Best Happy Hour New York: Bars for Cocktails and Oysters
Looking for the best happy hour New York has to offer? The city that never sleeps also knows how to unwind. From the West Village to Brooklyn, every neighborhood has bars serving budget-friendly drinks and tasty snacks. One local favorite includes Benihana Happy Hour, known for pairing sushi and sake at unbeatable prices.
Happy hour in New York isn’t just about cheap beer. It’s about enjoying craft cocktails, wine, oysters, and pizza at discounted prices in trendy, relaxed settings. Whether you’re catching up with coworkers or relaxing after a long day, happy hour can be your favorite hour.
What is Best Happy Hour New York?
The best happy hour New York offers is a perfect mix of craft cocktails, great drinks, tasty bites, and unbeatable prices. It’s all set in the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. From $1 oysters in Greenwich Village to $5 cocktails in Brooklyn, happy hour in NYC caters to every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for classy lounges, cozy pubs, or trendy rooftop bars, you’ll find amazing deals between 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays. These specials make it easy to relax, connect with friends, and enjoy the city without spending a fortune.
Why New Yorkers Love Happy Hour
In a city where prices can feel sky-high, happy hour gives everyone a reason to celebrate. Bars and restaurants offer lower prices during certain times to attract guests. These specials usually run between 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.
People love the mix of quality and affordability. You’ll often find half-priced cocktails, $1 oysters, and gourmet small plates for under $10. Some happy hours even include pizza, wings, and tacos that make your evening both fun and filling.
Dishes Available at Best Happy Hour New York
Here is an overview of dishes available at the happy hour New York spots:
Margherita Pizza – Roey’s, West Village
A thin, crispy crust topped with tangy tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. It’s light, flavorful, and only $7 during happy hour.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Margherita Pizza |
| Location | Roey’s, West Village |
| Happy Hour Price | $7 |
Duck-Fat Potato Chips – Clover Club, Brooklyn
Crispy and golden, these chips are fried in duck fat for rich flavor. They pair perfectly with Clover Club’s signature cocktails.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Duck-Fat Potato Chips |
| Location | Clover Club, Brooklyn |
| Happy Hour Price | $5 |
Oysters – Mermaid Oyster Bar, Greenwich Village
Freshly shucked oysters are served on ice for just $1.50 each. Briny, cold, and perfect with a squeeze of lemon or mignonette.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Fresh Oysters |
| Location | Mermaid Oyster Bar, Greenwich Village |
| Happy Hour Price | $1.50 each |
Calamari – Mermaid Oyster Bar, Times Square
Lightly fried and tender, this calamari is seasoned well. A great seafood snack to enjoy with your cocktail.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Fried Calamari |
| Location | Mermaid Oyster Bar, Times Square |
| Happy Hour Price | $12 |
Rosemary Spritz – Roey’s, West Village
Refreshing and herby, this spritz mixes prosecco and rosemary syrup. It’s bubbly, light, and just $5 during happy hour.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Drink Name | Rosemary Spritz |
| Location | Roey’s, West Village |
| Happy Hour Price | $5 |
Sliders – The Happiest Hour, Greenwich Village
Juicy mini burgers packed with flavor and served on soft buns. Ideal for sharing over discounted drinks.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Mini Sliders |
| Location | The Happiest Hour, Greenwich Village |
| Happy Hour Price | $8 |
Martini & Fries – Mary’s, Lower East Side
A $18 combo that’s become a cult favorite. You get a classic gin martini with a cone of crispy golden fries.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Combo | Martini & Fries |
| Location | Mary’s, Lower East Side |
| Happy Hour Price | $18 |
Buffalo Wings – Boilermaker, East Village
These wings are spicy, crispy, and tender inside. Served with blue cheese dip, they’re a happy hour classic.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Buffalo Wings |
| Location | Boilermaker, East Village |
| Happy Hour Price | $9 |
Fish Tacos – The Winslow, Gramercy Park
Fresh fish in warm tortillas topped with slaw and lime. Zesty, filling, and goes great with a $6 gin cocktail.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Fish Tacos |
| Location | The Winslow, Gramercy Park |
| Happy Hour Price | $10 |
Truffle Mac and Cheese – Bar Belly, Lower East Side
Creamy, cheesy pasta infused with truffle oil. Rich and indulgent, it’s comfort food elevated for happy hour.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Truffle Mac and Cheese |
| Location | Bar Belly, Lower East Side |
| Happy Hour Price | $11 |
Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
Some places may not appear on every list but still offer unbeatable deals. Take Mary’s in the Lower East Side, where you can enjoy themed happy hour nights like Martini Mondays. The combo of martini and fries for $18 is a unique offering. Drinks like draft beer and wine are also reasonably priced.
