Discover Happy Hour in New York City.

As summer winds down in NYC, there is no better time to savor those last golden rays with an unforgettable Happy Hour. Thank you, Ryan, for reaching out and asking for the best spots for Happy Hour in New York City. We hope this guide answers all your questions and helps you make the most of the season’s final moments.

Whether you are drawn to the breathtaking views at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the lively Aussie-inspired vibes in Williamsburg, or the sophisticated sips at a chic brasserie, these picks offer the perfect blend of refreshing drinks and delectable bites to wrap up your summer in style. Cheers to enjoying these sunny days and vibrant nights before fall arrives.

Essential New York City Happy Hour Q&A

Everything You Need to Know

What time does Happy Hour Start in NYC?

Happy Hour is that magical window when bars, lounges, and even some restaurants roll out enticing drink specials. From discounted prices to tempting “buy one, get one free” deals, it is a chance to enjoy a great drink without breaking the bank.

Despite its name, Happy Hour often stretches beyond just one hour, typically beginning in the late afternoon and winding down in the early evening. It is ideal to unwind after work or kickstart your evening with a delightful beverage.

While many Happy Hours run from 3 PM to 7 PM, the timing can vary widely depending on the venue. In New York City, the spectrum of Happy Hour options is as diverse as the city itself. You might stumble upon a midday special starting at noon and extending until 9 PM, or starting as late as 9 PM and extending until 11 PM. The city’s vibrant bar scene ensures there is always a chance to toast at just the right moment.

Why is it Called Happy Hour?

The term “Happy Hour” has an intriguing history that traces back to the 1920s. Originally coined by U.S. Navy sailors, “Happy Hour” referred to their designated period for relaxation and entertainment, including activities like wrestling, boxing, and a bit of drinking. This time of respite from their duties was known as “Happy Hour” due to the joy it brought the sailors.

Interestingly, as the term gained traction on land, it coincided with the onset of Prohibition [1920-1933], when the production and sale of alcohol were banned in the U.S. Despite the restrictions, underground speakeasies, and secret gatherings became popular, serving as havens for those eager to enjoy cocktails before dinner.

When Prohibition was lifted in 1933, the tradition of enjoying a drink before dinner continued, and the time frame of 5 to 7 PM was forever cemented as “Happy Hour.” Thus, the name reflects both a historical break for sailors and a cultural shift in drinking habits that persists today.

What Are the Most Unique Happy Hour Experiences in NYC?

New York City offers a range of unique happy hour experiences that go beyond the traditional drink specials. Some notable ones include:

• Themed Happy Hours: Many bars in NYC host themed happy hours, such as “Tiki Tuesdays” or “Disco Nights,” where the ambiance and drink menu are tailored to the theme. For instance, Odd Sister in the SoHo offers an early and Late night happy hour
• Rooftop Happy Hours: With stunning views of the skyline and the Hudson River, NYC’s rooftop bars provide a unique happy hour experience. 230 Fifth in the Flatiron District is a prime example where you can enjoy cocktails while gazing over the city.
• Interactive Happy Hours: Some bars incorporate interactive elements, such as live music, trivia nights, or karaoke. The Gray Mare in the Bowery frequently features live jazz during its happy hours, adding a cultural twist to the experience.
• Culinary Experiences: Places like PDT [Please Don’t Tell] offer a speakeasy vibe with inventive cocktails, and often have unique food pairings and snacks during their happy hours, creating a more immersive dining experience.

How Do NYC Happy Hour Specials Vary by Neighborhood?

