Has this ever happened to you? It’s 5 o’clock—let’s say on a Thursday—and unexpectedly you have free time. Maybe your meeting ended early, your kids are busy or you’re on your way somewhere and have some time to spare … and you realize you’re feeling happy. Where to go and what to do?
Here’s how some of our readers answered when we asked the question: “What are your favorite local spots for happy hour?” The next time you find yourself planning, thinking or doing happy hour, remember these suggestions!
Montgomery County
“Vintage. We like to go there after work because it’s right near the office. There are many different beers on tap, a friendly staff and it’s family owned and run. It is a neighborhood bar, so you’re likely to run into people you know. The prices are reasonable on food and they have the best garlic butter spread around. We sometimes go for lunch too!” —Jamie L., Lafayette Hill. 1116 Old York Rd., Abington, (215) 887-8500
“My favorite happy hour spot, by far, is Gypsy Blu. Not only is the restaurant absolutely beautiful and a great place to catch up with my girlfriends, but you can’t beat the offerings. Where else can I find $2 off wine on tap or $5 SKYY cocktails and $6 SKYY martinis?” —Alison, Lafayette Hill. 34 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, (215) 283-6080
“I like Brittingham’s for the outdoor space and fire pit. Love their Tito’s Texas Mule and pub pretzel. They have great entertainment too. Redstone is also a good choice for happy hour because of their outdoor space as well, and the pineapple infused vodka is delicious.” —Marla S., Lafayette Hill. 640 E. Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, (484) 344-5162; 512 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, (610) 941-4400
“I absolutely love Gypsy Saloon in Conshohocken for happy hour. After a long, crazy day at work, there is nothing better than stepping inside Gypsy and being greeted by their friendly staff and welcomed into such a cozy, warm space. I am a beer drinker, so I particularly enjoy their beer specials and delicious food choices like their famous calamari or tacos for just $6 that are offered during happy hour. I swear I am there once a week!” —Alysia, Flourtown. 128 Ford St., Conshohocken, (610) 828-8494
Delaware County
“Teca in Newtown Square is great. Monday–Friday from 4:30–6:30 p.m. they have specials on wines, draft beers and cocktails; “Buck A Shuck” oysters; and a half-dozen baked clams—a West Philly classic—for $6. My palate enjoys fine dining, but my wallet prefers Taco Bell. The happy hour specials allow me the best of both—excellent quality food at very good prices. Plus, there is usually a lively group of people.” —Jenny O., West Chester. 191 S. Newtown St. Rd., Newtown Square, (484) 420-4010
“Estia Tavern in Radnor is a favorite. Monday–Friday from 4–6 p.m. they have good specials on food and drinks at the bar. The Dionysis (house-infused berry vodka, fresh lemon simple syrup topped with sparkling wine) is a great deal for $5; mussels for $8 and oysters on the half-shell, $12 for a dozen, are both winners.” —Jeff K., Villanova. 222 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor, (484) 581-7124
“Our favorite is La Porta just outside of Media. Best Manhattans and Tuscan fries in the area. I’d venture to say the fries are the best in the world. I also recommend Harvest and Avenue Kitchen, both in Glen Mills.” —Ed W., West Chester. 1192 Middletown Rd., Media, (610) 358-5104; 549 Wilmington Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 358-1005; 509 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills (484) 800-8070
Chester County
“51 Tap & Spirit in West Chester is also an excellent choice!” —Ed W., West Chester. 30 N. Church St., West Chester, (484) 887-8004
“My favorite happy hour is at Station Taproom, Monday–Friday, 4:30–6:30 p.m. $3 pints, $5 pulled pork sandwiches, $1 off wine by the glass and $1 off Small Plates. Delish.” —Ronna D., Downingtown. 207 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (484) 593-0560
Bucks County
“KO is an amazing Korean restaurant with incredible prickly pear margaritas and awesome traditional apps for $6 and under.” —Melody W., Newtown. 2817 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown, (215) 860-5515
Philadelphia County
“Drinker’s Pub. Monday–Friday from 5:30–7:30 p.m. all drinks are half price. Different days of the week they have amazing hot dog, tacos, wings, nachos and hamburger specials.” —Michael K., Philadelphia. 1903 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 564-0914
“The Happy Rooster is good any night of the week. It has that old-fashioned bar feel and the food is always really good. The hamburger with bacon and egg is incredible. Also in Center City is 1518 Bar and Grill, which is actually the name and address of the bar. It feels like Cheers and also has great artwork and paintings on the walls.” —Michael G., Haddonfield. 118 S. 16th St., Philadelphia, (215) 963-9311; 1518 Sansom St., Philadelphia (267) 639-6851
New Jersey
“Here’s a hot tip for the shore. Buddakan has a great happy hour Sunday–Thursday, with $5 edamame ravioli.” —Jenny O., West Chester. 1 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City, (609) 674-0100
“In Westmont, N.J., Brewer’s Towne Tavern is a definite stop. Good music and cheap beer.” —Michael G., Haddonfield. 239 Haddon Ave., Westmont, (856) 854-5545
- Wine photo: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- Remaining photos: Ed Williams
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