Introduction
Happy hour has become one of the best ways to enjoy restaurant-quality food and drinks at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re looking for discounted appetizers, handcrafted cocktails, premium wines, draft beers, or shareable plates, restaurant happy hour menus offer exceptional value without sacrificing quality.
Today, nearly every major casual dining chain and upscale steakhouse features some type of happy hour program. Some restaurants focus on discounted beverages, while others combine drink specials with exclusive appetizers unavailable during regular dining hours. Many establishments also rotate seasonal menus, making happy hour an excellent opportunity to try new dishes at a lower cost.
This guide covers some of the most popular restaurant happy hour menus across the United States, including Dave & Buster’s, Yard House, Applebee’s, Ruth’s Chris, Fogo de Chão, Sonic, STK, P.F. Chang’s, Texas Roadhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Bar Louie, Firebirds, Carrabba’s, Cooper’s Hawk, Pacific Catch, and many more.
Note: Happy hour days, times, prices, and participating menu items vary by state and restaurant location. Some states restrict alcohol discount promotions by law, so always verify availability with your local restaurant before visiting. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Why Happy Hour Is So Popular
Happy hour provides benefits for both restaurants and customers.
Benefits for Customers
- Lower food prices
- Discounted cocktails
- Reduced beer and wine prices
- Opportunity to sample premium menu items
- Affordable after-work gatherings
- Excellent value for groups
Benefits for Restaurants
Restaurants use happy hour to increase traffic during slower afternoon hours while encouraging customers to stay for dinner or order additional items. Beverage sales often generate some of the highest profit margins in the restaurant industry. (GoFoodservice)
Best National Restaurant Happy Hours at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best Known For |
|---|---|
| Dave & Buster’s | Drinks, arcade specials |
| Yard House | Huge beer selection |
| Applebee’s | Affordable appetizers |
| BJ’s Restaurant | Craft beer specials |
| Bar Louie | Martini and cocktail deals |
| Ruth’s Chris | Premium steakhouse bar menu |
| STK Steakhouse | Upscale happy hour |
| Sonic Drive-In | Half-price drinks |
| California Pizza Kitchen | Pizza and cocktails |
| Firebirds | Wine and steakhouse appetizers |
| P.F. Chang’s | Asian-inspired appetizers |
| Carrabba’s | Italian appetizers |
| Hooters | Wings and beer |
| Fogo de Chão | Bar Fogo specials |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Wine happy hour |
| Pacific Catch | Aloha Hour seafood |
| El Camino | Mexican cocktails and tacos |
Dave & Buster’s combines arcade entertainment with one of the most enjoyable sports bar happy hours.
Typical Happy Hour Times
Many participating locations offer happy hour Monday through Friday during late afternoon hours, although schedules vary by restaurant.
Popular Happy Hour Deals
- Domestic draft beer
- Imported beer
- House wine
- Signature cocktails
- Margarita specials
- Boneless wings
- Pretzel dogs
- Loaded fries
- Flatbreads
- Chicken tenders
Best Picks
- Boneless Wings
- Pepperoni Flatbread
- Classic Margarita
- Loaded Cheese Fries
Perfect for:
- Game nights
- Watching sports
- Family outings
- Office gatherings
Fogo de Chão offers one of the best upscale happy hour experiences through its famous Bar Fogo menu.
Instead of the full churrasco dinner, guests can enjoy smaller portions and handcrafted cocktails at significantly lower prices.
Popular Happy Hour Items
- Brazilian Cheesebread
- Lamb Lollipops
- Wagyu Burger
- Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
- Charcuterie Boards
- Filet Mignon Sliders
Drink Specials
- Brazilian Caipirinha
- House Wines
- Premium Cocktails
- Draft Beer
Best Picks
- Filet Sliders
- Lamb Lollipops
- Brazilian Cheesebread
- Caipirinha
Fogo de Chão delivers one of the best values among upscale steakhouse happy hours.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is well known for combining craft beer with generous appetizer portions.
