Happy hour is more than just discounted drinks—it’s an invitation to explore your city’s food and beverage scene without the full price tag. From rooftop bars with craft cocktails to neighborhood bistros serving up gourmet small plates, happy hour is a golden opportunity for value and discovery. Here’s where to find the best happy hour bites and drinks in major U.S. cities, plus how to make your money go even further with cashback rewards.
New York City – The Up & Up (Greenwich Village)
This elegant subterranean bar serves high-end cocktails at reduced prices from 5 to 7 p.m. Look for deals on their signature milk punch or rotating aperitif-style drinks. Pair your drink with complimentary bar snacks or small plates from nearby eateries.
The Up & Up
Los Angeles – E.P. & L.P. (West Hollywood)
A rooftop favorite, E.P. & L.P. offers stunning views and a happy hour with discounted drinks and Asian-inspired bites. Try their bao buns, spicy wings, and lychee martinis from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
E.P. & L.P.
Chicago – RPM Italian
Part of the Lettuce Entertain You group, RPM Italian offers upscale takes on Italian favorites. While not traditional happy hour, their lounge specials include half-off wine and appetizers during early evening hours. Use this as a chance to try small plates like truffle arancini or prime beef meatballs.
RPM Italian
San Francisco – El Techo (Mission District)
This rooftop Latin American eatery offers panoramic views and strong happy hour deals, including $8 margaritas and $6 beers. The small plate menu features empanadas, ceviche, and crispy yuca fries.
El Techo
Austin – Uchiko
Uchiko’s “Sake Social” hour offers reduced prices on some of the city’s most acclaimed Japanese dishes and inventive cocktails. A rare chance to enjoy high-end sushi and curated sake without the high-end bill.
Uchiko
Miami – Sweet Liberty
Voted one of the best bars in the U.S., Sweet Liberty delivers a laid-back happy hour with expertly made daiquiris, oysters, and loaded cauliflower nachos. It runs from 4 to 7 p.m. daily.
Sweet Liberty
Seattle – Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (Capitol Hill)
This seafood haven features $2 oysters, craft beer specials, and chilled wine options between 3 and 6 p.m. A must-visit for oyster lovers who appreciate fresh shellfish and thoughtful wine pairings.
Taylor Shellfish Farms
Denver – Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
With $1.50 oysters and $5 craft cocktails, Jax’s happy hour is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Expect a bustling bar scene, sustainable seafood, and a range of small bites to mix and match.
Jax Fish House
Phoenix – The Gladly
A sleek gastropub with a popular happy hour featuring $6 cocktails and their signature chopped salad. Whiskey lovers will appreciate the extensive list available at reduced prices in the early evening.
The Gladly
Portland – Tusk
This Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant offers a “Tusk Hour” with vegetable-forward small plates and Mediterranean cocktails. Try their za’atar-spiced flatbread and citrus-forward negronis in a breezy, plant-filled space.
Tusk
Stack the Savings with Cashback Apps
To make your happy hour outings even more rewarding, consider using cashback platforms. For example, you can earn cashback with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card when dining at participating locations during their daily specials.
You can also get cashback with a Chili’s gift card if you’re stopping by for margaritas and appetizers during their signature happy hour.
Happy hour is about enjoying great food and drink with good company—but it doesn’t have to come at full price. With smart planning and a little help from apps like Fluz, you can enjoy more for less, all while discovering the best your city has to offer.
