Hudson Valley Happy Hour Tour
Follow The Groundhog through a tour of the county’s most notable Happy Hour specials.
Face it, we could all use a drink sometimes. Whether it’s a long day at work, countless responsibilities stressing us out or life is simply testing our patience, taking time to wind down is a must.
Along with its plethora of coffee shops and pizza joints, the Hudson Valley offers a wide variety of happy hour deals to appease every crowd. Listed below are locally selected bars and restaurants that take the song, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” very seriously.
Hyde Park Brewing Company
Our first stop is at a more upscale location that stands by their motto, “anytime is a good time for beer.” This brewery has 20 years of experience serving German-style beers to thirsty residents of Dutchess County. During happy hour, 4–7 p.m. Monday-Friday, all homemade beers are $5, house wines are discounted and drinks can be paired with cheapened German-style appetizers. Monday offers any burger and beer off their menu for $15. Andrew, a bartender who has worked with the company for almost two years, calls their Tuesday “Pizza Pitcher” special, “the best deal in the county!” For $15, customers get a pitcher of beer with a cheese pizza. The deals continue into Wednesday when their Winkle Lager is $4 all day long. They celebrate Tex-Mex night on Thursdays with $4 margaritas, and live music entertains guests through the weekend. For the ladies, Andrew recommends their Big Easy Blonde, a lighter lager on tap. And for the men, it’s all about the “sturdy beer,” Rough Rider.
Located: 4076 Albany Post Road, Hye Park
Georgie O’s
Around the corner lives a bar with a more casual setting. It’s the only place in the area hosting Off Track Betting on races running daily, and an APA pool league Sunday-Thursday. Since 1976, the bar has welcomed the same crowd. Jen, a bartender there of four years, explains, “Everybody knows everybody. We have 40 years of friendship in this place.” Discounted draft beers, Coors light and Bud light bottles are featured on their happy hour, as well as mixed drinks for $2.50 from 3–6 p.m. Monday-Friday. They also offer quick draw lottery, scratch-offs and karaoke game nights on Fridays.
Located: 787 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park
The Derby
Located in the center of Poughkeepsie, it’s the oldest active restaurant and bar in the area. Their menu offers a wide range of American cuisine, and welcomes a diverse crowd of college staff, students and local residents. They offer a half price happy hour from 5–7 p.m. Monday-Friday, discounting everything but top shelf liquors. The restaurant offers a different event every night, seeing the biggest crowd during trivia Wednesdays.
Located: 96 Main Street, Poughkeepsie
Union Square Tavern
Any day is a good day to party at Union, as they provide happy hour deals seven days a week. While it may be a college scene by night, by day the bar provides a special menu and discounted beers, wine and mixed drinks. Happy hour is 3–7 p.m. daily, with extended happiness on Fridays from 3–9 p.m. The bar provides extra deals on beer during Tower Tuesdays, sells $5 burgers and beers Wednesday nights and finishes the week with $3 fireball shots, $2 Coors light bottles and $1 off well drinks on 3–2–1 Fridays.
Located: 51 Market Street, Poughkeepsie
Schatzi’s Pub & Bier Garden
Our last stop is at another bar with German flare. Schatzi’s has 10 rotating taps, four of which pour German-style beers including Kölsch, Pilsner and Oktoberfest. The manager of the original location, Amelia, lures customers in during the slow hours of 3–6 p.m. with discounted German food and drinks. During happy hour, guests can purchase a $6 half liter of beer (normally priced $10) and a $10 full liter (normally priced $14). Also included on the menu is $5 bratwurst and $1 off wine and mixed drinks. As summer approaches, Amelia expects to revamp the current happy hour specials.
Located: 202 Main Street, Poughkeepsie and 36 Main Street, New Paltz
Still Thirsty?
Here’s a couple more places to spend the happiest hours of the day:
Mahoney’s Irish Pub
Monday-Friday, 4–7 p.m., $2 domestic beers
Located: 35 Main St, Poughkeepsie
Monkey Magee’s Triple Play
Monday-Friday, 5–7 p.m., $2.50 domestic beers, $3 imported beers and reduced mixed drinks
Located: Red Oaks Mill Shopping Center, 40 Vassar Rd
C’s Restaurant and Lounge
Monday-Friday, 4–6 p.m., reduced domestic, import and mixed drinks
Located: 464 Freedom Plains Rd, Poughkeepsie
Darby O’Gills
Everyday! 3–7 p.m. and 3–9 p.m. Fridays, $1 off draft pints, wine and mixed drinks, $5 select appetizers
Located: 3969 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park
River Station Restaurant
Monday and Friday 4–6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5–7 p.m., half price select drinks, $3 domestic beers and $4 craft beers
Located: 1 N Water St, Poughkeepsie
