How to Celebrate National Happy Hour Day

National Happy Hour Day, celebrated every year on November 12, is a day that encourages people to unwind and connect with friends or colleagues over drinks, food, and good company. This informal holiday, marked by special deals and discounts at bars, restaurants, and pubs, brings people together to take a break from their routines and appreciate social moments outside of work hours.

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The concept of Happy Hour has an interesting history that goes back to the 20th century. In the early 1900s, the term “Happy Hour” was first used by the U.S. Navy as a time for sailors to relax, socialize, and enjoy entertainment on board. Eventually, this idea spread, and by the 1920s, people on land also started using the term to describe a time to unwind after a long day. During Prohibition, when alcohol was banned in the U.S., people gathered secretly for pre-dinner drinks, which led to the creation of informal “happy hours” at home or private locations.

Once Prohibition ended in 1933, bars and restaurants embraced Happy Hour as a time slot for discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a tradition that remains popular today.

Thanks to its long history and enduring popularity, National Happy Hour Day offers an opportunity to visit some of the best venues in the U.S. These establishments are known for their outstanding happy hour offerings, combining quality food, drinks, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Below is a selection of notable restaurants and bars, each providing a unique way to celebrate the occasion.

Forget about glossy marble bars and plush velvet sofas - The Dead Rabbit is history served in a glass. Located in the heart of the Financial District, it feels like an authentic Irish pub transported straight into New York City.

First Floor: The Heartbeat of the Pub
Head downstairs to feel the pulse. It’s loud, lively, and irresistibly social - the kind of place where conversations spark naturally. Choose from dozens of whiskeys and craft beers. The décor is simple because here, the focus is on company and the pour.

Second Floor: The Cocktail Archive
Climb the stairs and the mood shifts completely. This is a quiet, elegant place where you can lose yourself at the bar. The star of the show is the cocktail menu - a 70-page book with authentic 19th-century recipes.

Food & Crowd
No pretentious fine dining here - just hearty, soulful dishes fit for a true pub: juicy burgers, comforting shepherd’s pie, fresh oysters, and truffle fries for the gourmet touch.

Menu Highlights

Irish Cheese Board: a curated selection of Irish cheeses served with jam and freshly baked bread.

Scotch Egg: the ultimate pub classic - a soft egg wrapped in sausage and golden breadcrumbs.

Shepherd’s Pie: traditional minced lamb pie with root vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.

Lamb Chops: tender mini lamb steaks, perfectly seared and seasoned.

Lobster Deviled Eggs: deviled eggs with a luxurious lobster twist.

Irish Coffee Tiramisu: a light, creamy tiramisu infused with Irish coffee - the perfect sweet finish.

Drinks

Irish Coffee: the house specialty - rich coffee blended with Irish whiskey, sugar, and a silky cream layer.

Guinness: the iconic stout - and yes, locals play the “G game”: finish your pint just as the foam line hits the letter G on the glass.

Banker’s Punch: Redbreast Irish whiskey meets three rums and port - the bar’s original signature cocktail.

Lone Oak: Irish whiskey, green Chartreuse, pistachio, lemon, curry leaf, egg white, and bitters - a bold, modern mix.

Hot Whiskey Punch: a comforting hot cocktail built on whiskey warmth and spice.

Whiskey Flight: an expertly curated tasting set - from smoky Scotch and bold bourbon to smooth Irish blends.

Special Craft Cocktails: ever-changing seasonal creations from the bar team, presented in their comic-style cocktail menu.

The Gage is located in the heart of Chicago on Michigan Avenue, right across from Millennium Park. This upscale gastropub blends the functionality of a classic American restaurant with the charm and warmth of a traditional European pub. Inside, dark wood and exposed brick walls create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. The venue is almost always bustling, especially during peak hours.

The Gage’s menu focuses on dishes with European influences, offering a creative twist on classic pub dishes. Their Scotch Egg is a must-try appetizer, while the Venison Burger has become the restaurant’s signature main course. The bar boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, whiskeys, and timeless cocktails.

With its central location and generous Happy Hour specials on drinks and bites, The Gage is a go-to destination for celebrating National Happy Hour Day in the Chicago's downtown.

