based) and Like A Prayer (Blanco tequila-based)—both fantastic. While the Thai Chili Crunchy Chickpeas for $5 are technically the only Happy Hour snack, the regular menu has plenty of affordable options. This place feels like a mini vacation in the middle of the city.
Location: 174 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Six - Port Sa’id
Tucked away in Hudson Square, Port Sa’id’s cubicle-sized record bar is the perfect spot for a creative cocktail at a steal. Their Happy Hour, running Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., offers buy-one-get-one-free deals on their elaborately crafted drinks, like a Toki highball with mint and rose perfume. The vibe is intimate with just a few bar seats and some sleek bleachers, so get there early to snag a spot.
Location: 350 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Seven - Tao
TAO Downtown’s bar and lounge now hosts an incredible Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Treat yourself to $7 bites, $8 beers, and $9 cocktails and wines in their chic, moody setting. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after work or kick off your evening with friends in style.
Location: 92 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
TAO Uptown brings its signature chic ambiance to Happy Hour with "Tini Hour," happening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Indulge in $1 oysters, $2 shrimp cocktails, and $3 beers in their stylish Lower East Side setting. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or making it the start of your night, Tini Hour offers upscale bites at unbeatable prices, all wrapped in TAO's iconic vibe.
Location: 42 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022
Eight - The Fleur Room
Perched atop the Moxy Chelsea Hotel, The Fleur Room offers jaw-dropping skyline views and a swanky vibe that’s hard to beat. While not your typical dive Happy Hour spot, it’s worth it for the atmosphere. Their menu includes elevated cocktails and bites that pair perfectly with the lush floral interiors. Their brand-new Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering $7 beers, $8 wines, $10 spritzes, and $12 mixed drinks. Pair your drinks with $8 bites while soaking in stunning skyline views.
Location: 105 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Nine - Bar Belly
Bar Belly, located on the Lower East Side, is a charming little spot with a lot of character. The dim lighting and cozy vibe make it perfect for a casual night out. Cocktails average $14 during Happy Hour, and there’s a good selection to choose from. My favorite was the Squarepants—a frozen Piña Colada-style drink that’s as fun as it sounds.
Location: 14 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Ten - Bar Moga
Tucked away on the Lower East Side, Bar Moga is your go-to for a sophisticated yet casual vibe. This Japanese cocktail bar has a speakeasy feel and specializes in craft cocktails, shochu, Japanese whiskey, and comfort food. Their Happy Hour is small but mighty, with two cocktails: the Pinky Up and the Moga Manhattan. At $15 each, they’re worth every sip. No designated Happy Hour food here, but the regular menu has plenty of small bites to satisfy any craving. Pro tip: Come for the cocktails, stay for the ambiance.
Location: 128 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Eleven - Vinatería
Over in Harlem, Vinatería offers one of the best Happy Hour deals in NYC. From 4 to 7 p.m. daily, you can snag glasses of wine for under $10 and discounted cocktails. Their small bites—fries, croquettes, mac and cheese—are all priced under $10. It’s the perfect spot for a classy, laid-back evening with friends.
Location: 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
Twelve - Bella Union
Located in Kips Bay, Bella Union keeps it simple with weekly specials like cheap espresso martinis on Tuesdays and $15 burger deals. Their Happy Hour runs from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, with discounted drinks that make it a great stop after work. The atmosphere is lively, and the food is solid American bar fare.
Location: 411 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Thirteen - Las’ Lap
This Caribbean-inspired spot on the Lower East Side is all about tropical vibes and flavorful cocktails. With potted plants, floral stools, and a menu emphasizing rum, coconut, and passionfruit, it’s a great place to unwind. Happy Hour runs Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring $6 beers, $9 wines, and $13 cocktails. It’s a small space that gets busy, so reserving a table is a smart move.
Location: 74 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
There you have it—proof that you can enjoy Happy Hour in NYC without sacrificing quality.
Great cocktails? Check.
Tasty food? Double-check.
Take your pick - tropical vibes, cozy neighborhood spots, or iconic martini bars, these places will leave you happy, tipsy, and with some cash to spare. Cheers!
Love,
Rae
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