When a happy hour menu reads like “$1 off all drinks” or “free popcorn from 5 to 6 p.m.,” the phrase “sad sip session” feels more appropriate. Dallasites love happy hours that offer fantastic food-and-drink specials, especially because sometimes happy hour represents the best chance to experience an otherwise out-of-reach restaurant without breaking the bank. And if you’re lucky, some have such a great food-drink balance that you might be able to skip dinner altogether.
Here are 25 must-try happy hours in Dallas for your dining and drinking pleasure. (Pro tip: Some offerings can only be enjoyed in the bar area, so plan accordingly.)
Revelers Hall
New Orleans knows how to stage a great happy hour, and this Bishop Arts District favorite effortlessly captures the essence of the Big Easy. Rather than a limited happy hour selection, choose any food and beverage items from the full menu and get an automatic 25% discount. Stick around afterward for live music, which typically begins at 7 or 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., 412 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas, revelershall.com
The Hampton Social
The Hampton Social’s happy hour menu features $1.50 oysters, which are a major draw, but there are additional food items starting at $9 to pair with $6 beers, and $9 wines and signature cocktails. If you’re happy-houring with a group, consider the “Unlimited Sips, Shucks, and Smash Experience.” For parties of 10-20, pay $49 for two hours of bottomless carafes of rosé or skinny margaritas, along with unlimited oysters, Wagyu smashburger tacos, and truffle fries. Either option is a fun way to capture an indulgent Hamptons vibe without leaving Downtown Dallas. Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m., 1520 Main St., Dallas, thehamptonsocial.com
Harwood Arms
The Harwood District’s answer to a traditional UK-style neighborhood pub delivers on the deals each weekday with a special menu of treats, both edible and drinkable. Snack on $7 scotch eggs, white bean dip, or mini Reuben fries, while sipping on select $6 wines and wells, $7 cocktails, and $1-off draft pints. Start the weekend early with Friday’s extended happy hour that kicks off at 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday from 4-7 p.m.; Extended happy hour Friday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., 2823 McKinnon St., Dallas, harwoodarmsdallas.com
José
Mexican fare and happy hour always pair well, and this Park Cities staple showcases the best of their symbiotic relationship with plenty of afternoon discounts. Try $3 bottled beer, $8 frozen margs, $10 Lalo margaritas before getting your fill of $6 tacos, $12 fundido burgers, and other substantial snacks from $6-$12. Monday-Friday, 3-5:30 p.m., 4931 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas, www.jose.mx
STK Steakhouse
The happy hour menu at this Uptown steakhouse reads like an introduction to all the fabulousness on the regular dinner menu, which means steak and seafood galore await at deep discounts. Find $3 oysters or crab/corn fritters, and $9 Japanese A5 Wagyu tacos or mini steak frites, among 16 different food offerings. Select beers are $6 while cocktails, large-format beer, and wines by the glass, clock in at $9. Note: Late-night happy hour discounts apply to food only. Monday-Friday, 2:30-6:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; Sunday-Thursday, 9 p.m. to close, 2000 McKinney Ave., Dallas, stksteakhouse.com
Happiest Hour
No happy hour list would be complete without including a place so devoted to the concept that it’s named after it. Work your way through more than a dozen “Happytizers” (chicken tenders, tempura cauliflower, and brisket nachos among them), each available for half price. To accompany, choose from $7 signature cocktails, $4 draft pints, and $7 house wines by the glass. The Harwood District mainstay features two patios and indoor options. Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. 2616 Olive St., happiesthourdallas.com
Kessaku
For many, Kessaku represents a special-occasion dining experience. While its happy hour lasts only a literal 60 minutes, it’s quite the opportunity to get a taste of what makes the restaurant so special. (And it gets bonus points for offering a Saturday happy hour.) Soak up sweeping views of the city while sampling $2 oyster shooters, a $35 chef-curated Golden Hour Tower, $6 nigiri, and $10 sushi rolls, accompanied by wine or cocktails from $10-$21. Thursday-Saturday, 6-7 p.m., 1405 Elm St., 50th Floor, Dallas, kessakurestaurants.com
Clifton Club