Menu Highlights

Pub Scotch Egg - a fennel sausage–wrapped egg served with tangy apple mustard.

Whiskey Braised Pork Poutine - crispy fries topped with cheese curds, whiskey-braised pork, pickled onions, and rich gravy.

Fish & Chips - beer-battered cod served with golden fries and house tartar sauce.

Lobster Roll - chilled lobster on a soft roll with dill aioli and crispy onions.

The Gage Burger - juicy beef patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, and house Russian dressing.

Drinks

Old Fashioned - a timeless classic made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel.

Negroni - gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth - perfectly balanced and bittersweet.

Martini - gin or vodka mixed with dry vermouth, elegantly simple and crisp.

Local Draft Beers - a rotating selection of Chicago’s best craft brews on tap.

Seasonal Cocktails - refreshed regularly to reflect the season, featuring fruity, herbal, or spiced notes.

Tom's Watch Bar is located in downtown Los Angeles (LA Live), just steps from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. This upscale sports bar is equipped with numerous large-format screens, so you can have a clear view from anywhere in the venue. The modern, functional décor is tailored for large groups and lively social gatherings.

What sets Tom’s Watch Bar apart is its focus on broadcasting nearly every major sport simultaneously, often with dedicated audio for key games - a step beyond typical sports bars. The bar offers an extensive selection of beers, spirits, and cocktails. During after-work hours and before big games, there are special promotional deals on drinks and appetizers.
Thanks to its prime location and sports-focused setup, Tom's Watch Bar is a convenient and exciting choice for celebrating National Happy Hour Day in Los Angeles, especially if you're a sports enthusiast.

Menu Highlights
Pickle Brined Crispy Chicken – chicken tenders marinated in pickle brine with a crispy coating, served with fries or tots

Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken – spicy chicken tenders in Nashville Hot sauce with fries and ranch

Tom’s Prime Rib Dip – thinly sliced beef sandwich with Havarti cheese and horseradish cream on a brioche bun, served with demi-glace and fries or tots

Deep-Dish Nachos – corn chips topped with queso, chicken or slow-braised beef, guacamole, and sour cream

Poke Bowl – marinated tuna with ponzu, rice, pineapple, avocado, edamame, and assorted toppings

Drinks
Classic cocktails – Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule

A variety of draft beers, including local brews

Seasonal cocktails with fresh ingredients and fruits

Whiskeys and bourbons, perfect for pairing with bold, spicy dishes

Non-alcoholic options – lemonade, sparkling water, smoothies

Brennan's of Houston - an upscale restaurant located in the Mid-Town area of Houston. The venue is known as the Texas branch of the famous New Orleans Brennan's, specializing in Creole cuisine. Its interior features elegant decor and an interior courtyard, creating a solid and classic visual appearance for your high-end dining experience.

The key feature of Brennan's is its dedication to the traditions of haute Creole cuisine and Southern hospitality. Their bar offerings focus on fine wines, whiskeys, and classic cocktails. Brennan's offers specials at certain hours, making it a great choice for celebrating National Happy Hour Day in Houston in a more formal and refined format.

Menu Highlights
Snapping Turtle Soup – traditional turtle soup with a touch of Lustau Sherry

Haute Creole Seafood Gumbo – rich seafood stew with rice and Creole spices

Bayou City Beignets – fried choux pastries dusted with powdered sugar, served with café au lait sauce

Grilled Filet Mignon – 6-ounce beef filet served with potatoes, broccoli, and Worcestershire sauce

Gulf Fish Pontchartrain – assorted seafood (lobster, shrimp, oysters) with Creole sauce

Drinks
Classic cocktails – Sazerac, Mint Julep, Hurricane

Whiskeys and bourbons, focusing on Southern varieties

Seasonal cocktails, updated according to the season

Local and imported draft beers

Non-alcoholic beverages – lemonades, chilled water

Oyster House is a historic seafood restaurant located in Center City, Philadelphia. The venue has maintained a reputation for decades as a provider of fresh oysters and shellfish. The interior features a classic design focused on nautical themes. The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors who appreciate high-quality raw seafood.

The main distinguishing feature of Oyster House is its Raw Bar, which offers a wide selection of oysters from various U.S. coasts daily. The restaurant’s signature dishes are based on traditional New England seafood recipes. The venue regularly hosts happy hour specials on oysters and drinks.

