The Happiest Hours {in Austin}
It’s Back!
Words by Guadalupe Triana Photos by Shelby Bella
With more Austin bars and restaurants embracing a post-pandemic environment, the long-awaited happy hour is slowly, but steadily, making a triumphant return.
These days, happy hour is much more than just a period of the day. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, something to look forward to at the end of a tiring work day. It’s a small reward that never seems to gets old. Whether enjoying dinner and drinks inside a booth, outside on a patio, with friends or co-workers, the right happy hour has the power to change the mood of anyone’s day.
But what really makes for a great happy hour? At the end of the day, it’s all about the attractive prices, selective snacks and delectable drinks, and perhaps most notable, the memorable experiences. On the Eastside, there’s no shortage of happy hours from which to choose. From breezy patios to fun pizza parlors, East Austin establishments are embracing the long-awaited return of the happy hours that constantly deliver layers of flavors, community, and connection.
The Price is Right
Hank’s Austin
What: $6 frozen & tap cocktails, $6 tap wine, $3 off apps, $1 off beer
When: Daily, 3pm-6:30pm
While it’s true Hank’s has a little something for everyone, happy hour gives folks the opportunity to see exactly why Hank’s is the place to be. Whether guests seek the sweetness of a Frosé, or the tartness of a Frozen Paloma, both are available for only $6 during happy hour. Those who arrive hungry can choose from twelve appetizer options, including the savory Mediterranean Meatballs or rich Hummus & Pita dish. Appetizers are $3 off during happy hour, so there’s no guilt in ordering more than one.
5811 Berkman Dr. | hanksaustin.com | @hanks.austin
Read more about Hank’s here…
Swift Pizza Company
What: $5 Spicy Watermelon Rita, Swifty Ocean Water, Appy Spritz, & house wine, $5 select apps, $10 select pizzas, $1 Miller Highlife Pony
When: Daily, 5pm-6pm, and all night on Wednesday
Since its opening in mid-April, Swifty’s has been swiftly serving up some typical pizza joint delights: garlic rolls, mozzarella sticks, salads. But the family-centric restaurant takes it a step further by offering an unbeatable happy hour bound to turn any day of the week into a pizza day.
For less than $20, patrons can get their hands on a mouthwatering 14-inch pepperoni or Margherita pizza, and then wash it down with one of two enticing specialty cocktails: Spicy Watermelon Rita or Appy Spritz. Apps like gazpacho, focaccia toast, and garlic rolls are also on the table for happy hour.
Made up of jalapeño tequila, lime, and of course, watermelon, the Spicy Watermelon Rita is a simple, yet tasty, twist on the classic margarita. The rim is covered with a delicious chili salt that complements the drink and helps close out the refreshing sip with a hint of spiciness. On the other hand, the Appy Spritz is Swift’s version of a well-known bubbly, summertime go-to. The Appy Spritz comes with Aperol, Brut Rosé, soda, and lemon, ensuring a bittersweet, yet bubbly, experience.
3223 E 7th St. | swiftpizzaco.com | @swiftpizzaco
Read more about Swifty’s here…
Xian Sushi & Noodle
What: $4 maki rolls, $5 appetizers & house wine
When: Monday – Friday, 5pm-9:30pm, all day on Saturday & Sunday
Xian Sushi & Noodle is a popular authentic Chinese restaurant with four locations throughout the greater Austin area, including one near Mueller and Windsor Park. While their happy hour is focused on food rather than drinks, it provides guests with an opportunity to try a few of the various apps, like Pork Buns, Crispy Shrimp, and Spicy Lobster Dumplings, which pair well with any of their hand-pulled noodle entrees. Make no mistake though. Xian has the power to satisfy the strong-est of Asian food cravings.
1801 E 51st St. C370 | xianfresh.com
Cisco’s Restaurant
What: $5 & $6 margaritas, 1/2 off appetizers
When: Every day from 3-7 pm Mon-Friday.