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Avocado Egg Rolls
- Boneless Wings
- Sliders
- Loaded Nachos
Drink Specials
- BJ’s Craft Beer
- House Wine
- Signature Margaritas
- Well Drinks
Best Picks
- Avocado Egg Rolls
- Deep Dish Pizza
- Jeremiah Red Beer
- BJ’s Famous Pizookie for dessert
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour
Many Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations feature a premium bar menu during happy hour.
Unlike the regular dinner menu, happy hour allows guests to enjoy steakhouse-quality food without paying full entrée prices.
- Steak Sandwiches
- Filet Sliders
- Seared Ahi Tuna
- Shrimp
- Crab Cakes
- Truffle Fries
Drink Specials
- Premium Cocktails
- Champagne
- House Wine
- Draft Beer
Best Picks
- Filet Sliders
- Seared Tuna
- Classic Old Fashioned
Yard House is famous for offering one of America’s largest draft beer selections.
Happy hour combines discounted beverages with shareable appetizers.
Popular Food Specials
- Chicken Nachos
- Fried Calamari
- Poke Nachos
- Korean Wings
- Cheese Curds
- Sliders
Drink Specials
- Draft Beer
- Signature Cocktails
- House Wine
- Well Drinks
Best Picks
- Poke Nachos
- Korean BBQ Wings
- Half Yard Beer
Beer enthusiasts consistently rank Yard House among the top happy hour destinations.
Unlike traditional restaurants, Sonic Drive-In focuses its happy hour around beverages.
Most Popular Deals
- Half-price soft drinks
- Half-price iced tea
- Limeades
- Slushes
- Ocean Water
- Cherry Limeade
Many locations also provide app-exclusive beverage discounts throughout the day.
Best Picks
- Cherry Limeade
- Ocean Water
- Strawberry Slush
- Route 44 Drinks
Sonic remains one of the most affordable happy hour options available nationwide.
Bar Louie is widely recognized for its extensive cocktail program.
Popular Happy Hour Foods
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Fried Pickles
- Loaded Tater Tots
- Chicken Wings
- Flatbreads
- Pretzel Bites
Drink Specials
- Martinis
- House Cocktails
- Draft Beer
- Wine
- Margaritas
Best Picks
- Loaded Tots
- Fried Pickles
- Signature Martini
- Buffalo Wings
Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers a relaxed Italian-inspired happy hour featuring small plates and wine.
- Calamari
- Meatballs
- Bruschetta
- Mozzarella Marinara
- Calamari
- Italian Flatbread
Drink Specials
- Italian Wines
- Sangria
- House Cocktails
- Draft Beer
Best Picks
- Meatballs
- Bruschetta
- Blackberry Sangria
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill provides one of the strongest steakhouse happy hour menus outside the premium luxury segment.
Popular Small Plates
- Lobster Spinach Queso
- Prime Rib Sliders
- Deviled Eggs
- Chicken Wings
- Shrimp
- Cheeseburger Sliders
Drink Specials
- Wine
- Draft Beer
- Signature Cocktails
Best Picks
- Prime Rib Sliders
- Lobster Spinach Queso
- Firebirds Double Black Diamond Martini
P.F. Chang’s combines Asian-inspired small plates with handcrafted cocktails, making it one of the most popular happy hour destinations for after-work dining.
Although offerings vary by location, many restaurants feature exclusive bar menus that include discounted appetizers and beverages.
Popular Happy Hour Appetizers
- Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Dynamite Shrimp
- Crispy Green Beans
- Pork Dumplings
- Chicken Dumplings
- Edamame
- California Roll
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
Drink Specials
- House Wines
- Signature Margaritas
- Moscow Mule
- Well Cocktails
- Draft Beer
- Imported Beer
Typical Happy Hour Prices
| Item | Average Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | $6–10 |
| Beer | $4–6 |
| Wine | $5–8 |
| Cocktails | $6–9 |
Best Picks
- Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Dynamite Shrimp
- Pork Dumplings
- House Margarita
Hooters is well known for combining sports viewing with affordable wings, seafood, burgers, and drink specials.