In East Village, The Library gives a dive-bar experience with generous deals like 2-for-1 drinks from 5 PM to 8 PM. This spot is perfect if you want casual vibes and jukebox tunes while you sip.
Affordable and Trendy
New York City bars don’t have to be expensive. In fact, the best places balance taste, ambiance, and price. When you visit these happy hour spots, you enjoy not just lower prices, but a more local and friendly experience. Even in the trendy West Loop Happy Hour scenes across cities, few beat the NYC vibe. Remember, deals change, so always check the day and time before you go.
Locations
The happy hour New York spots are spread across popular neighborhoods like the West Village, East Village, Lower East Side, Times Square, and Brooklyn. Each area offers unique venues with great drink specials, cozy atmospheres, and tasty food. Whether you’re after rooftop views or relaxed bars, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
- Roey’s – West Village
- Clover Club – Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
- The Mermaid Oyster Bar – Greenwich Village & Times Square
- Mary’s – Lower East Side
- The Library – East Village
- Canto – West Village
- The Happiest Hour – Greenwich Village
- Bar Belly – Lower East Side
- Boilermaker – East Village
- The Winslow – Gramercy Park
Tips for a Great Happy Hour
To enjoy the happy hour New York, plan ahead. Arrive early to grab a good spot, especially at places with limited seating. Weekdays offer the most consistent deals, and early hours (like 4 PM) give you more choices.
You’ll find happy hour menus with cocktails that normally cost $15–$20 available for $8–$12. That’s a huge saving in a city like New York.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
Locals return to the same happy hour spots because of the affordable luxury they offer. Imagine ending your day with a $10 lavender cocktail and a $5 duck-fat snack while jazz plays in the background. It’s indulgent, but it doesn’t break the bank.
The happy hour New York provides also means variety. One day you might crave spicy margaritas, and the next, a fine glass of wine. Happy hour gives you access to top-tier drinks for less, all while enjoying some of the most exciting bars in the world.
Owners
Here is a list of owners of venues offering the happy hour New York:
- Roey’s – Owned by Happy Cooking Hospitality, founded by Gabriel Stulman.
- Clover Club – Owned by renowned mixologist Julie Reiner.
- The Mermaid Oyster Bar – Owned by Daniel Abrams and Chef Michael Cressotti.
- Mary’s – Operated by the team behind St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club.
- The Library – Independently owned; specific owner not publicly listed.
- Canto – Privately owned neighborhood bar; ownership details not public.
- The Happiest Hour – Owned by Acme Hospitality Group and Jon Neidich.
- Bar Belly – Owned and operated by Rob Crosbie.
- Boilermaker – Owned by Little Branch Group, known for cocktail-forward bars.
- The Winslow – Owned by Darren Moore and Barry O’Sullivan.
Customer Reviews
- A user from Google Maps (4.4★) praised it for its “cozy and intimate ambiance” and called it a great neighborhood gem.
- On TripAdvisor, one review mentioned: “I had a Pizza Burrata. The service was good and the pizza was very nice. I enjoyed the terrace and everything was fairly priced.”
- A Lemon8 reviewer said: “Roey’s is by far the best happy hour deal I’ve tried in New York thus far!”
Final Thoughts
New York City is full of great bars and restaurants, but only a few offer amazing deals during happy hour. Whether you’re into craft cocktails, cheap beer, or gourmet snacks, there’s something for everyone.
The best happy hour New York experiences combine value with taste and setting. From the stylish ambiance of Clover Club to the cozy, casual vibes at The Library, you can enjoy premium drinks and bites without paying full price.
