DineSpin

Best Happy Hour in New York

Find the best happy hour restaurants in New York, NY. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Finding the perfect happy hour spot in New York can feel overwhelming—there are hundreds of options, and not all of them deliver. We’ve done the legwork, considering everything from vibe to value.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting for the first time, these are the happy hour spots that consistently impress.

Recommended:

Best Happy Hour in New York

1.

Zen Ramen & Sushi

88/100

Zen Ramen & Sushi is a highly-regarded New York City establishment celebrated for its remarkably fresh and flavorful sushi and ramen, coupled with excellent value, particularly during its popular happy hour. While service is predominantly celebrated, occasional long waits and inconsistent experiences are noted.

Pro tip: Amazing food. Amazing service. AND fabulous prices. My husband and I came across this restaurant during their happy hour.

🍽️Food90

The food, particularly the sushi and ramen, is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with many diners highlighting specific rolls and broths as outstanding.

Ite tuna rolls and spicy salmon crunch rolls were amazing

👋Service85

Service is generally described as great, friendly, attentive, and professional, with several staff members, particularly Wenti, receiving specific commendations.

Amazing food. Amazing location. Amazing service.

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally perceived as pleasant, cozy, and modern, suitable for various occasions, though some find it can get stuffy when crowded.

The vibe is also amazing

💰Value90

The restaurant is frequently lauded for its first-rate value, especially during happy hour, offering affordable prices for high-quality sushi and ramen.

Fabulous prices. My husband and I came acros

📍 150 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018
4.4$$New YorkJapanese
Ideal for
Happy hour deals seekersRamen and sushi enthusiastsDiners seeking value in Midtown
2.

Mikado

78/100

Mikado is a popular Japanese restaurant in New York, particularly celebrated for its excellent happy hour deals offering high-quality sushi and rolls at very reasonable prices. While the food and ambiance are well-regarded, some diners have experienced inconsistencies in portioning and service, alongside isolated but concerning cleanliness and cleanliness issues.

Pro tip: Best happy hour in the city! They do not play when it come to portions, the fish to rice ratio is perfect.

🍽️Food85

The sushi and rolls are well-regarded for their freshness, quality ingredients, and outstanding fish-to-rice ratio, with many dishes being described as delicious and well-prepared.

The fish to rice ratio is perfect

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly and attentive, with specific staff members like Maria receiving multiple commendations. However, some diners note instances of rude, short, or overly aggressive service focused on upselling and quick table turnover.

Staff can be rude or short

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as relaxed, modern, clean, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing, making it suitable for various occasions from dates to large groups.

Ambiance is lovely as well

💰Value90

The restaurant is widely lauded for its first-rate value, particularly during happy hour, with diners consistently highlighting reasonable prices for high-quality food and generous portions.

Unbelievably reasonable

📍 109 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
4.5$$New YorkJapanese
Ideal for
Happy hour deals seekersDiners prioritizing valueCasual sushi outings
3.

Fumo Upper East Side

88/100

Fumo Upper East Side is a highly-regarded Italian restaurant known for its delicious and fresh food, excellent value, and beautiful ambiance. It's a popular spot for both casual dining and special occasions, with many patrons celebrating the generous portions and attentive service.

Pro tip: Amazing food and amazing service, great value, and a beautiful atmosphere.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, particularly the pasta dishes and happy hour offerings.

Everything we were served was delicious and fresh

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and accommodating, with specific mentions of staff going above and beyond.

He went above and beyond to offer us great service

Vibe85

The ambiance is consistently described as incredible, beautiful, stylish, and lively, with good music selections contributing to a positive atmosphere.

The ambiance is incredible

💰Value88

The restaurant is frequently lauded for its outstanding value, especially the $12 lunch specials offering generous portions of pasta or salad.

The best deal in the area

📍 1626 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
4.3$$New YorkItalian
Ideal for
Casual dinners with friendsDate nightsEnjoying happy hour deals
4.

TAQ | Taqueria Restaurant & Bar

88/100

TAQ offers a vibrant dining experience with creative and delicious tacos, well-regarded for their fresh ingredients and generous portions, especially during happy hour. While the food and atmosphere are generally well-received, a few instances of disappointing taco quality and concerning management responses detract from an otherwise positive picture.

