The 19 Best New York City Bars With Happy Hour Specials

Traveling to New York City can be expensive, but you can save money by taking advantage of these Happy Hour specials at these amazing New York City bars.

January 17, 2023

The 19 Best New York City Bars With Happy Hour Specials

After a day of sightseeing at the top attractions and exciting shows New York City has to offer its time to relax with your favorite drink of choice. If you know where to go, you can save a lot of money by taking advantage of the best happy hour bars in New York City. From rooftop restaurants in NYC and rooftop bars in NYC, to speakeasies and chic hotel bars. There’s a lot to choose from in the Big Apple. Here’s 19 of our favorite New York City Happy Hour bars to visit. 

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Now let's get to the list.

1. The Rum House

The Rum House, located within the Hotel Edison 4-star hotel, is a top pick for happy hour in Times Square. They offer a variety of unique and expertly crafted cocktails and spirits, with a focus on rum. Happy hour starts at 4:00PM and ends at 6:00PM, so arrive early to take advantage of their great drink deals. Perfect for anyone with a love for rum and unique cocktails.

2. Arthouse

The Arthouse Hotel on Broadway in the Upper West Side features a cozy wine bar with seating for approximately 20 guests. The bar boasts comfortable cushioned chairs and a lounge area, making it the perfect spot for a glass of wine and catching up with friends. The wine bar also serves pizzas and small bites for those looking for a bite to eat. The high-quality service at this chic and unique wine bar rounds out the experience, particularly given the distinct and noteworthy wine list, which features a selection of wines not commonly found on other lists in NYC.

3. Mace

Mace is a cocktail bar that pays homage to the art of mixology, with a focus on herbs and spices. The bar's decor reflects this emphasis, with botanicals playing a prominent role. The menu is carefully crafted, and each drink is served in the perfect glassware. But the real magic happens behind the bar, where one of the country’s most skilled teams creates unique and delicious cocktails. The bartenders use jars of spices to create alchemy and challenge drinkers to explore different flavor profiles. One of the signature cocktails is the Miami Vice, which is a blend of wasabi-infused rum, strawberries, angelica root, vanilla, lime, bacon-washed rum and pineapple, coconut, plantain, lime and cilantro. Mace is perfect for those looking for a unique and flavorful experience.

4. Dante

Dante, a Greenwich Village institution since 1915, is known for its award-winning cocktails, particularly its Negronis. The bar is consistently ranked among the world's best and offers $10 Negronis from 3-5 PM as part of its "Negroni Sessions" series. These cocktails, typically priced between $14 to $17, feature unique twists such as coffee liqueur, chocolate bitters, banana, and pineapple vinegar. With over a century of experience, Dante is a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts looking for a classic experience with a modern twist.

5. Clover Club

Clover’s Sazeracs can go toe-to-toe with any version sold in New Orleans; bartenders here were turning out superlative mai tais long before the modern tiki trend took hold; even house cocktails are consistently more interesting — and less overwrought — than they are at lesser bars. In addition to excellent drinks, the bar is spacious, and the door policy is what you’d call “very democratic” (you can just walk in, and the staff seems genuinely happy to seat you — imagine that), so you won’t get stuck standing in line waiting for a bouncer to grant you access. Happy Hour runs Mon - Fri 4pm - 6pm.

6. Dutch Kills

Dutch Kills is a classic cocktail bar that offers a unique and authentic experience. The ambiance of the bar, with its wooden booths, low lighting, and live ragtime music in the back lounge, is reminiscent of the late owner Sasha Petraske's other bars. The highlight of the bar is its traditional robber-baron era cocktails, which are served with hand-cut ice, and the Petraske old fashioned is a must-try. The Old fashioned is made with a muddled sugar cube, Angostura bitters, garnished with a classic "rabbit ears" lemon-and-orange-twist combination, it's dry and strong, making it one of the best version of the family specifications. The bar also houses Hendu's sandwich shop which serves hearty sandwiches, that you would expect to find at a longshoreman's saloon. Happy hour is available Sunday - Thursday 4pm - 6pm.

7. Sidney's Five

Sidney's Five is a casual and fun East Village bar, perfect for meeting up with friends or a casual date. Unlike some of the busier bars in the neighborhood, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere with indoor booths or outdoor seating. The drinks are reasonably priced, with all drinks under $15 and a variety of martinis to choose from. The food menu offers a range of options, including lamb burgers, chicken skewers, and a raw bar. Though we only had drinks on our visit, we plan to return for a corn dog and a date. Happy hour is available daily from 5pm - 7pm.

8. Huertas

This Basque tapas bar in the East Village offers a great happy hour deal that runs until 6:30 PM daily in the bar area. The happy hour includes $5 beers, $6 glasses of wine, and a variety of discounted food options. The bar's pintxos, which are a type of bar snack, are half-off and there's a "Basque dog" for $5. The best deal, however, is the "can and conserva" option, which includes a can of 'gansett and a tin of mackerel for $12. A perfect upgrade from the typical beer and shot combo found in this Manhattan neighborhood. Happy hour is available every day from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM.

