When done wisely, Happy Hour can be a great networking tool. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with coworkers after-hours and to increase your professional network.
Meeting up for drinks is a great time to build relationships with people who you wouldn’t normally interact with in the classroom or at the office. It’s also easier to talk about something other than how stressed you feel when drinks and food are involved.
That’s why we’re a big fan of finding the best Happy Hours in every MetroMBA area. Sometimes you just need a break from studying and working, and an evening out is your perfect opportunity.
You can find the best Happy Hour locations for Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and Dallas here, or you can find places in Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York City, and Philadelphia here.
San Diego
San Diego is a city influenced heavily by American and Mexican cultures and because of this cultural mix, it’s home to a wide range of cuisines. Local specialties include Mexican, California-style pizza, Southeast Asian, seafood, and local wines.
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company: Happy Hour at Karl Strauss is always a great idea. You can enjoy drafts, wells, wines, and flights for just $4 while pairing your drink with affordable appetizers just as boneless wings and spicy hummus and flatbread for just $5. Show up Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 pm.
- Davanti Enoteca: Although you might not immediately think Italian for Happy Hour, maybe you should. Davanti offers $5 off their regular priced burgers. Plus, you can add a draft beer, house wine, wells, sangria, or martini for just $5 – $7. Happy Hours are 4 – 6 pm daily.
- Bankers Hill Bar: If you’re in the mood for a $6 bowl of truffle fries, mini cheeseburger sliders for $3.75 and daily draft or house wine priced at $5.50, then Bankers Hill is for you. Head in Monday – Friday from 4:30 – 6 pm.
San Francisco
San Francisco is diverse in terms of arts, music, cuisine, festivals, and more. It’s known as the birthplace of sourdough bread, Mission burrito, and steam beer. You can also find delicious seafood like Dungeness crab along with a wide variety of food trucks.
- Beso Bistronomia: Every day from 5 – 6 pm, you can enjoy great Happy Hour deals at Beso. Enjoy a variety of small plate tapas for just $5 – $6 and add a pitcher of sangria for $24 or $6 for a glass of wine.
- Dosa: Dosa is the place for Happy Hour in San Francisco. Monday – Thursday come in from 5 – 7 pm or from 9 pm until closing to enjoy some great deals. Pay just $7 for a glass of wine, $6 for specialties fries, $4 for vegetarian sliders, and $4 for beer.
- Fog City: Head into Fog City Monday – Friday from 4 – 6 pm to enjoy local oysters for just $1.50 each. Then add on $8 for spritzes, $7 for mules, $6 for shots, and $4 for Miller High Life.
Seattle
Seattle is well known for its ethnic cuisine influenced by Asian and Native American traditions. You’ll find delicious seafood such as salmon and shellfish, as well as game meats like moose, elk, or caribou. As for drinks stick with locally produced craft beer and wine.
- Ba Bar: If you’re looking for a daily Happy Hour from 3 – 6 pm, head to Ba Bar. Their grilled skewers are just $5, or you can enjoy chicken wings for just $8. Plus, enjoy discounts on a wide array of cocktails.
- Mezcaleria Oaxaca: When you need a late night happy hour Monday – Saturday from 10 pm – midnight, Mezcaleria is your place. Enjoy two tacos for just $5 and $3 for pints. Don’t forget their mezcal flights for just $15.
- Tallulah’s: Tallulah’s offers a bevy of tasty snacks for just $4 to $7 when you head into their daily Happy Hour from 4 – 6 pm. And don’t forget to add house red wine for $5, drafts for $4, or cocktails for just $6.
Toronto
Toronto’s cuisine reflects the city’s size and multicultural diversity. Different ethnic neighborhoods throughout the city offer everything from authentic Chinese and Vietnamese food to Greek, Italian, and Indian.
- The Carbon Bar: For gourmet BBQ, head on into Carbon Bar Thursday – Saturday from 11 pm – 2 am. For this late night happy hour, enjoy bar snacks for just $5, plus discounts on drinks.
- Pearl Diver: If you’re a die-hard oyster fan, look no further than Pearl Diver. Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 pm, you can get a dozen oysters for just $15 and feature drinks for just $5. As for the deal of deals, head in on Thursdays for 100 oysters for just $100.
- The Drake Hotel: The Drake Hotel offers one of the best Happy Hours in Toronto. Monday – Sunday from 4 to 7 pm, you can enjoy sushi and sashimi for just $6 and $10 a roll. Then add on a cocktail for just $10 and you’re set.
Washington DC
The Washington DC culture is varied and unique. You can enjoy a wide array of food in the city including everything from American to African, Italian, Salvadoran, Jamaican, Lebanese, and fusion restaurants.
- Belga Cafe: Don’t miss out on the Happy Hour action at Belga Cafe. Monday – Friday from 4 – 7 pm, enjoy drafts and beer flights at half-off and wine by the glass for just $5. Plus, chow down on a pot of mussels for just $16.95.
- Tortilla Coast: If you’re looking for a place to drink cheap Monday – Friday from 3:30 – 8 pm, look no further than Tortilla Coast. Pay just $4 for mini tacos and $6 for frozen margaritas.
- Grillfish: If you’re looking for a Happy Hour that’s about more than drinks, head to Grillfish. Oysters are just $1.50 each along with fish tacos for just $3. Plus you can add a beer for $6 or less. Happy Hour is daily from 4 – 7 pm.