The Best Happy Hours in Midtown
When you’re looking to unwind after a long day of exploring NYC, grab a friend or a co-worker and treat yourself to a drink (or two, who are we kidding?) in the heart of New York City. Check out this list of the best happy hours in Midtown for an evening out that won’t break the bank.
Ardesia
Photo by @ardesiawinebar
Ardesia is a sleek wine bar in Hell’s Kitchen that opened in October. Slide up to the Venetian-marble bar to get a better view of the huge menu chalk board and two-story, glass-encased wine wall.
THE DEAL: Weekdays 5-7pm: $2 off any glass of wine and draft beer
WHAT TO ORDER: Pair a glass of Syrah (Tenuta Rapitala Nadir Sicily 2013, $10) with a homemade pretzel and handcrafted cheese plate featuring American and European artisanal brands ($32 for a slate of six cheeses).
Ardesia: 510 W. 52nd St., 212-247-9191
Betti Bar
Photo by: @elocin211
With happy hour specials daily until 10pm, Betti Bar is the perfect place to ditch the Midtown crowds for a cozy post-theater nightcap.
THE DEAL: Daily 5-10pm: $5 bottled beers, well drinks, California Chardonnay, Italian Merlot; $12 beer and sliders combo
WHAT TO ORDER: The Paloma, tequila and grapefruit soda ($5). More daring souls can try the mystery beer-and-shot combo served in a brown paper bag ($8).
Betti Bar at Hourglass Tavern: 373 W. 46th St., 212-265-2060
La Biblioteca
Photo by: @labibliotecanyc
La Biblioteca is chef Richard Sandoval’s ode to tequila, housed in a gorgeous sublevel of his Zengo restaurant. Loyal customers can buy a bottle of their favorite mezcal label and store it in a private locker in the back room for up to six months, free of charge. Each time you return, a waitress will retrieve your bottle along with free house-made sangria.
THE DEAL: Tues-Fri from 4-7pm: $5 small plates, $8 cocktails
WHAT TO ORDER: The Manzana Mexicana cocktail (apple- and cinnamon-infused tequila with lemon juice and agave nectar, $8) and steamed pork belly buns ($5).
La Biblioteca: 622 Third Ave., 212-808-8110
Cask Bar & Kitchen
Photo by: @casknyc
Join Midtown regulars for hand-drawn cask ales and the saloon-like ambiance of Cask Bar & Kitchen.
THE DEAL: Mon-Fri from 4-8pm: $5 canned beers, $6 drafts, $7 glasses of wine, $8 cocktails
WHAT TO ORDER: Wild mushroom flatbread ($13) and this month’s featured beer on tap, the Defiant IPA ($6).
Cask Bar & Kitchen: 167 E 33rd St., 212-300-4924
Naples 45
Photo by: @rd616
Naples 45 at Grand Central Station is popular among Midtown professionals for its vibrant bar scene, Italian cuisine and incredible happy hour special: complimentary personal pizza when you buy a drink.
THE DEAL: Weekdays from 5-7pm: free pizza with any drink.
WHAT TO ORDER: Pair theSauvignon Blanc (“Maison Nicolas,”Bordeaux, France, $14) with a personal-size Margherita pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil.
Naples 45: The MetLife Building, 200 Park Ave., 212-972-7001
Réunion Bar
Photo by: @reunionsurfbar
Happy Hour at the surfer-themed Reunion Bar is always a party, where bartenders, clad in board shorts and skull caps, serve tiki-themed drinks. Named after Réunion Island off the coast of Madagascar, the bar honors island cuisine with banana leaf-steamed mahi mahi and Dodo Dogs—beef franks with pork belly, topped with slaw.
THE DEAL: Monday, Thursday, and Friday 5:30-8pm $3 Pilsner, $4 IPA, and $6 cocktails; Tuesday $3 tacos 5:30-8pm; Sunday all day happy hour.
WHAT TO ORDER: The “Mermaid,” a frozen mojito ($6), and a Dodo dog ($6).
RéunionBar: 357 W 44th St., 212-582-3200
The Stag’s Head
Photo by: @thestagsheadnyc
Craft beer enthusiasts will love the vast selection of all American-brewed labels in a comfortable pub atmosphere. On nice evenings, call ahead to reserve a spot on one of the long farm tables in the upstairs rooftop garden.
THE DEAL: Mon-Fri 4-7pm: $6 craft drafts and $5 well drinks; $25 buckets of beer every Saturday and Sunday from open 11am to 11pm.
WHAT TO ORDER: Truffled popcorn ($5) and Denver brew Oskar Blues Mama’s Lil Yella Pils ($6).
The Stag’s Head: 252 E 51st St., 212-888-2453
Ardesia: 510 W. 52nd St., 212-247-9191
