15 Happy Hour Deals in NYC Worth Toasting To

Our favorite hour of the day is back, and it’s not on Zoom.

The Standard Biergarten
The Standard Biergarten | Photo Courtesy of The Standard Biergarten
The Standard Biergarten | Photo Courtesy of The Standard Biergarten

When it comes to happy hour in NYC, we all had it so good in the Before Times. Back then, the ritual of counting the minutes during the workday until we could overindulge in $1 oysters and drink specials with coworkers (for team building purposes and not to gossip, duh), was a rite of passage that aided in our sanity a few times a week. And while virtual happy hours with colleagues have sought to fill the void since the pandemic began, it just hasn’t been the same.

But with the weather thawing out and more New Yorkers getting vaccinated (currently 2.5 million residents), the city is finally beginning to open up more, and that also includes the return of IRL happy hours. From oysters and sangria to cocktails and special bites, bars, restaurants, and eateries are once again offering enticing menus that make for a strong case of stepping away from our work computers after a long day in stretchy pants. Here are 15 happy hours in NYC to toast to. And as always, please tip generously, wear a mask when not seated at your table, and wash those hands on the regular.

Loreto
Loreto Italian Bar & Kitchen | Photo by Natalie Poette

When: Mon to Fri, 5 pm-6:30 pm
Inspired by wine bars found throughout Europe, Loreto Italian Bar & Kitchen opened last month in Fort Greene. The restaurant’s Italian offerings from chef Pietro Aletto follow traditional recipes and are available for dinner (with a full range of antipasti, homemade pastas, signature pizzas, and secondis) and brunch. And on weekdays, a dedicated happy hour menu includes Neapolitan-style pizzas for $12-$16, in addition to $10 bellinis and negronis, $10 wines, and $6 beers.
How to book: Reservations are available via Resy.

Porchlight
Porchlight | Photo by Sam Horine

Porchlight

Chelsea

When: Mon to Sat, 3 pm - 6 pm
Known for its Southern-inspired charm, this bar from Union Square Hospitality Group reopened just this week after initially closing last March at the beginning of the pandemic. For those who’ve sorely missed drinking at the Chelsea spot in the last year, Porchlight’s happy hour menu not only runs for a solid three hours on most weekdays, but is also available on Saturdays as well. In addition to $11 cocktails like a bee’s knees or the American Trilogy (Laird's apple brandy, rye blend, demerara and orange bitters), choose from two beers or a $5 flask of punch.
How to book: Reservations are available via Resy.

Malibu Farm
Malibu Farm | Photo courtesy of Malibu Farm

When: Mon to Fri, 4 pm-6 pm
What started as cooking classes and farm dinners from her backyard in Malibu led to chef Helene Henderson opening restaurants in places such as Hawaii, Miami, and Japan—and Malibu Farm in Seaport is where New Yorkers can get a taste of her farm-fresh Southern California-style offerings. Located next to the Brooklyn Bridge, the vegetable forward eatery is launching a special happy hour menu set to debut this upcoming Monday. In addition to shared plates like avocado huarache jalapeño ricotta; Malibu nachos; and cauliflower crust pizza, choose from $10 signature cocktails like a smoked peach gimlet with gin, mezcal, peach, lime, chili maple; or a kale-vodka option with green juice, lime, and agave. 
How to book: Reservations are available via website. Order takeout and delivery on a select number of dishes via ChowNow.

Bar Boulud
Bar Boulud | Photo by Bill Milne

Bar Boulud

Lincoln Square

When: Daily on terrace, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm
With its prime location on Broadway in Midtown—and situated across the street from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts—Bar Boulud’s already popular terrace seating is a perfect spot to both people-watch and enjoy happy hour specials in the heart of Manhattan. Available only in its outdoor sidewalk tables, choose from a curated selection of (food-only) options like baked wellfleet oysters, smoked salmon, trio of crostini, charred octopus kebab, Parisian beef tartare, and Daniel Boulud smoked salmon for $12 each.
How to book: Walk-ins only.

