New Haven Happy Hour Guide

BAR at 254 Crown St.

2006-09-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

Bar is an institution in New Haven. Many would argue that they are number 4 in line for the best pizza in town (behind Pepe's, Sally's and Modern Apizza). I definitely enjoy their pies, and I love that I can get a slice by the bar in the front lower lever at seemingly anytime.

Lately, I've been heading over to BAR on Saturday nights for their open bar from 10pm until 11pm. It's a $6 cover but once you're inside (I've never dealt with much of a line) you head back to the dance floor/back bar and it's a very good open bar for that late at night. Domestic bottles and rail drinks are totally free and the bartenders are quite generous - you can just go up and ask for several. I definitely have to recommend this New Haven landmark for any Saturday night - the place is still pretty empty at 10pm but by 11pm its really starting to get moving.

Check out the full listing here.

Quattro's Italian Cuisine Restaurant on Temple St.

2006-07-20T10:28:00.000-05:00

After walking past it scores of time, I finally stopped by Quattro's Italian Restaurant on Temple St. to check them out. They have one of the most generous happy hours in New Haven it seems - it's every weekday from 4pm until 8pm. In addition to cheap drink specials, they also have half price appetizers during this window as well.

I was really impressed by the atmosphere of this place - it's incredibly nice inside! My girlfriend and I just sat at the bar, which was equally nice. The bartender was very friendly and brought us delicious fresh chips when we arrived. I planned on trying some of the appetizers but they were mostly calamari based, which I am not a huge fan of so I just got a sandwich off the bar menu - it was really good and reasonably priced. My girlfriend got a pasta dish that she said was delicious. They also brought us some delicious breads with dipping oil.

I strongly recommend this place - maybe not for a loud night out with a bunch of friends, but certainly for a more intimate gathering. Check out their specials by clicking here.

Salty Dog Saloon in New Haven

2006-07-14T08:03:00.000-05:00

Even though I can practically see the Salty Dog Saloon from my apartment, I have only been once. This isn't necessarily for lack of trying - twice I tried to go and was turned off by the long line to get in before I finally sucked it up and waited my turn.

After finally getting in (it was a Saturday night) I expected the bar to be spectacular given the lines it always has. I must say I was fairly unimpressed. It was much too bright for my tastes. It's in a warehouse-like setting with high ceilings and lots of open space but it still felt cramped. The clientele was a very strange mix of college age kids and 40 something.

I had heard about the mechanical bull and was excited to see it in action - I think due to the bright lights and strange mix of people this failed to meet my expectations as well. Regardless with $2 PBRs all the time I think I will certainly have to try it out again, maybe they'll turn down the lights and make it feel more like a bar. You can check out its specials by clicking here.

Happy Hour at The Playwright in New Haven

2006-06-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Playwright is right around the corner from my apartment so I go there quite a bit. I think it is a great Irish bar - the atmosphere is fantastic, and the Guiness pints are delicious. Most times I go, it's not during their happy hour, but I have been to it a few times. All in all I wasn't very impressed - $1 off drinks isnt that great and the free buffet was lacking. The regular menu food is pretty good in my opinion though, albeit slightly pricey for bar food.

Despite these comments I still really enjoy going here - it's worth the slightly higher prices for the great environment. On weekends this place is packed and a lot of fun. You can check out their daily deals here: The Playwright in New Haven Happy Hour Specials.

TK's American Cafe

2006-06-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

I have been a pretty big fan of T.K.s for as long as I've lived in New Haven. It's kind of a dive frankly, but their wings are really good and I absolutely love their Chicken Fingers.

Foremost a sports bar, T.K.s has tons of TV's, several of which are right at the tables so you can watch whatever you want. They have a big patio that is good for nice summer evenings too.

What matters most though in this discussion is their happy hour - which is stellar! Tuesdays and Thursdays are my favorite days because 7pm until midnight you can get wings for $.20 each and pitchers of miller lite for $7. I usually get a pitcher, 10 wings and a basket of fries and its just about $10. Can't beat that.

They used to have a deal where you got your age in free wings and a bottle of champagne on your birthday but I believe they have cancelled this or at least severly cut back on what you get - 12 free wings maybe?

Regardless, don't expect a glamorous experience but do expect a good deal on some tasty food and drinks.

You can view all of T.K.'s in New Haven's happy hour specials by clicking here.

Burgers Tuesday Night at Hot Tomatos

2006-06-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went to Burger night at Hot Tomatos on 261 College Street. This is one of my favorite happy hours in New Haven. You get a respectable burger and fries and any draft beer they have on tap (they have many) for $5. I got a Guinness.

The restaurant itself is very nice - very classy in fact. The bar was packed tonight - I used to go and it was basically empty. Word must be getting out. There were two waitresses working tonight and they were both very friendly and helpful. I strongly suggest checking it out! They have great specials other days of the week as well.

New Haven Happy Hour Listings

2006-06-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I started up a website a few weeks back called www.newhavenhappyhours.com - I have lived here in downtown New Haven for over a year now and have been really impressed by all of the great bars there are within walking distance. It seemed like any night of the week I could go out and find another great special somewhere. I decided to share the wealth and set up a website devoted to listing all these great deals.

I have now decided to set up a blog for the site too! Now I can comment on specific happy hours I go to - I've set up comments too so everyone can put in their two cents. Please check back for discussions.

Thanks for visiting!