Even if you’re coming to Harrisburg for work, you should stay for happy hour! Thousands of commuters and city dwellers come to the capital city for business, but who said it has to be all work and no play? These city spots are offering discounted sips and snacks that are sure to satisfy after a nine-to-five day:
Bacco Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Let’s get right to it. This authentic Sicilian eatery is offering the entire menu half-priced—that’s right, everything, from wine and crafted cocktails to brick-oven pizzas and pastas covered in fresh sauces. The former bank still boasts high crown-molded ceilings and marble walls, which create a classic European feel that complements the traditional Italian cuisine. The happy hour special runs Monday through Friday 5–7 p.m and Saturday 1–5 p.m. 20 N. Second St., (717) 234-7508
El Sol Mexican Restaurant
Drink under the colorful Moravian stars in El Sol’s festive atmosphere. What better than $15 house margarita pitchers and $1 mini tacos to bring friends together during the workweek? Happy hour also includes half-off select apps, $3 Dos Equis drafts and tons more drink specials, all available in the bar area only from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 18 S. Third St., (717) 901-5050
Rubicon
Feeling fancy? Sipping French champagne under rustic crystal chandeliers will do that to you. Treat yourself to Rubicon’s affordably luxurious champagne and oyster happy hour. Oysters are $1 a half-shell, or grab a baker’s dozen for $12. Rubicon also offers either Nicolas Feuillatte or Perrier Jouet, two French top-selling champagnes, by the glass for $12 (typically priced at $18–$20 a glass). This happy hour is available 5–7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Wait, there’s more. Rubicon offers a separate, more casual happy hour on Sunday from 4–6 p.m., with half-off cafe sandwiches and drafts. 270 North St., (717) 317-9027
Home 231
This charming corner spot is nestled on North Street a block away from the hustle and bustle at the capitol building. Drink specials include $6 creative cocktails, $3 off wine-glass pours and $1 off beer. Small plates are available at the bar and range from $3–$10. For just 5 bucks indulge in the “loaded” gnocchi with broccolini, sour cream, cheese and bacon—yum! Visit from 5–7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 5–6 p.m. 231 North St., (717) 232-4663
Café 1500
This open industrial-style space is ideal for when everyone in the office is up for happy hour. With plenty of seating and standing room around the bar, everyone can grab a drink and mingle. Drink deals accommodate whatever mood you are in, with $4 well drinks, $6 fresh cocktails, $6 wine and $1 off wine. Hungry, too? Featured small plates and artisan flatbreads are just $5. Happy hour runs 4:30–6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Food specials are available in the bar only. Friday and Saturday, drink specials only are available. Surrounding streets offer free parking. 1500 N. Sixth St., #101, (717) 831-8322
Sturges Speakeasy
It’s no secret that this neighborhood speakeasy serves up great food and drink. Bring a coworker or meet friends to enjoy half-off 16 rotating drafts and $7 fun, shareable snacks like tater tots, nachos, mussels and edamame. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday 5–7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday 11–midnight. 400 Forster St., (717) 412-0931
The Millworks
Make your way to Midtown, where the Millworks offers a rotating $3 tap, $4 featured drink and $6 wine. Also, 2–3 small plates of the chef’s choosing are featured for about $6–$10. The Millworks offers two large parking lots with free parking, making it convenient for friends coming from all over the capital area. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday 4–6 p.m. 340 Verbeke St. (717) 695-4888
Stock’s on 2nd
Right in the middle of restaurant row, Stock’s on 2nd is a longstanding city favorite that has transformed into a farm-to-fork focused gastropub. Monday through Friday from 5–7 p.m., a variety of small plates are just $5. Try the cannellini bean hummus or venison fries. Drink specials include $4 Old Forester whiskey mixed drinks and $5 house wines by the glass. Wednesdays are “Whiskey Business Wednesday,” with all whiskeys and bourbons half-price from 5–7 p.m. 211 N. Second St., (717) 233-6699
Looking for a few more happy hour options? Check out Bricco and Char’s at Tracy Mansion. Just outside the city, Harvest Seasonal Grill and Lancaster Brewing Company also offer popular happy hour specials. Cheers!
- Millworks photo: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- All other photos: Morgan Paese
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