Happy hour specials in NYC can vary widely depending on the neighborhood, reflecting the unique character of each area. Here is a snapshot of how they differ:

• Lower East Side: Known for its vibrant nightlife, the Lower East Side offers happy hours with extensive drink specials and late-night options. Bars like The Hairy Lemon provide cheap drafts and well drinks, often extending happy hour well into the night.
• Williamsburg + Greenpoint: In Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, happy hours often feature artisanal cocktails and local craft beers. The Alligator Lounge offers a free pizza with every drink purchase, while Ponyboy in Greenpoint provides a stylish setting with inventive cocktails and unique happy hour deals.
• Midtown Manhattan: In Midtown, happy hours can be more upscale, often reflecting the business crowd. The Flatiron Room features premium whiskey specials and live jazz, while Stitch Bar & Lounge offers a casual atmosphere with classic cocktail specials.
• East Village: This area is known for its eclectic and relaxed vibe, with happy hours offering a mix of affordable drinks and creative options. The Hairy Lemon and Mason Jar NYC offer great deals on drafts and cocktails, attracting a diverse crowd.
• Financial District: In the Financial District, happy hours tend to cater to professionals with early evening specials. The Dead Rabbit is renowned for its historic cocktails and pub fare during happy hour, appealing to both locals and tourists.

How Can You Discover the Best Happy Hour Deals?

Websites like OpenTable and Resy frequently provide curated lists of happy hour options, but several other sources offer excellent roundups. For detailed recommendations, check out our own Brooklyn’s Lifestyle for a local perspective on the best spots.

Experience Happy Hour in New York City

Additionally, The Infatuation has a comprehensive list titled “The 19 Best Happy Hours in NYC,” highlighting a variety of top choices across the city. Another great resource is Eater New York, which features an article on “Great Happy Hours in NYC,” offering insights into some of the city’s standout happy hour experiences. These articles collectively cover a broad spectrum of venues, ensuring you find the perfect happy hour to fit your taste and location.

Websites such as Love Happy Hour provide extensive listings covering happy hours across more than 50 neighborhoods, giving you a broad view of options throughout the city. Drink NY Deal stands out for its user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily search for happy hours by location, bar type, atmosphere, and day of the week. For personalized recommendations, try browsing forums like AskNYS and FoodNYC, where you can seek advice and discover local favorites directly from fellow New Yorkers.

Happy Hour in New York City

Discover the Magic of Endless Summer at Fornino’s Brooklyn Bridge Park

• Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6

• Phone: (212) 614-0386

• Website: Fornino

As the summer sun blazes over Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6, Fornino is ready to keep your evenings cool with its new Endless Summer Happy Hour. Imagine yourself perched on the park-level café or the panoramic rooftop, cocktail in hand, as the city’s skyline shimmers in the twilight. Fornino has crafted the perfect recipe for summer bliss, with drink specials and delicious bites designed to make your after-work hours as memorable as the view.

Here are the details: draft beers are just $6, rosé and white wines are flowing at $8 a glass, and the Aperol Spritzes and Hibiscus Margaritas are yours for $10. And it gets even better—pair your drinks with Margherita Pizzas for only $12 and enjoy endless free popcorn with every drink you order. If you’re planning a Friday night out, don’t miss the rooftop bar’s special treat: free slices of Neapolitan Margherita pizza with any drink purchased from 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM. It is the kind of freebie that makes you feel like a VIP.

Happy Hour at Fornino runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the park-level café, while the rooftop experience extends from Wednesday to Friday, 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Reservations for the rooftop are weather-dependent, so be sure to check out Resy for a spot and savor the last rays of summer.

Dive into Flavor at Hole in the Wall

• Location: 292 Bedford Avenue—Williamsburg|445 East 35th Street—Murry Hill

• Phone: (929) 295-8361|(646) 858-0401

• Website: Hole in the Wall

For those who appreciate a lively atmosphere and inventive cocktails, Hole in the Wall is your go-to destination. This Aussie café brings a splash of down-under flair to New York with its Spritz Flight, priced at a tempting $25 all night. Picture this: a flight of cocktails each with its own distinct personality—‘Get Wet,’ a refreshing mix of gin, aloe vera, lemon, cucumber, and prosecco; ‘Tickled Pink,’ a bubbly combination of grapefruit aperitif, strawberry, and sparkling cava rosé; and ‘The Brazilian,’ a tropical blend of rum, shochu, passionfruit, grapefruit, and prosecco.

