Happy Hour is the best. Period. Cheap drinks after work, little bites that don’t break the bank, all that is so fun. Living in New York is pretty expensive, so these types of deals you can snag, are sometimes the best, if not the only, way to socialize, and just let it all hang loose. But hmmave you been to a Happy Hour, where the offerings are well drinks for 10 dollars, Hot Dogs or frozen pizza for 5? Ugh, no thanks. I want to have a nice time, not get hammered and some food poisoning. This was probably one of my favorite blogs to research, because not only did I get to try some awesome cocktails, and devoured some delicious small plates of food, but when they mean Happy Hour, I would always leave happy and a little tipsy. Life is good. Without further ado, here are my five favorite Happy Hours, that not only sell great cocktails for a great price, but the Happy Hour food is also good.
Bar Moga
Bar Moga is located on the Lower Eastside, and definitely has a speakeasy vibe to it. It is actually a Japanese Cocktail bar, specializing in Craft Cocktails, Shochu, Japanese Whiskey and comfort food. Just a great and elegant, yet casual spot. They only have two cocktails for Happy Hour, however, you’re going to want to have more than one. Pinky Up and the Moga Manhattan, both very delicious at $15 each. Wines are $12, Whiskey is a little more pricey, but it’s really good stuff. There is no actual Happy Hour food, but there are plenty of small bites on the menu for everyone’s price point.
Nobody Told Me
Nobody Told Me is probably the best name I’ve ever seen for a bar. It confuses the life out of people that want to meet up there. I’m all about it. It is located uptown on Amsterdam Avenue. The Happy Hour cocktails frequently change, and I never had a bad one. The last time I was there, I had an Aperol Spritz Slushee and a cocktail named So What?, which was citrusy, vodka based with a blueberry shrub. Delicious! They will run you $12 per cocktail. Bar snacks like a Little Shrimp Roll or a Crispy Fish Taco (amazing) are $5 each. Great spot.
Asset
So yeah, I’m in love with Asset! I love everything there. Beautiful restaurant, great food, awesome cocktails. This place is located on Columbus Avenue right by 75th Street. A Happy Hour cocktail will cost you $10 a pop, and you can choose anyone from their cocktail menu. My favorites here are The Sparkling Grapefruit and Lychee Island Elixir. Super yummy. There are plenty of small plates starting at $10, my favorite here being the wings. It’s a must-try.
Jungle Bird
Jungle Bird calls 174 8th Avenue home. This place is well known for its tropical cocktails. Happy Hour is super fun here. There is a wide variety of options when it comes to cocktails. On my visit I chose La Bailadora, Reposado Tequila based, and Like A Prayer, Blanco Tequila based. So, so good. Cocktails will run you about $14 each. There is no actual Happy Hour food menu, besides the Thai Chili Crunchy Chickpeas, which are addictive and only cost $5. On the regular menu are plenty of small dishes you can choose from, and they won’t break your bank.
Bar Belly
Bar Belly is another great cocktail bar located on the Lower East Side. Small, friendly, dimly lit, it’s a true neighborhood spot with plenty of pizzazz. Happy Hour cocktails are an average of $14, and there are plenty drinks to pick from. My first cocktail was the Squarepants, which I had to order just for the name alone. It’s a Piña Colada-like frozen drink, very yummy. Next up was Casanova, vodka based, floral, delicious. You will be served popcorn upon entry, then order either oysters for $2 each, or the Belly Tots, or be like me, and order both. Great place!
All in all, these are five amazing Happy Hours, proving that even in New York City you can live just fine on a budget. You don’t need to compromise your taste in cocktails or food to have a grand old time!
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