Money is tight. Inflation is wild. And we’re all still hungry. Fortunately, this frugal foodie is here for you — with Foodie 15 Happy Hour Guides to help you drink and dine like it’s 1999 … or at least 2019.
We’ll start our journey in Midtown (from dive bars to fine dining) with just one qualification: The booze and bites must be binge-worthy and budget-friendly. And while hours and menu items may shift, you’ll find an option to fit any mood or craving — without draining your bank account.
Again, these are just a few of our favorites (15, actually), the deals are subject to change, and have fun finding some of your favorite Happy Hour spots in town!
“This Sam Hughes neighborhood spot is full of charm, from the walls covered in Chicago-based sports memorabilia to the regulars quick to offer a friendly howdy. Happy Hour is from 3 – 7 p.m. on Monday – Friday (discounted beers and cocktails), and then they also have a daily special seven days a week. For example, $4.25 margaritas on Mondays, $8 pitchers of beer on Sundays, and $0.50 wing night is Wednesdays.”
Dante’s humble facade may be overshadowed by the nearby Culinary Dropout, but don’t judge this book by its cover. Stop by for Happy Hour daily from 4-6 p.m., and all day Sunday for a special menu that is full of surprises like $7 escargot and Thai Curry Shrimp, $1 off craft cocktails, $2 off glasses of wine, and $1.50 off of draft beers.
Founded by a trio of firefighters, this casual brew pub offers a family-friendly atmosphere and rotating craft brews. Happy Hour runs from 3 – 6 p.m., Tuesday – Friday with food and drink specials including $5 margaritas and micheladas after 6 p.m. In addition to regular Happy Hour, they also have daily specials on everything from tacos to cocktails.
Known for their tableside guacamole, Guadalajara is a longstanding Tucson go-to for Mexican favorites. Happy Hour runs from 3 – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday so be sure to fill up on Happy Hour queso, mini chimis, and quesadillas and wash it all down with some $8 house margaritas or $5 draft beers.
Vintage meets vacay at this Tucson institution — which has been in business for 60 years! You can’t miss the iconic sign, and you won’t want to miss these deals. Enjoy Happy Hour from 4 – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday. The tiki-inspired drinks aren’t on the happy hour menu, but the menu features daily drink specials like a dollar off drafts and $6 appetizers.
I once saw Bob Odenkirk at Kingfisher — and that wasn’t even the highlight of my meal. The seafood here is as fresh as it comes (at least in landlocked Arizona) and the service is always spectacular. Enjoy Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 2 – 6 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 10 p.m. – midnight. featuring bar food items, discounted drinks, and the occasional $30 bottle.
Talk about champagne taste on a beer budget. You’ll be feeling fancy and frugal at Le Rendez Vous thanks to discounts on wine, cocktails, and classic French cuisine. Enjoy $7 house wines and select cocktails and discounted appetizer specials during Happy Hour nightly from 4 – 6 p.m.
This relative newcomer (it opened in 2022) is generating buzz fast for its authentic Cuban cuisine and casual counter-service vibes. The Hotel Nacional cocktail will have you feeling like you’re soaking up the sun on a patio in Havana (and don’t miss the Cuban Sandwich Empanada!). The Happy Hour is daily from 3 – 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday, and features a wide selection of refreshing and finely crafted cocktails.
At Reforma, they call it Hora Feliz — but, really, a buzz-induced smile is the same in every language. Enjoy discounted margaritas, micheladas, and more during Happy Hour daily from 3 – 6 p.m. — and don’t sleep on the sweet potato taquitos.
At this converted fallout shelter, the decor is retro and so are the prices. Like Kon Tiki, you can’t miss the sign, so pull over and hide out for a bit, and enjoy $5 martinis and other great drink specials during Happy Hour, every day from 3 – 8 p.m.
Belly up to the bar at Shooters on Friday or Saturday night for karaoke that won’t make your head hurt (seriously, the regulars have skills), or come at happy hour Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. for daily specials on no-fuss bar food and booze. Each day holds a different deal that’s always changing, like the occasional $2 off burgers on Mondays.
Pick a sport any sport — Trident is the place to watch it. If that game happens to fall on a weekday during happy hour you’ll get added bang for your buck (and more fuel for your fandom). Happy Hour runs Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m., so make sure to get $1 off all craft beer, wells cocktails, and all wine by the glass.
Most people know Union for the adjacent live music and events in the plaza. But come a little earlier during their daily Happy Hour (AKA Social Hour) from 3 – 6 p.m. You’ll get $1 off draft beers, $6 wells drinks, $3.50 PBR and Bud Light, $8 glasses of wine, and shareable menu items for cheap like $6 pretzel bites, $5 fries, and $7 Mac & Cheese.
Just next door to Trident is Vero Amore where the vibe is anything but stuffy. The Italian restaurant has a Happy Hour from 4- 6 p.m. daily, with special deals on appetizers and drinks including $6 sangria. Afterward, move to The Still, their secret backdoor speakeasy.
The Happy Hour burgers at this Arizona staple are cheaper than a “value” meal at McDonald’s — and a lot more appetizing. You’ll also find great deals like $7 burgers, $4.5o drafts, $7 wells cocktails, and more during their daily Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m.