Cisco’s is a timeless Eastside treasure, which is why it’s no surprise they’re on this list. While half off all appetizers sounds like a good time (hello, nachos!), what would a Tex-Mex happy hour be without a comforting margarita? At Cisco’s, guests can order the classic marg-
arita on the rocks or frozen, which is available in lime, strawberry, mango, and even prickly pear.
1511 E 6th St. | ciscosaustin.com | @ciscosaustin
Read more about Cisco’s here…
Licha’s Cantina
What: $6 munchies & cocktails, $12 bucket of Coronitas
When: Tuesday – Friday, 4pm-6pm
Licha’s Cantina reminds the world of two important truths. Life is better with great friends and even better with food. The restaurant offers an unrivaled happy hour that demands that those who’d like to attend do some careful planning. During happy hour, all six house cocktails are only $6, and yes, that includes the Margarita, as well as the Vampiro and the Lupita: two tequila-based cocktails, each with a distinct spiciness that pairs well with any of the Munchies menu items.
1306 E 6th St. | lichascantina.com | @lichascantina
Central Machine Works
What: Half-price pitchers, $5 burgers, $2 off pizza, and on movie nights, free popcorn
When: Tuesday – Thursday, 9pm-close
The magic of Central Machine Works lies in the fact that guests won’t ever have to sit in the same place twice. At 9,800 square feet, the brewery has plenty of space for everyone to lounge, play games, and yes, even watch movies. On most Wednesday nights, guests can plan to arrive later in the evening to catch a movie and take advantage of the food and drink specials during reverse happy hour.
4824 E Cesar Chavez St. | cmbrewery.com | @central.machine.works
Mour Café
What: $5 cocktails, bites, drafts, & rotating wine by the glass, 1/2 off select wine bottles
When: Daily, 5pm-6pm
This farmhouse-fare-focused gastropub offers plenty of fresh options at happy hour prices, every day of the week. Whether it’s two people or a group of five, Mour has $5 bites that will thrill just about anyone. They offer chicken wings, herb guacamole, and a ceviche, which comes with tilapia, radishes, and cucumbers, all bathed in a chili oil, and, of course, corn totopos to scoop it up. Guests can pair the bites with a $5 cocktail for a Mour satisfying experience.
1414 Shore District Dr., Bldg. 3, Ste. | mourcafe.com | @mourcafe
Read more about Mour here…
Sipping Pretty: The Most Attractive Happy Hours
High Noon
What: $5 Jameson, Tito’s, & Espolòn, $2 Lone Star, $2 off frozen & house cocktails
When: Monday – Friday, 3pm-7pm
Any passerby could take one look at the Pegasus out front and know that the High Noon atmosphere is unlike any other on the street. Though it might be one of the newest bars on the block, High Noon has an allure that’s only heightened by happy hour prices. With cocktails like the Witch’s Ring, a mezcal-
based drink featuring coconut milk, fresh carrot juice, pineapple and chipotle syrup, along with fresh orange juice—High Noon is anything but simple. “The Witch’s Ring has a little bit of everything,” says General Manager Matt Rade. “It’s smoky, earthy, rich, a bit savory, and even a little sweet.”
Those searching for an agave specialty are in luck. “Austin itself has become a very agave spirit-focused crowd,” says Matt. “Even though we still love our whiskey, we put more of a focus on agave spirits, tequilas and mezcals, which is where we came up with a lot of our cocktails.”
Those craving a frozen moment of bliss will not be disappointed with the Missionary’s Downfall, one of two frozen cocktails on the menu. The Missionary’s Downfall is a perfectly balanced blend of rum, fresh pineapple juice, crème de pêche, lime juice, and mint syrup; it’s sweet and delicious, without being overbearing.
Though the swank bar comes to life at night, happy hour is the perfect time to ride into the wild west at High Noon.
2000 E Cesar Chavez St. | highnoonaustin.com | @high_noon_austin
Gabriela’s Downtown
What: $6 cocktails, $6-$7 plates
When: Monday – Friday, 3pm-6pm
Happy hour at Gabriela’s kicks off right at 3 o’clock, which is perfect for those looking to avoid the rowdy evening or weekend crowds. During happy hour, Street Mini Tacos, Chicken Taquitos Dorados, and Ceviche Tostadas are only $6 to $7. While the colorful walls and décor are certainly Instagram-worthy, the exceptional food, drinks, music, and vibes could make just about anyone temporarily forget about their phone.