Casa del Toro
Casa Del Toro | Photo courtesy of Casa Del Toro

Casa Del Toro

Hell’s Kitchen

When: Mon to Thu, 5 pm-7 pm
At this Oaxacan-inspired taqueria in Hell’s Kitchen, Casa Del Toro's signature offerings include fundidos blanketed with cheese, 10 types of tacos, and over three dozen tequilas and mezcals to choose from. For their happy hour on most weekdays, specialty cocktails like the Matador’s Wife (tequila, raspberries, egg white) and El Matador (hibiscus mezcal, pomegranate, brown sugar grenadine, orange bitters) are offered at a 50% discount—and on Tuesdays, tacos are $3 all night.
How to book: Reservations are available via website.

When: Wed to Sun, 5 pm-6 pm
Charlie Bird’s kitchen is overseen by chef Ryan Hardy and known for Italian-inspired new-American dishes like Tuscan fried chicken, spaghetti cacio e pepe, and hanger steak. The popular SoHo restaurant’s stellar wine program is curated by Watson Brown, and for five nights a week, guests can join in on the spot’s special Aperitivo Hour. From Wednesday to Sunday at 5 pm-6 pm, $10 sparkling cocktails include a spritz, sbagliato, and Americano.
How to book: Reservations are available via Resy. Walk-ins for heated pavilion or sidewalk seating are welcome.

Clinton Hall

Various locations

When: Mon to Tue, 2 pm to 6 pm, and Wed to Fri, 12 pm-6 pm
The original FiDi location of beer hall, Clinton Hall, first opened in 2013, and since then, the brand has expanded further north to Midtown, in addition to Brooklyn and the Bronx (the 51 Street and Williamsburg spots remain temporarily closed). As we all patiently wait for their new Staten Island spot to open this spring, head to the Bronx and FiDi locations (the 36 Street location will reopen on April 15) for a happy hour available throughout the workweek. Starting in the early afternoon and running until 6 pm, order $6 drafts and $8 well drinks along with wings, fried pickle chips, and fries offered at a discounted price.
How to book: Walk-ins are welcome and reservations can be made via email at info@clintonhallny.com.

When: 4 pm-7 pm daily
Opened in December by a group of NYC bar industry veterans (The Jeffrey, Fraunces Tavern), Crown Alley specializes in craft beer, signature cocktails, and nearly 200 spirits to choose from. Along with draft beers and a rotating selection of draft cocktails, the food menu features bites like black truffle mac n’ cheese, oysters, sandwiches, and blue cheese-stuffed Turkish dates wrapped in Nueske’s Bacon. For their daily happy hour, enjoy $6 classic cocktails, $5 beers, $8 wine, and $1 oysters. 
How to book: Storefront. Indoor dining and heated outdoor dining is first come, first served. Happy hour drinks available to-go.

Fish Cheeks
Fish Cheeks | Photo courtesy of Fish Cheeks

When: Mon to Fri, 12 pm-6 pm
Since opening in 2016, this seafood-focused Thai restaurant located on a picturesque NoHo street has become one of downtown Manhattan’s most popular eateries. At Fish Cheeks, siblings Chat and Ohm Suansilphong helm the kitchen together, and are known for their signature dishes like tiger prawn karee, crab fried rice, or grilled pork cheeks served with jaew sauce. Happy hour here starts early at 12 pm on weekdays, with oysters topped with nam jim seafood sauce (cilantro, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice) and crispy shallots that are available by the half dozen for $9, or a full dozen at $18. For imbibing, choose from $11 house cocktails, $10 wine, and $6 beer.
How to book: Reservations are available via Resy.

Hachi Maki
Hachi Maki | Photo by Laura Jane Brett

Hachi Maki

Upper West Side

When: Daily, 4 pm to 6 pm
Inspired by Japanese street markets and named after headbands worn by sushi chefs, Hachi Maki is one of the Upper West Side’s newest spots for handrolls, ramen, and contemporary Japanese dishes. Since opening in February, the restaurant now offers a daily happy hour special from 4 pm to 6 pm. Get the good times rolling with $1 sushikins (round sushi bombs) and specially priced karaage, beef sandos, and nori chips; along with $6 draft beer, $7 sake and select wines, and $9 specialty cocktails.
How to book: Storefront, and reservations are available via email at reservations@hachimaki.com.