Popular Happy Hour Foods
- Boneless Wings
- Traditional Wings
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Onion Rings
- Fried Pickles
- Sliders
Drink Specials
- Domestic Beer
- Draft Beer
- Margaritas
- Well Drinks
- House Cocktails
Best Picks
- Original Buffalo Wings
- Daytona Style Wings
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Draft Beer
STK Steakhouse offers one of the most luxurious happy hour experiences available.
Its happy hour menu allows guests to enjoy premium steakhouse favorites without paying dinner menu prices.
- Wagyu Sliders
- Lil BRGs
- Tuna Tartare
- Truffle Fries
- Steak Tacos
- Shrimp Cocktail
Drink Specials
- Signature Cocktails
- Champagne
- Wine
- Premium Spirits
Typical Prices
| Menu Category | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Small Plates | $6–12 |
| Cocktails | $7–10 |
| Wine | $6–9 |
Best Picks
- Wagyu Sliders
- Truffle Fries
- Lil BRGs
- STK Signature Cocktail
California Pizza Kitchen focuses on pizzas, salads, cocktails, and shareable appetizers.
Popular Happy Hour Foods
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Avocado Club Egg Rolls
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Lettuce Wraps
- Chicken Wings
Drink Specials
- Wine
- Sangria
- Craft Beer
- Cocktails
Best Picks
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Avocado Egg Rolls
- California Club Pizza
- White Sangria
Applebee’s remains one of the best restaurants for affordable happy hour dining.
Many locations feature discounted appetizers along with drink promotions.
Popular Appetizers
- Boneless Wings
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Onion Rings
- Brew Pub Pretzels
Drink Specials
- Dollar cocktails during promotions
- House Margaritas
- Draft Beer
- House Wine
Best Picks
- Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Boneless Wings
- Brew Pub Pretzels
- Seasonal Cocktail Specials
Applebee’s frequently rotates drink promotions throughout the year.
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant offers one of the best sushi happy hours.
- California Roll
- Spicy Tuna Roll
- Salmon Nigiri
- Gyoza
- Edamame
- Tempura
- Sushi Rolls
Drink Specials
- Sake
- Japanese Beer
- House Wine
- Cocktails
Best Picks
- Spicy Tuna Roll
- Crunch Roll
- Gyoza
- Premium Sake
Not every Texas Roadhouse location offers a formal happy hour, but participating restaurants often feature discounted beverages and appetizers during weekday afternoons.
Common Specials
- Domestic Beer
- Margaritas
- Well Drinks
- House Wine
Some locations also discount:
- Cactus Blossom
- Fried Pickles
- Cheese Fries
- Rattlesnake Bites
Best Picks
- Legendary Margarita
- Cactus Blossom
- Rattlesnake Bites
Always check with your local restaurant because promotions vary considerably.
LongHorn Steakhouse Happy Hour
LongHorn Steakhouse happy hour varies by market.
Participating restaurants often feature bar-only promotions.
Popular Items
- Wild West Shrimp
- White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms
- Texas Tonion
- Firecracker Chicken Wraps
Drink Specials
- Draft Beer
- Wine
- Margaritas
- Cocktails
Best Picks
- Wild West Shrimp
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- LongHorn Old Fashioned
Steak ‘n Shake Happy Hour
Steak ‘n Shake is known more for shakes than traditional bar happy hours.
Many locations offer afternoon promotions on beverages and milkshakes.
- Milkshakes
- Fries
- Steakburgers
- Chili
- Cheese Fries
Best Picks
- Chocolate Shake
- Garlic Double Steakburger
- Cheese Fries
Since both names refer to the same restaurant, guests can generally expect similar promotions.
Some restaurants periodically feature:
- Discounted shakes
- Combo specials
- Afternoon snack promotions
Participation varies by location.
Cooper’s Hawk Happy Hour
Cooper’s Hawk combines upscale dining with an award-winning winery.
Wine lovers particularly enjoy the restaurant’s happy hour offerings.