Hole in the Wall also offers a vibrant happy hour from Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at their Williamsburg location. Think $5 draft beers, $7 wines, $10 cocktails, and a variety of snacks that will not break the bank. Enjoy $10 wings, $6 fries, and $8 Brussels sprouts, or indulge in their $20 Happy Meal. Tuesdays feature a $20 burger and pint or glass of wine special, Wednesdays bring half-off wine bottles, and Thursdays highlight a parmy and pint or glass of wine for $20.

In Murray Hill, the party continues with similar happy hour deals from Monday to Saturday, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, plus $12 sliders and extra crispy fries. No matter which location you choose, the vibe is lively, the drinks are delicious, and the deals are unbeatable.

Savor Aussie Vibes at Isla & Co.

• Location: 107 N 12th Street—Williamsburg|25 West 38th Street—Midtown West

• Phone: (718) 388-8935|(332) 799-7398

• Website: Isla & Co.

Isla & Co. in Williamsburg is the place to be if you are craving a taste of Australia alongside some delightful happy hour deals. From Monday to Friday, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, you can sip on $5 draft beers, $7 selected wines, and $10 cocktails, all while munching on a variety of scrumptious bites. Picture yourself with a plate of $12 wings, $6 truffle fries, or $10 Kung Pao cauliflower. And on Wednesdays, there is a special $20 burger paired with a pint or glass of wine—a perfect midweek treat.

This Australian-style brasserie, brought to you by the Parched Hospitality Group, is not just about food and drink. It is about creating an experience that feels both sophisticated and comfortably familiar. You can also enjoy their Espresso Martini Flight all day, whether you are in Brooklyn or at their Midtown Manhattan location inside Hotel Hendricks.

So, whether you are sipping a spritz with a view or savoring Aussie-inspired bites, these spots are ready to make your summer evenings unforgettable. Dive into these experiences and let the season’s warmth wrap you in its golden embrace.

Sip and Savor: TAZO® Tuesdays at Time Out Market New York

• Location: 55 Water Street—Dumbo

• Phone: (917) 810-4855

• Website: Time Out Market New York

All summer, Time Out Market New York turns into a tea-lovers haven every Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM until August 27 with TAZO® Tuesdays. Enjoy a range of tea-based cocktails and mocktails—think fragrant Espresso Chai Latte and zesty Iced Passion—crafted with TAZO® concentrates for $14 and $12 respectively. Beyond the drinks, indulge in a full sensory experience with floral arranging, a sketch artist, and live DJ beats, all set against the stunning Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.

Do not miss the grand finale on August 27, where the first ten guests to purchase a TAZO® tea drink will receive a $25 Time Out Market gift card. For more inspiration, check out the Time Out New York TAZO® Tea hub online for exclusive summer recipes and city guides. Nestled in Dumbo at 55 Water Street, Time Out Market New York offers 21 eateries, three bars, and captivating views, making it a must-visit spot in Brooklyn.

Concluding Happy Hour in New York City

As we savor the final days of summer, New York City’s Happy Hour scene is the perfect way to make the most of these warm evenings. From the refreshing TAZO® Tuesdays at Time Out Market to the sunset views at Fornino’s Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the vibrant vibes at Hole in the Wall and Isla & Co., NYC’s diverse Happy Hour offerings promise an array of unforgettable experiences.

To help you navigate this lively landscape, consider checking out resources like “Love Happy Hour” and “Drink NY Deal” for detailed listings, and tap into forums like “AskNYS” and “FoodNYC” for personalized recommendations.

Indulge in inventive cocktails, savor delicious bites, and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere at these top Happy Hour spots. Make the most of the remaining summer days with our guide to the best NYC Happy Hour deals. Cheers to making every evening count. We would love to hear from you comment below and share your favorite spot for Happy Hour in New York City.