Hole in the Wall

Various locations

When: Daily, 3 pm-5 pm (FiDi, Murray Hill), 4 pm-7 pm (Flatiron, Williamsburg)
With locations in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, this Australian-inspired cafe’s offerings from executive chef Brent Hudson include signature dishes like a brekkie roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, eggs, and chimichurri; or a spicy fried chicken sandwich. For happy hour, choose from Hole in the Wall’s $10 speciality cocktails like the Seaside Distancing (white rum, velvet falernum, pineapple, calamansi puree, coconut milk) or the Summer Smash (lychee black tea bourbon, amaro nonino, honey syrup, peach slice); in addition to $6 select wines, $9 spritzes, and $5 beers. Small bites like fries, burgers, and wings are also available.
How to book: Reservations are available via website for Flatiron and Williamsburg. Other locations are first come, first served.

Intersect By Lexus
Intersect By Lexus-NYC | Photo courtesy of Intersect By Lexus-NYC

Intersect By Lexus-NYC

Meatpacking District

When: Wed to Sun, 5 pm-6 pm
When Intersect By Lexus-NYC and its rotating restaurants-in-residence program reopened this past December with chef Mashama Bailey of The Grey (Savannah, GA) helming the kitchen, the lifestyle space also debuted a new first-floor izakaya and cocktail spot called The Lounge. Here, happy hour food options includes rotating weekly specials like seaweed temaki, shishito skewers, and okra tempura; and signature cocktails like the Island Time (rum, coconut oil-washed green chartreuse, pineapple, mint) and the Yuzu Smash (lemon, riesling, yuzu, nori).
How to book: Reservations are available via Resy.

Lambda Lounge
Lambda Lounge | Photo Courtesy of Lambda Lounge

When: Tue and Wed, 6 pm-11 pm, and Thu and Fri, 6 pm-9 pm
After launching the spirits brand Lambda Vodka together, the next joint venture for business partners and married couple, Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon, was opening Harlem’s only African-American owned lounge catering to LGBTQIA customers. Since debuting last July after a delay due to COVID-19, its lounge concept offerings have included video game consoles, photo booths, and Jumbo Jenga. Currently, on most weekdays, customers can kick back with a buy one, get one free drink deal for signature cocktails like The Hughes (cognac, cranberry, pineapple, cointreau) or the Stay A While (scotch, aperitif, apricot brandy, prosecco).
How to book: Reservations are available via website.

Mercado Little Spain
Mercado Little Spain | Photo Courtesy of Mercado Little Spain

When: Mon to Thu, 3 pm-6 pm
As chef José Andrés’ “love letter” to Spain, Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards is an all-day shop for Spanish pantry staples, groceries, and dining. At its two restaurants, —Spanish Diner and La Barra—a special happy hour named Sangria Hour is available on most weekdays from 3 pm-6 pm. Selections at both spots include $5 sangria and $6 wines by the glass along with Spanish classics like croqueta del dia or gazpacho, in addition to special items exclusive to each eatery.
How to book: Reservations are available via OpenTable (Spanish Diner), OpenTable (La Barra). 

The Standard Biergarten

Meatpacking District

When: Wed to Fri, 4 pm-6 pm
Nestled under the High Line, The Biergarten at The Standard hotel offers a classic beer garden experience in the Meatpacking District. With an assortment of traditional German fare and beer to choose from, during their happy hour named Wings & Things, customers can order 25 cent stout lemon pepper wings, a $6 Bavarian pretzel, $10 speciality cocktails, and 50% off 16oz draft beers.
How to order: Walk-ins only, special reservations can be made via email at biergarten@standardhotels.com.

Tae Yoon was born and raised in Queens, and is the Editor of Thrillist New York.