Menu Highlights
Lobster Roll – served hot or cold, with fries

New England Clam Chowder – classic creamy soup with clams and bacon

Fried Oysters – served with tartar sauce

Maryland Crab Cake – crab meat patty with remoulade and Brussels sprout salad

Sauteed Mussels – mussels in miso broth with cilantro and croutons

Drinks
Gin – various types, including local

Classic cocktails – Sazerac and Old Fashioned

Seasonal cocktails with fresh ingredients

Local and imported draft beers

Non-alcoholic beverages, including sparkling water and lemonades

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita is located in the Brickell district of downtown Miami. The venue occupies a restored Fire Station No. 4. The restaurant and lounge bar offers a combination of modern Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine.

The key feature of Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita is its historic location and functionality as a two-level space including a restaurant and lively lounge bar. It is known for its focus on cocktail programs and Latin-inspired drinks. The venue regularly offers happy hour specials on drinks and small plates.

Menu Highlights
Spanish Tortilla – thinly sliced potatoes and onions in an omelet

Tequenos – cheese sticks stuffed with chorizo

Miso Glazed Salmon – salmon with miso and soy glaze

Argentinian Churrasco – churrasco steak served with potatoes

Burrata, Salmon & Guacamole Toast – garlic bread toast with burrata, smoked salmon, and guacamole

Drinks
Frozen Sangria – frozen sangria with fruit

Margarita – classic tequila margarita

Mojito – rum with mint and lime

Craft Cocktails – seasonal signature cocktails

Local and imported beers – a variety of draft beers

The Pink Door is located in Post Alley, adjacent to the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle. It is an Italian restaurant that combines cuisine with entertainment. The venue is known for its lack of an exterior sign, with entry through simple pink doors, adding a level of exclusivity for visitors. The interior features classic décor with a focus on comfortable dining areas and a performance space.

The key feature of The Pink Door is its daily entertainment program, which may include dining performers, cabaret, jazz ensembles, or evening burlesque, setting it apart from standard Italian restaurants. Signature dishes focus on Italian cuisine, particularly pasta and seafood.

Menu Highlights
Lasagna – classic Italian lasagna with spinach, béchamel, and pesto, baked with marinara sauce and a crispy cheese topping

Linguine Alle Vongole – pasta with clams in a white wine, garlic, and parsley sauce

Squid Ink Pasta – black pasta with assorted seafood

Caesar Salad – classic Caesar salad with Parmesan and house-made croutons

Arancini – fried rice balls with cheese and herbs

Drinks
Negroni – classic Italian cocktail with gin, Campari, and vermouth

Seasonal Cocktails – cocktails changing by season, often using local ingredients

Italian Wine Selection – extensive selection of Italian wines

Sparkling Wine – sparkling wines for celebratory moments

Espresso Martini – coffee cocktail made with vodka

The View Lounge is located on the 39th floor of the Marriott Marquis in the SoMa district of San Francisco. This lounge bar is known for its high-rise location offering panoramic views of the city.

The key feature of The View Lounge is its 360-degree view of San Francisco landmarks, including the bay, Bay Bridge, and city skyline, making it a popular spot for photography and business meetings. The bar offers a selection of signature cocktails, wines, and spirits.

Menu Highlights
Ahi Tuna Poke – tuna with calamansi ponzu, avocado, fried capers, and tapioca crackers

Beef Sliders (2 pcs) – mini burgers with truffle cheese and black garlic sauce

Chicken Adobo Tacos (3 pcs) – tacos with chicken, mango salsa, and pickled green papaya

Seared Scallops – seared scallops with miso, lemon roe, and seaweed salad

House Made Potato Chips – chips served with house green onion dip

Drinks
The View Manhattan – cocktail with Bulleit Rye bourbon, Carpano Antica vermouth, and brandied cherry

The View Old Fashioned – classic cocktail with Bulleit bourbon, bitters, and orange peel

Gin Drop – 209 gin with lemon, lime, and mint

High Rise Cosmo – Hangar One vodka, pomegranate liqueur, and cranberry juice

Wines and Champagne – wide selection of sparkling and white wines