Escape the bumper-to-bumper Fitzhugh rush hour traffic, and reward yourself with $10-$14 cocktails, including margaritas and martinis, plus snacks from $7 during happy hour at Clifton Club. Or, indulge in larger-format, happy hour-priced meals, including steak frites for $33. For a bit of playfulness, the $20 “Kid’s Meal” includes a mini smash burger, fries, any happy hour cocktail, and a cigarette. (No smoking inside, however.) Tuesday-Sunday, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 3333 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas, cliftonclubdallas.com
Mercat Bistro
Here’s your chance to brag that you went to a Michelin-recommended restaurant without a significant financial commitment. Peruse the happy hour menu and soon you’ll be slurping $2 oysters, nibbling on $6-$7 bites like smoked salmon and beef tartare, and knocking back $3 beers or $6 martinis and wines by the glass. Schedule your visit for Champagne Tuesday between 4-6 p.m., and you can splurge on half-price bottles of bubbly, too. For all the money you save, you may want to stick around for the excellent $95, five-course Michelin Tasting Menu. Monday-Friday, 2:30-5 p.m., 2501 N. Harwood St., Ste. 225, Dallas, mercatbistro.com
Ida Claire
Drinking for free? That is entirely possible at this southern hospitality-infused favorite in North Dallas/Addison. Simply bring your favorite album during the Vinyl Happy Hour and they’ll spin your tunes while you cash in on a free happy hour cocktail from a select list that includes espresso martinis and hurricanes. Even without vinyl in tow, drinks will only set you back $5 for select beer and wine, or $8 for one of six different cocktails. $8 bar bites include hot honey shrimp, garden hummus boards, boudin balls, and burger sliders. Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., 5001 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, ida-claire.com
Columbian Country Club
You don’t need a membership to enjoy this particular country club. Small plates run $5-$7, with caviar bumps, chicken karaage, and tuna or salmon crispy rice. Then work your way through the sushi menu with half-price rolls. Meanwhile, wet your whistle with a trio of $11 tequila cocktails, including El Guapo, made with Tentador Reposado, Licor 43, and aromatic bitters. Tuesday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m., 3314 Ross Ave., Ste. 150, Dallas, columbiancc.com
The Charlotte
Experience the Charlotte’s self-proclaimed “Best Happy Hour Ever” alongside a giant teddy bear or two at this chic two-story venue with a duet of indoor dining rooms and matching outdoor spaces. Partake in your choice of 10 $9 cocktails (the frozen ranch water’s perfect for summer), $7 beer, $8 wine, and $9 eats, including a Caesar salad, smashburger, Wagyu sandwich, spinach dip, and calamari. Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., 2822 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, thecharlotterestaurant.com
Over Under Sports Bar + Rooftop
Bring a handful of dollar bills, and you will leave satisfied at this hangout, which features wings tossed in a choice of eight different sauces or rubs for $1 each during happy hour. Throw in $5 loaded fries or a housemade pretzel from the snack menu, wash it down with $2 discounted drafts and well drinks, and you have a late-afternoon to-do you won’t mind checking off your list. Starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays, check out the all-you-can-eat pizza menu for only $15. Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., 5625 Village Glen Dr., Ste. 170, Dallas, thevillagedallas.com
Even Coast
The only thing better than a fabulous happy hour is a daily fabulous happy hour! Fill up on $10 cheeseburgers, $3 oysters, $6 beer pints, and $9 signature cocktails or house bubbles, red, or white—any day that ends in “y” at this coastal North Dallas eatery. On Saturday and Sunday, special pricing is only offered in the bar and lounge, but it’s available anywhere from Sunday through Thursday. Anywhere you can find a seat, that is. Daily, 2-6 p.m., 5463 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, even-coast.com
Commons Club
Even billionaires like Richard Branson know people love a good discount. Snack on $8 crispy Brussels and $12 wings, while sipping on $5 drafts, $9 espresso martinis, and $7 wines by the glass at one of the best happy hours in the Design District. Monday-Friday, 2-7 p.m., 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, commonsclub.com
Wild Salsa
Good deals in the heart of Downtown can be hard to come by, but Wild Salsa delivers. Treat yourself to half-off any appetizer, which translates to $5 guacamole or queso blanco, and $7 shrimp ceviche. Sip on select cocktails for $5, pitchers of margs or sangria for $20, plus discounts on all beers and wines by the glass. Monday-Saturday, 4-6 p.m., 1800 Main St., Dallas, wildsalsarestaurant.com
Haywire
