Happy hour in New York City doesn’t have to mean overpriced beer or mystery-ingredient cocktails. If you know where to go — and when — you can score seriously satisfying drinks and bites without draining your checking account. Whether you’re fresh out of work in Midtown, bar-hopping in the East Village, or winding down in Brooklyn, these spots prove that good drinks and good prices do coexist in the city that never sleeps.
Here are ten of the best happy hours in NYC where the prices are low, and the vibes are high.
- The Immigrant (East Village)
Wine lovers, take note: The Immigrant offers $2 off glasses of wine and local beers every day from 5–7 p.m. The cozy, brick-walled bar feels more like a friend’s living room than a traditional bar, and the staff knows their pours.
- Loreley Beer Garden (Lower East Side)
Happy hour here includes $5 drafts, $6 wines, and $7 frozen drinks. Running Monday–Friday from 12–7 p.m., Loreley is a top choice for large groups who want German-style beer garden energy without the full-on Oktoberfest price tag.
- Goodnight Sonny (East Village)
This trendy cocktail bar runs happy hour from 4–7 p.m. daily. Expect $2 oysters, $8 wines, and well-crafted $10 cocktails. It’s a go-to for starting your night with flavor and finesse. Check out their website.
- The Bonnie (Astoria)
A neighborhood gem with a surprisingly strong happy hour: Monday–Friday from 4–7 p.m., enjoy $6 drafts and $9 signature cocktails in a rustic-chic setting. More info
- Sweet & Vicious (Nolita)
Frozen margaritas for $6 during weekday happy hour? Yes, please. Running from 4–7 p.m., Sweet & Vicious is a colorful, laid-back spot perfect for casual meetups.
- Black Rabbit (Greenpoint)
This under-the-radar bar offers $1 off drafts, wells, and wines from 4–8 p.m. daily. Add a fireplace and free board games and it’s practically your living room. Details here
- Valerie (Midtown)
Classy yet affordable, Valerie serves $9 cocktails and $8 bites during happy hour (4–7 p.m., Monday–Friday). It’s one of the few Midtown spots that nails both style and savings.
- The Winslow (Gramercy)
Happy hour from 3–7 p.m. means $7 G&Ts, beer deals, and rotating specials. Bonus: this British-inspired gin bar knows its way around a garnish. See menu
- Rudy’s Bar & Grill (Hell’s Kitchen)
Famous for its no-frills beer-and-a-hot-dog combo (yes, the hot dog is free), Rudy’s remains a classic for budget drinkers. The dive bar vibe is authentic, and the pitcher prices are unbeatable.
- Lucky Dog (Williamsburg)
If you like dogs and dive bars, this is your place. From 1–7 p.m. daily, score cheap beers and well drinks — plus, it’s one of the few bars in NYC where your pup is just as welcome as you are. Instagram
Finding great happy hours in NYC is about knowing when and where to look. From frozen margs in Nolita to classic G&Ts in Gramercy, these bars offer flavor, fun, and financial breathing room.
