Happy hour isn’t just a chance to grab a discounted drink—it’s a prime time for scoring great food deals, stretching your dining budget, and discovering local favorites without committing to full entrées. The key is knowing when to go, where to go, and what to order to get the most bang for your buck.

Here’s how to make the most of happy hour, plus where to find the best deals in your city.

When Is the Best Time for Happy Hour?

Most happy hours run Monday through Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with some restaurants offering late-night specials after 9 p.m. The best times often depend on the day and the vibe you’re after:

• Mondays and Tuesdays: Ideal for quieter spots with aggressive early-week pricing
  
• Wednesdays: A midweek sweet spot when bars start to fill but prices stay low
  
• Thursdays and Fridays: Great for a livelier crowd and extended hours, but expect more competition for seats
  
• Late-Night Happy Hour (Usually After 9 or 10 p.m.): Often includes second-round deals for night owls and service industry workers
  

What to Order for the Best Value

The best happy hour menus offer more than just discounted well drinks. Here’s what to look for to build a full meal on a budget:

• Sliders and Mini Sandwiches: Two to three of these often replace a full burger at half the cost
  
• Flatbreads and Pizzettes: Big enough to share, priced far below dinner versions
  
• Loaded Fries or Nachos: Hearty and perfect for pairing with a drink
  
• Seafood Specials: Oysters, mussels, or shrimp cocktail are often $1–$2 per piece
  
• Drink-and-Dish Combos: Some places bundle a small plate and drink for $10–$15
  

Where to Find the Best Happy Hour Menus

Use curated food and nightlife guides to find the most up-to-date lists of happy hour deals in your city. One of the best resources is Time Out, which features editor picks and crowd favorites for cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and more.

Time Out regularly updates their content to reflect current menus, hours, and must-try dishes—saving you the legwork of calling around or showing up blindly.

Top Cities with Noteworthy Happy Hour Scenes

• New York City: $1 oysters in the West Village, $7 cocktails in Midtown, and tapas in the East Village
  
• Los Angeles: Beachside bars with discounted sushi rolls and local craft beers
  
• Chicago: Deep-dish slices, mini Italian beef sandwiches, and half-price wine
  
• Seattle: Seafood-heavy menus featuring $5 clam chowder and $3 pints
  
• Austin: Tex-Mex bites like queso, tacos, and margaritas at happy hour prices
  

Tips for Making the Most of It

• Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast—especially on Thursdays and Fridays
  
• Ask About the Cutoff Time: Some menus end sharply at a specific minute
  
• Double-Check Drink Sizes: Happy hour pours may be smaller than standard orders
  
• Don’t Skip the Food: Some of the best dishes aren’t available on the main menu
  
• Look for Patio Deals: Many places extend happy hour to outdoor tables for seasonal promos
  

Final Thought

Happy hour isn’t just about drinks—it’s one of the best-kept secrets for affordable dining. Whether you’re winding down after work or catching up with friends, showing up at the right time can turn $20 into a feast. Use tools like Time Out to find your city’s top picks and start eating smarter—one discounted dish at a time.