9. Vinatería

This Harlem hangout, is a popular spot known for its Mediterranean wine menu, but during happy hour (daily 4pm-7pm) it's worth trying out some of their discounted beers, cocktails and food. You can enjoy $1.50 oysters, $5 beers, $8 cocktails, and a variety of small plates for $8, like the bacalao croquettes. A great spot to try different options and discover new favorites.

10. Skinny Dennis

This Williamsburg bar, which is owned by the same team behind Do or Dive, Lucky Dog, Rocka Rolla, and other Brooklyn bars, is known for its discounted well drinks during happy hour. Happy hour runs Monday - Friday 12pm-7pm, during which well drinks are $3 each and beers, which are typically priced between $4 and $6, are $1 off. A great spot to grab a cheap drink during the week.

11. Wandering Barman Brasserie

This Williamsburg taproom and production facility is known for its high-quality pre-batch cocktails. They prepare all of their cocktails in bulk and distribute them to bars across the city, which helps keep prices low. The bar offers nine cocktails for $10 each, and during happy hour (5-7 PM daily) all the cocktails are half off. A great spot to grab a delicious and affordable cocktail.

12. Cask Bar & Kitchen

Cask Bar and Kitchen is a great option for those looking for an elegant and relaxed atmosphere in Murray Hill, Manhattan. The restaurant features a rustic decor with weathered brick and wood, and the staff are knowledgeable bartenders. The happy hour runs from Monday to Wednesday from 4 PM to 7 PM and Thursday to Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM. During this time you can enjoy $7 draft beers, $10 cocktails, and $8 house wine.

13. Alfie's Kitchen & Craft Beer Bar

Alfie's Kitchen and Craft Beer Bar is located in Hell's Kitchen, on 9th avenue. This bar is a great spot for drinks with friends, by yourself, or on a casual date. The bar has a rustic-chic vibe and a laid-back atmosphere. One of the standout features of this spot is the greenery hanging from the ceiling. The happy hour at Alfie's runs from 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, and 4 PM to 7 PM on weekends. During this time, all well-liquor drinks are discounted. Although it's not a Mexican restaurant, the margarita with house tequila is worth trying.

14. The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid Inn is a spot that transports you to Cape Cod with its clean and white walls, light wood furniture and atmosphere. Happy Hour is available from Tuesday to Saturday 5 PM - 6:30 PM and Sunday 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM. During this time you can enjoy $6 beers, $9 cocktails and liquor drinks and discounted wine. This is also a great spot for oyster lovers as you can get East Coast oysters for $1.25 per piece. A personal favorite is the classic vodka soda, paired with some oysters.

15. Bonnie Vee

Bonnie Vee is a cozy cocktail bar located less than a mile from the Museum of Ice Cream on Stanton Street. The bar features a garden area that is perfect for warm summer nights with comfortable lawn chairs and a large clock as decoration. Inside, the bar is small but still comfortable. The happy hour specials run from 5 PM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday and include discounted food and drinks. The happy hour menu features wine, grilled cheese, warm pretzels, and the option to ask the bartender to make a unique drink tailored to your preferences and allergies.

16. 169 Bar

169 Bar is a laid-back spot located on East Broadway in the Lower Eastside, perfect for those who enjoy hole-in-the-wall bars. The bar is dimly lit, with palm tree decor and a leopard-print pool table for patrons to use. The prices at 169 Bar are already affordable, but during happy hour, which runs daily from noon to 7 PM, you can get $1 off beer, $2 off everything else, and a $3 beer shot combo. The frozen drinks are especially popular during the summer.

17. Society Cafe

Society Cafe, located inside the Walker Hotel, serves market-to-table American fare, with a menu that changes regularly to feature fresh ingredients from the nearby Union Square Greenmarket. The cafe has a 75-seat dining room and a cocktail lounge called Parlour. Happy Hour at Parlour is available Tuesday through Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM. During this time you can enjoy a craft cocktail for $12, a cup of wine for $8, or a beer for $6. The happy hour menu also includes discounted snacks and pizzas, as well as half shell oysters for $2 each.

18. The Standard Grill

The Standard Grill, located at The Standard hotel near The Highline in the Meatpacking District, has a spacious outdoor area filled with plants. The restaurant offers two different Happy Hour menus, both featuring martinis. The "Extra (Dirty) Happy Hour" includes deals such as $1 oysters and $12 crispy chicken sliders. Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM.

19. Fresh Salt

Fresh Salt, a local favorite bar and restaurant in lower Manhattan, boasts a casual and welcoming atmosphere, with outdoor seating available during nice weather. The staff makes newcomers feel like regulars and a daily Happy Hour is one of the main draws of the space. Happy Hour runs every day from 4 PM to 9 PM and offers discounts on a variety of drinks, including gin and tonics and whiskey cokes, with $6 liquor drinks, it’s one of the most affordable happy hours in the city.

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