Popular Small Plates
- Asian Ahi Tuna Sashimi
- Pretzel Bread
- Shrimp
- Bruschetta
- Meatballs
Wine Specials
- House Wine
- Wine Flights
- Seasonal Wines
Best Picks
- Wine Flight
- Pretzel Bread
- Tuna Sashimi
Pacific Catch Aloha Hour
Pacific Catch’s Aloha Hour celebrates Hawaiian-inspired seafood and tropical cocktails.
- Poke
- Sushi Rolls
- Coconut Shrimp
- Fish Tacos
- Calamari
Drink Specials
- Mai Tai
- Tropical Cocktails
- Wine
- Beer
Best Picks
- Ahi Poke
- Coconut Shrimp
- Mai Tai
El Camino specializes in Mexican street food and handcrafted cocktails.
Popular Happy Hour Foods
- Street Tacos
- Queso
- Guacamole
- Nachos
- Elote
- Quesadillas
Drink Specials
- Margaritas
- Tequila Cocktails
- Mexican Beer
- Sangria
Best Picks
- Birria Tacos
- House Margarita
- Fresh Guacamole
Best Happy Hours by Category
| Category | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Yard House |
| Best Beer Selection | Yard House |
| Best Steakhouse | Ruth’s Chris |
| Best Luxury Happy Hour | STK |
| Best Value | Applebee’s |
| Best Family Option | Dave & Buster’s |
| Best Sushi | Kabuki |
| Best Asian Cuisine | P.F. Chang’s |
| Best Italian | Carrabba’s |
| Best Mexican | El Camino |
| Best Seafood | Pacific Catch |
| Best Drive-In | Sonic |
| Best Wine | Cooper’s Hawk |
| Best Brazilian | Fogo de Chão |
Tips for Saving More During Happy Hour
Arrive Early
Popular restaurants fill quickly, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
Sit at the Bar
Some restaurants offer happy hour pricing only in the bar area.
Join Loyalty Programs
Many chains send exclusive coupons and birthday rewards to members.
Limited-time happy hour promotions are often announced online first.
Ask About Daily Specials
Some locations offer additional discounts not listed on printed menus.
Ordering several small plates often provides better value than purchasing full entrées.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does happy hour usually start?
Most restaurants begin happy hour between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, although schedules vary by location.
Do all restaurant locations offer happy hour?
No. State alcohol laws, franchise ownership, and local regulations determine whether a restaurant participates.
Are happy hour prices available for takeout?
Usually not. Most promotions are dine-in only, although some restaurants occasionally extend discounts to online orders.
Which restaurant has the best beer happy hour?
Yard House consistently ranks first because of its enormous draft beer selection and discounted pricing.
Which steakhouse offers the best value?
Fogo de Chão Bar Fogo and Ruth’s Chris provide excellent opportunities to enjoy premium steakhouse food at significantly lower prices than dinner service.
Is Sonic Happy Hour available every day?
Many Sonic locations offer afternoon Happy Hour daily, and app users often receive drink discounts throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant happy hours provide one of the easiest ways to enjoy premium food and drinks without paying full menu prices. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted cocktails at STK, Brazilian small plates at Fogo de Chão, beer flights at Yard House, sushi at Kabuki, wings at Hooters, or budget-friendly appetizers at Applebee’s, there is a happy hour experience to match nearly every taste and budget.
While schedules, prices, and menu items differ from one location to another, the restaurants featured in this guide consistently rank among the best choices for value, variety, and overall dining experience. Before visiting, check your local restaurant’s current happy hour schedule to confirm participating times and specials, as offerings can change seasonally or due to local regulations.
References
Official Dave & Buster’s
https://www.daveandbusters.com
Official Fogo de Chão
https://fogodechao.com
Official BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
https://www.bjsrestaurants.com
Official Ruth’s Chris Steak House
https://www.ruthschris.com
Official Yard House
https://www.yardhouse.com
Official Sonic Drive-In
https://www.sonicdrivein.com
Official Applebee’s
https://www.applebees.com
Official P.F. Chang’s
https://www.pfchangs.com
