After a long day at work or taking in Manhattan’s iconic sights, it’s time for a drink, preferably at a happy hour discount. There’s a reason NYC is referred to as “The City That Never Sleeps.” Its frenetic pace and countless museums, galleries, and shops certainly call for a time out. Luckily many of New York City’s restaurants and bars offer happy hour specials, which won’t break budgets. From casual to chic, here are a host of hotspots to explore.
Benjamin Prime
Decadence can be found at a fraction of the cost at midtown’s Benjamin Prime. From Monday through Friday, between 4pm and 7pm, this traditional steakhouse offers dollar deals on oysters, and champagne at half the price. 23 E. 40th St., 212-338-0818, benjaminsteakhouse.com
Darbar
The stylish, ultra-mod Indian eatery Darbar hosts a happy hour that includes deals on top-shelf cocktails, which include the Mumbai Express—a house special that mixes Indian Old Monk Rum with cola or diet cola. A host of other cocktails are offered, including the Pomegranate Martini—a fusion of vodka and pomegranate juice with a splash of sparkling water. The beer menu includes India’s Kingfisher brand, as well as Coors Light, Amstel Light, Corona, and Heineken. Happy hour deals extend to the wine category as well. 152 E. 46th St., 212-681-4500, darbarny.com; there's also a terrific nearby spinoff, Darbar Grill, 157 E. 55th St., 212-751-4600, darbargrill.com
Mr. White
The recently opened Southern-inspired restaurant Mr. White just launched a happy hour, which will be offered Sunday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Guests can indulge in half-price house specialty chargrilled oysters and raw oysters. There are also two-for-one drink specials. Specialty drinks on the happy hour menu include the Hornet’s Nest—muddled fresh sage with smoked honey shaken with soju—and the Beta Lambda Brut—fresh muddled blackberries with lavender and bubbles. 123 St. Marks Pl., 212-510-7229, mrwhitecooks.com
Morton’s The Steakhouse
The iconic steakhouse Morton's the Steakhouse offers a happy hour special on yummy bar bites, which include short rib steak tacos, a filet mignon trio, and prime cheeseburgers. Its happy hour menu extends beyond beef to include fresh-cut potato chips, parmesan truffle matchstick fries, crab cake BLT, and tuna tacos. The specials are offered Monday through Friday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm and from 9pm to closing. 551 Fifth Ave., 212-972-3315, mortons.com
The Sea Fire Grill
The Sea Fire Grill is a destination for locally sourced, contemporary American seafood. Every Friday through Sunday, from 4pm to 7pm, The Sea Fire Grill offers half-price deals on oysters and on some of its wine offerings. 158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785, theseafiregrill.com
Seamore’s Up Top
Commuters seeking happy hour destinations near Grand Central Terminal can head to the recently opened Seamore’s Up Top on the mezzanine at Urbanspace Vanderbilt. Its stellar happy hour, which is open to New Yorkers and tourists alike, is offered Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. It offers deals on food, including avocado fritters and calamari and on well-drinks and draft beers. 45th St. and Vanderbilt Ave., 646-747-0822, seamores.com