Grab a seat on the patio, fitted with a retractable-roof, for some fresh air and even fresher deals. Get your straw ready for $7 cocktails, including frozen Texas Tea (a sangria-spiked take on a Long Island Iced Tea) and traditional frozen margs. Mini elk tacos, burger sliders, and chips and queso will also only set you back seven bucks. Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m.,1920 McKinney Ave., Ste. 100, Dallas, haywirerestaurant.com
Mar y Sol
Offering a rare everyday happy hour, Mar y Sol rolls out the red carpet with $5 specialty cocktails, including ranch waters, margaritas, and Borgoñas (similar to sangria). Bites start at $2 for oysters and go up to $10 for larger plates, such as the Salchipapas, a combo of housemade sausage and french fries. Monday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 4-6 p.m., 4511 McKinney Ave., Dallas, marysolcocinalatina.com
Trattoria Bugatti
One of the newest restaurants in Dallas has launched a special Apertivo Hour, allowing guests to enjoy the contemporary Italian specialties of chef Erin Willis. Bites range from $10-$12 and include crabmeat au gratin, fried gnocchi, sourdough focaccia with whipped ricotta and mortadella, and meatballs in a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Drink specials change daily, so ask the bartender for options. Daily, 3-6 p.m., 3850 W. Northwest Hwy., #1190, Dallas, trattoriabugatti.com
Ocean Prime Dallas
It’s tiny tini time on Tuesdays at Ocean Prime Dallas. Enjoy a variety of Ocean Prime’s signature craft cocktails as mini versions for only $5, or a flight of three for $15. You’ll also get access to $5 bites, including mini crab cakes and Point Judith calamari. If it’s not Tuesday, don’t worry, you find daily beer, wine, and cocktail specials, plus any appetizer or sushi from the lounge menu for half off. That equates to $8 blackened fish tacos, $13 spicy tuna rolls, and $11 steak frites.Daily, 4-6 p.m., (Tiny Tini Happy Hour) Tuesday, 4-6 p.m. 2101 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, ocean-prime.com
Miriam Cocina Latina
Festive Hour begins at Miriam Cocina Latina each weekday at 11 a.m. with drink specials, including three different types of $6 margaritas. Wait until 3 p.m. for cheap eats, too, such as $5 tacos, $4 empanadas, and a $10 Duo Verde (Chef Miriam’s famous green queso with a side of guac). Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m., 2015 Woodall Rogers Fwy., Dallas, miriamcocina.com
Hendy’s on Henderson
If you like getting twice as much for your money, you’ll love this happy hour where appetizers, martinis, and wines by the glass all ring up at 50% off. Choose from hearty food options, including pretzel calamari, shrimp toast, and Hendy’s salad with roasted chicken, with martini selections ranging from a tropical coconut matcha martini to a guava soft-serve margarita. Tuesday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., 2401 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, hendysonhenderson.com
Monarch
As Monarch celebrates five years of exquisite food, service, and views from the 49th floor of the National downtown, there’s never been a better time to visit. Happy hour offerings range from $2 oysters (with $10 caviar upgrades) and meatball buns to wood-fired seafood and truffle steak tartare. Linger over $12 glasses of wine and $15 cocktails, taking in the bustling city scene below. Sunday-Friday, 5-6:30 p.m., 1401 Elm St., 49th Floor, Dallas, monarchrestaurants.com
Bucket & Rope
Next time you’re at the Dallas Farmers Market, head a couple of blocks over for this southern-inspired happy hour. The weekday menu offers an array of crowd-pleasers, including $10 New Orleans barbecue shrimp, $7 green chile hummus, $6 duck taquitos, and $5 VH Famous Bean Dip. Pair those with $5 beer and $6 wells or glasses of wine. Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., 600 S. Harwood St., Dallas, bucketandrope.com
Delilah Dallas
The buzzy West Hollywood-based supper club has been a sought-after experience ever since it debuted, and Golden Hour makes for an ideal time to get a taste of the vibe. Nosh on $14 bites, including hamachi crudo, Wagyu pigs in a blanket, crispy cauliflower, and tuna tartare, as well as $3 oysters on the half shell. All signature cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass clock in at half off. Tuesday-Sunday, 5-6 p.m., 1616 Hi Line Dr., Dallas, delilahrestaurants.com
Written By The Seasons
Both the Uptown and Oak Cliff locations of this chef-driven, Michelin-recommended favorite host two very different happy hours during the week. Depending on location and day of the week, you can enjoy $10 spicy ranch waters and Dirty Shirleys, along with small bites ranging from $5 smoked pecans to $12 flatbreads. If you time it right, you can also fill up on heartier options like grilled burgers and vegan sandwiches. Oak Cliff: Monday-Thursday, 5-6 p.m., Friday, noon-5 p.m., Saturday, 3-6 p.m. 380 Melba St., Dallas; Uptown: Monday-Saturday, 3-5 p.m., 2681 Howell St., Ste. BU2, Dallas, writtenbytheseasons.com