Pro tip: Amazing tacos, great value, and a lively vibe, though management responses are concerning.

🍽️Food85

The tacos are frequently described as delicious, creative, and well-prepared, with many highlighting the vegetarian options. Some diners found certain tacos dry or lacking flavor, but this was a minority opinion.

Tacos were delicious and flavorful

👋Service75

Service is generally regarded as friendly, attentive, and helpful, with specific mentions of excellent bartenders. However, a few instances of rude or dismissive service, particularly from management, have been noted.

Staff were friendly and attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is consistently described as lively, cozy, modern, and inviting, with good music and decor, making it a popular spot for various occasions.

Good place and good vibes

💰Value85

Diners frequently celebrate the value, especially during happy hour with deals on tacos and drinks. Portions are often described as generous for the price.

Unbeatable price!

📍 81 Warren St, New York, NY 10007, United States
4.7$$New YorkMexican
Ideal for
Happy hour deals and drinksExploring creative taco flavorsCasual dinners with friends
5.

Nishida Sho-Ten Bryant Park

88/100

Nishida Sho-Ten Bryant Park is a highly-regarded ramen shop known for its flavorful broths and attentive service. It offers good value, especially with its happy hour specials, and a cozy, albeit sometimes loud, atmosphere. While most dishes are well-received, occasional inconsistencies in specific menu items are noted.

Pro tip: Amazing ramen broth and cocktails! We had three different types of ramen and three different signature cocktails.

🍽️Food85

The ramen, particularly the broth, is well-regarded for its richness and flavor, with specific mentions of the black garlic and Tantan varieties. While most dishes are well-received, some diners found certain items like okonomiyaki or wagyu ramen to be less impressive or overly salty.

Amazing ramen broth and cocktails!

👋Service92

Service is consistently described as attentive, friendly, and prompt, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.

The staff was incredibly attentive, warm, and welcoming

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as cozy, hip, and sometimes speakeasy-like, though some find it too dark or loud for conversation.

The cozy ambiance invites you to relax

💰Value85

The restaurant is considered a good value, with affordable prices, generous portions, and notable happy hour specials.

Super solid ramen spot at affordable prices.

📍 32 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018, United States
4.5$$New YorkJapanese
Ideal for
Ramen enthusiasts seeking flavorful brothsDiners looking for good value happy hour dealsPre-theater or post-library visitors
6.

Ban Ban Shop

88/100

Ban Shop is a popular, affordable eatery near Columbia University, celebrated for its delicious Southeast Asian-inspired fare, particularly its five-spice pork dishes and happy hour bao buns. The restaurant offers a cute, vibey atmosphere and generally friendly service, making it a consistent favorite for many.

Pro tip: The five-spice pork buns were amazing—super tender and flavorful.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its delicious flavors, particularly the five-spice pork, which is frequently highlighted as a standout. Dishes are described as fresh, well-seasoned, and offering good texture.

Five-spice pork, which was super tender

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, quick, and accommodating, with staff being knowledgeable and welcoming.

Excellent service and great ambiance

Vibe85

The atmosphere is well-regarded as cute, vibey, inviting, and well-decorated, making it suitable for various occasions.

Great aesthetic and friendly staff

💰Value85

The restaurant is considered a good value, with many diners noting affordable prices, especially during happy hour, and generous portion sizes.

Great food for less than 15 dollars

📍 2911 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States
4.6$$New YorkMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Quick lunches near Columbia UniversityHappy hour deals on bao bunsCasual meetups with friends
7.

Izakaya Zest

75/100

Izakaya Zest is a cozy neighborhood spot known for its delicious ramen, friendly service, and excellent happy hour deals. While generally well-received, a past food safety incident and some inconsistencies in dish quality are noted.

Pro tip: Delicious ramen, great service, and unbeatable happy hour prices in a cozy atmosphere.

🍽️Food85

The ramen is generally well-regarded for its rich broths and flavorful toppings, though some find it average or lacking in specific elements. Appetizers and other Japanese dishes also receive celebrate.

