5 Great Happy Hours in New York City on a Budget
It’s the end of the week, and you’re waiting for that clock on your desktop to hit 5 PM. You’re done looking at your emails, your mind is halfway to the beach plans you have laid out for the coming days, and there is no chance on God’s green Earth that you’re answering that Slack message from Steve about updating your spreadsheets on time. (Go home Steve, you’re the worst.)
Yet when the clock finally does hit that glorious hour of 5 PM, you’re free to join the toiling masses, unchained from their desks and duties, to engage in some imbibing to take the edge off. Here in New York City, happy hour is more than just a time of day; it’s a lifestyle. But for a broke 20 or 30-something living in one of the most expensive cities on the planet, finances are always a consideration. Keeping that in mind, here are 5 of the best places in New York City to grab a drink (or four) after work and not break the bank.
Shorty’s, Multiple Locations
This Philadelphia-themed bar has a special place in my heart not only because it reminds me of home, but also due to their phenomenal happy hour specials. At each of their four locations, Shorty’s runs a $4 ANY beer special (yes, you read that right. Liquid gold including Delirium and other high-end brews included) and a $5 well drink special Monday-Friday. In addition, for under $20, you can get a top-shelf brew and a cheesesteak or roast pork sandwich good enough to remind you of the taste of South Philadelphia. The four locations (FiDi, Hell’s Kitchen, Flatiron, Upper East) vary in size, but be sure to get there early to get a spot for one of the best deals you’ll find anywhere in New York.
Rudy’s Bar and Grill, 627 9th Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen
Rudy’s is the definition of a dive bar. The booths are made of duct tape, and the interior appears to be as old as the bar itself. But therein lies Rudy’s infinite charm. Rudy’s has two specialty types of draft beer — red and blonde. Each are $3 for a pint. Pitchers of the house beers will run you $8, making this one of the most affordable happy hours in the entire city. There’s an outdoor area with a projection screen that plays sports on a nightly basis, and for the smokers out there, the patio allows you to light up in peace. Rudy’s only accepts cash, so leave the cards in your wallet. Be sure to tip your bartenders well (as you always should); Rudy’s can get a little crowded and your kindness and courtesy can get you vaulted to the front of the line. Also, did I mention there are free hot dogs at Rudy’s? Because there are free hot dogs. Don’t forget to pose for a photo op with Rudy’s famous pig mascot at the front door.
Rathbones Pub and Grill, 1702 2nd Avenue, Yorkville
Ah, bone sweet bone. The tag line of this Upper East Side local haunt proves apt once you walk inside the doors of this decades-old 2nd Avenue pub. Located close to the new 86th Street subway stop, Rathbones serves cold, cheap drinks and fantastic food in a friendly atmosphere. Domestic bottles and drafts run $3 or $4 each, and there are food deals every weeknight, with buy-one-get-one Coors Light bottles on Tuesdays and $.25 wings on Wednesdays leading the list. Additionally, Rathbones has a small outdoor seating area with television screens, so you and your friends don’t have to miss any game action while you’re unwinding from a long work day.
Barfly NY, 244 3rd Avenue, Gramercy Park
If you’re looking for a relaxing happy hour with your co-workers and friends after a particularly hectic day at the office, look no further than Barfly NY. The Lower East Side pub has unbeatable lunch deals for the days when you’re out of the office a little early, a happy hour that lasts until 8 PM, and outdoor seating for those evenings you’d like to do some people watching. In addition, Barfly NY boasts a pool table that is particularly well maintained, a big plus if you’re looking to shoot a few games with friends. The drinks are cheap, the food is good (and affordable, with a rather extensive menu) and there’s plenty of room if you’re traveling with a big group.
Bourbon Street, 407 Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side
There are some days that are harder than others, and you might be looking to drink a bit more. Look no further than Bourbon Street on the Upper West Side. Known for its lack of frills and cheap drinks, you can take advantage of $1 beer Fridays, arcade games, and ample seating in the back of the bar. You can also imbibe in a 32-ounce domestic draft for $6, served ceremoniously in a styrofoam cup, which is a touch I enjoy because if you’re spending that little money for that much beer, you need something to knock you down a peg. Another personal favorite of this Amsterdam Avenue dive is the skee ball machine, which will have you and your friends competing for high scores long into the night.
Do you have a favorite cheap drinks spot in the city? Leave it in the comments below! If you’re interested in becoming a Thrifty Barfly contributor, send an email and a story idea to seanfrancisdevlinwrites@gmail.com.