900 E 7th St. | gabrielasdowntown.com | @gabrielasdowntown
Kitty Cohen’s
What: $2 Lone Star, $5 Cabrito Tequila & Austin Gin, $7 Cabrito Margarita & Still Bee’s Knees
When: Monday – Friday, 3pm-7pm
Kitty Cohen’s patio has the power to temporarily take visitors on a tropical vacation. The pool, though compact, also plays an essential role in transporting guests to a different decade. Happy hour makes the experience even sweeter, since guests can enjoy special prices on a range of items like the Cabrito Margarita and Still Bee’s Knees.
2211 Webberville Rd. | kittycohens.com | @kittycohens
Read more about Kitty Cohen’s here…
Life is Better Outside:
The Best Rooftop Bars & Shady Patios
Kinda Tropical
What: $7 food & drinks, $1 off all beers
When: Monday – Friday, 3pm-6pm
Kinda Tropical is a go-to for several things: coffee, breakfast tacos, brunch, and arguably the most important of all, happy hour, where it’s all about the lucky sevens: $7 food and $7 cocktails. The vegan-friendly eatery houses a cozy patio that looks like it could belong somewhere other than East Austin: a good thing for those searching for an easygoing vibe.
3501 E 7th St. | kindatropical.com | @kindatropical
Oddwood Ales Brewing
What: $1 off pizza, beer, wine, & 4-packs, & 1/2 off bottles of wine on Wednesdays
When: Tuesday – Friday, 3pm-5pm
Oddwood Brewing can be considered three establishments in one: brewery, gamer’s lounge, and pizza joint. The family- and dog-friendly pub offers guests a relaxing and laid-back environment complete with an arcade and plenty of outside seating. While Oddwood primarily focuses on serving small batch beers and lagers, the diverse brew rotation ensures guests will never get bored with options. With ample space outdoors, Oddwood might just be the best place to grab a beer and indulge in some pleasure reading or old school gaming.
3108 Manor Rd. | oddwoodales.com | @oddwoodbrewing
Read more about Oddwood Ales here…
Rosewood Gulf Coast Chop House
What: 25% off bar menu (burger, ceviche, hummus, & fried chicken), $2 off specialty cocktails
When: Wednesday – Saturday, 5pm-6:30pm, all day on Thursday
Known around town for its historic location, Rosewood is a must for any steak enthusiast looking for quality ingredients. Though the chop house is currently only open for dinner service through reservations, the restaurant saves plenty of spots on its spacious patio and lawn for walk-ins. During happy hour, guests might come for a cocktail, but they’ll definitely stay for the delicious dishes.
1209 Rosewood Ave. | rosewoodatx.com | @rosewoodatx
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
What: $10 burgers & fries, $5 apps, $5 drafts, $5 rosé, $5 Old Fashioned & Jalapiña Business cocktails
When: Thursday – Saturday 5:00pm-6:00pm, all night on Wednesday
Jacoby’s might be the only restaurant offering the unimaginable: happy hour for pickup and delivery. During happy hour, the ranch-to-table restaurant offers their juicy cheese and veggie burgers with all the fixings plus fries for only $10. Guests can wash the burger down with the spicy Jalapiña Business, a jalapeño-pineapple, tequila-based cocktail with lime and agave. Aside from a decadent burger and a flavorful cocktail that’s slightly picante, what else is there to need from a happy hour?
3235 E. Cesar Chavez St. | jacobysaustin.com | @jacobysatx
Read more about Jacoby’s here…
A Seat with a View
While these bars are not necessarily serving up a happy hour, this capital city has captivating sunsets just waiting to be enjoyed nearly every night of the year. And this lineup of roof top bars also has some stunning sips and snacks to match the view.