Delicious ramen

👋Service88

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff often going above and beyond to accommodate diners.

Very good attentive service

Vibe85

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, intimate, and pleasant, often enhanced by good music, making it suitable for dates or casual outings.

Atmosphere and music was amazing

💰Value80

The restaurant is known for its reasonable prices, particularly during happy hour, offering good quality food for the cost.

Prices for happy hour are unbeatable

📍 112 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, United States
4.6$$New YorkJapanese
Ideal for
Casual ramen cravingsHappy hour dealsCozy date nights
8.

The Malt House

88/100

The Malt House offers a lively atmosphere with generally well-prepared American cuisine and a good drink selection. While many patrons celebrate the food, service, and ambiance, recurring issues with excessive noise, inconsistent service, and particularly rude management behavior detract from the overall experience.

Pro tip: The food is incredible. If you like the good old “chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies” type of plate, I’m not exaggerating when I say the “Pan Roasted Chicken” plate here was the best of its …

🍽️Food85

The food is generally well-prepared and flavorful, with many dishes receiving high celebrate, though some find certain items to be average or disappointing.

Food is always delicious

👋Service75

Service is frequently described as stellar, attentive, and friendly, but a notable number ofdiners mention slow, inattentive, or even rude service, particularly from management.

Service was nice and quick

Vibe85

The atmosphere is well-regarded as cozy, lively, and upscale yet relaxed, with good decor and music, though it can become very loud.

Wonderful atmosphere

💰Value70

While many find the food and drinks to be good, several diners noted that prices are high for the quality or portion size received.

Food was okay and nothing spectacular

📍 9 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038, United States
4.3$$New YorkAmerican
Ideal for
Happy hour gatherings — lively atmosphere and good drink specialsCasual dinners with friends — good food and a vibrant vibeBusiness lunches — some seating options offer more privacy
9.

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar

75/100

San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar is celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, often described as among the best in NYC. While many celebrate the food and cozy atmosphere, service can be inconsistent, and there are concerns regarding wait times and a past pest sighting.

Pro tip: Amazing food, drinks, and service. Came for a happy hour on Tuesday and left with a full stomach and a happy heart.

🍽️Food85

The pizza is well-regarded as authentic Neapolitan style, with a chewy crust and fresh toppings, often described as among the best in the city. However, some dishes have been criticized for being dry, lacking flavor, or using canned ingredients.

Wood-fired perfection, with a chewy crust

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with many diners reporting friendly and attentive staff, but a significant number ofdiners mention inattentive, slow, or even rude service, including issues with incorrect orders and billing errors.

Service was terrible

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally described as cozy, charming, and authentic, with a warm and buzzing feel, though some find the space small and not ideal for romantic occasions.

Awesome vibe at this new place

💰Value70

Prices are considered reasonable for New York by some, especially for happy hour specials, but others find certain dishes or wine prices to be expensive.

Reasonably priced for.

📍 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, United States
4.5$$New YorkItalian
Ideal for
Pizza enthusiasts seeking authentic Neapolitan styleCasual diners looking for a cozy neighborhood spotThose seeking happy hour deals
10.

Sagaponack

88/100

Sagaponack is a highly-regarded seafood restaurant celebrated for its excellent happy hour deals, particularly its $1 oysters, and its fresh, delicious food. The atmosphere is lively and chic, and service is generally strong, though occasional inconsistencies and a notable management misstep temper the experience.

Pro tip: Happy hour delivers incredible value. Tasty and beautiful and cheap seafood platter.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, particularly the oysters, with many dishes described as delicious and well-prepared. The happy hour offerings are a significant draw.

Wonderful and delicious spot.

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with many staff members well-regarded. However, there are isolated mentions of inconsistency.

Staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as lively, chic, and comfortable, suitable for various occasions from casual outings to special dinners.

Nice cozy place

💰Value95

The happy hour deals, especially the $1 oysters, are frequently highlighted as outstanding value, making the restaurant a popular choice for affordable dining.

Happy hour delivers incredible value.

📍 4 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010, United States
4.6$$New YorkSeafood
Ideal for
Happy hour enthusiastsSeafood loversCasual date nights

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