Gin Bar @ Arrive Hotel
The Upside @ East Austin Hotel
Zanzibar @ Austin Marriott Downtown
Barrel O’ Fun @ Alamo Drafthouse
Cocktails & Caffeine:
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere
Ani’s Day & Night
What: $3 Austin Beerworks Peacemaker, $6 wells & house wines, $7 Tequila Sangria
When: Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm
Though Ani’s just celebrated its grand opening in July, the East Riverside coffee shop and bar is coming in strong with an (almost) all-day happy hour. If guests get hungry, they can grab a bite at Las Alegres Comadres, the neighboring food truck serving up Mexican delicacies like pambazos and tacos de cochinita pibil.
7107 E Riverside Dr. | anisdayandnight.com | @anisdayandnight
Wright Bros. Brew & Brew
What: $3 beer, $4 wine, $5 cider
When: Daily, 4pm-6pm
At Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, the transition from coffee to beer and wine is often a seamless one. Equally focused on premier coffee and beer, this coffee shop is often filled with people vigorously typing away. Though subtle, the happy hour allows patrons to satisfy cravings with the beverage of their choice. Brew & Brew is the ideal place to start the work day—and maybe end it, too.
500 San Marcos St. #105 | thebrewandbrew.com | @thebrewandbrew
Drop Kick Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
What: ½ off draft cocktails, draft wine, & draft beer
When: Daily, 3pm-6pm
When happy hour means 50% off all drinks on-tap, it’s time to drop everything and head over to Drop Kick. Of course, they offer the forever-reliable Margarita, but the Hibiscus Cosmo, a brighter, scarlet-colored earthy version of the Cosmopolitan, is sure to please taste buds with something new.
1630 E 6th St. #100 | dropkickbar.com | @dropkickatx
Sips & Snacks for All
Easy Tiger
What: $5 Old Fashioned, Lavender Lemonade, & sausages, $8 large pretzels with Beer Cheese, House Mustard & Salted Whipped Butter
When: Tuesday – Friday, 4:30pm-6:30pm, all day on Mondays
With 15,000 square feet of outdoor space, there’s plenty of room for everyone to sit back, relax, and savor a giant pretzel while sipping on a Lavender Lemonade. If visitors are looking to pair some fresh-baked bread with something a bit more refined, select glasses of wine are also available for $5.
1501 E 7th St. & 6406 N I-35, Ste. 1100 | easytigerusa.com | @easytigeratx
Read more about Easy Tiger here…
Launderette
What: ½ off drinks, $5 Snacky Bits, $5 off Plancha Burgers
When: Monday – Friday, 5pm-6pm
It’s no secret that this popular, woman-owned restaurant is considered an Eastside gem, well-known for its appealing aesthetic and memorable brunch fare; and while the diner has no trouble getting people through the door, it should be known that Launderette also boasts a generous happy hour. With mocktails like the Lychee Ginger Shrub and Orgeat Citrus Soda, everyone can take advantage of the happy hour.
2115 Holly St. | launderetteaustin.com | @launderetteatx
Tillery Kitchen & Bar
What: $3 off specialty cocktails, $5 draft wine & beer, $1 off lounge-friendly plates & mocktails
When: Wednesday & Thursday, 5pm-7pm, Friday – Sunday, 3pm-6pm
Also known as The Gathering Place (for good reason), Tillery’s happy hour is the ideal place to take co-workers or out-of-town friends wanting to experience all the beauty, culture, and culinary surprises of the city firsthand. During happy hour, guests should order one of Tillery’s signature cocktails, such as the Sage Margarita which is slightly less sweet with subtle hints of herbs.
3201 E Cesar Chavez St. | tilleryatx.com | @tillerykitchenandbar
Challenging the Norm and Changing Lives:
Sans Bar
Despite his lack of business experience, limited drink knowledge, and $200 in startup capital, Sans Bar founder Chris Marshall decided to move forward with his business idea anyway. Now, four years later, Sans Bar has become a prime example of what it means to create community with inclusivity at the forefront.
In 2017, Chris launched Sans Bar—an alcohol-free neighborhood bar located on the corner of East 12th and Chicon. With Sans Bar, Chris’s goal has always been to create an inclusive, welcoming space that encourages meaningful connections. Continue reading the Sans Bar story here...
