10 Best Happy Hour Spots on the Upper West Side

CHEERS!

Who came up with the idea of a Happy Hour? It looks like Happy Hours started around 1915, when the United States Navy started a “happy hour” for sailors. These happy hours weren’t about drink deals and half-price appetizers. Rather, they were a way for Navy sailors to relieve the boredom of their day-to-day assignments. From dancing to boxing matches to movies, these first happy hours were all about entertainment.

It wasn’t until the Prohibition era came after World War 1, that “happy hour” began to have drinking tied to its definition. In the 1920’s, those that were looking for an alcoholic drink would find a watering hole themselves at a speakeasy or a private residence.

This definition carried into what we know today as happy hour, with drinks and social time taking place after work. So whether you’re a fan of cocktails, wine, or beer check out this list of the best Upper West Side Happy Hours.

e’s Bar – 511 Amsterdam Ave. (between W. 84th & 85th Streets)

Happy Hour everyday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Well drinks $6.50, Wine $7.50, Beer & Shot $9.50. e’s burger $6.00 (probably the best burger you will find on the UWS at twice the price) and fries $4.50.

The Wolfe – 425 Amsterdam Ave. (between W. 80th & 81st Streets)

This Thomas Wolfe themed bar has established itself as one of the premier bars on the UWS since they first opened in late 2023. Happy Hour every Monday – Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Select bottled beer $5, select draft and mixed drinks $6, and select wine & specialty cocktails $9.

Amelie – 566 Amsterdam Ave. (between W. 87th & 88th Streets)

Happy Hour every Sunday – Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Get there early since this BIB Gourmand space is small and their seats tend to fill up early. Wine flights $14, wine of the day $10/glass and draft beer $5/ glass. They also serve oysters – 6 pieces on the half shell for $12. You might want to also check out Moules Frites Day, all day every Monday. Steamed PEI mussels + French fries + glass of house wine or beer for $31.

The Milling Room – 446 Columbus Ave. (between W. 81st. & 82nd Streets)

Happy Hour (bar only) Monday – Sunday from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Offering select wine $10, cocktails $8 and beer $5. Their bar menu includes grilled octopus and hamburgers.

The Consulate – 519 Columbus Ave. (between W. 85th & 86th Streets)

Happy Hour runs Monday – Friday from 3:30- 6:00 p.m. Drinks include specialty cocktails ($12- 14), wines $10 and beer $7. Happy Hour menu has an assortment of items such as ceviche of the day, fish & chips, escargot, oysters, pulled pork sliders, tuna tacos and truffle fries.

Prohibition – 503 Columbus Ave. (between W. 84th & 85th Streets)

You can find Happy Hour at this lively UWS bar everyday from 4:30 -7:00 p.m. Draft beers $6, wines $8 and specialty cocktails $12. Happy Hour food includes an assortment of snacks – pretzel, chicken skewers, tuna poke crisps, caprese skewers and truffle fries – for $10.

The Owl’s Tail – 215 W. 75th Street (between Broadway & Amsterdam)

This intimate cocktail bar is located just around the corner from the famous Beacon Theater. Happy Hour every Monday – Thursday from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. $10 glasses of wine & half-priced specialty cocktails of the day.

The Gin Mill – 442 Amsterdam Ave. (between W. 81st & 82nd Streets)

Sports bar with plenty of TV’s to watch your favorite sports. Favorite spot for fans of the Florida Gators. Happy Hour every Monday – Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. $5 – All beers, well drinks & shots, $7 – top shelf drinks and shots.

Ella Social – 249 Columbus Ave. (between W. 71st & 72nd Streets)

Offering Happy Hour to walk-ins only in the bar area every Monday – Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. $10 wine or sangria, $6 Pilsner, $15 X/L Martinis, $12 Spritz and $12 Margarita’s. Also provides an assortment of shareable appetizers along with their special $20 Mother of all Burgers (The Moab).

The Dead Poet – 450 Amsterdam Ave. (between W. 81st & 82nd Streets)

Serving daily Happy Hour deals from opening – 7:00 p.m. along with their specialty cocktails, beer, wine and literary themed craft cocktails. Popcorn and hot dogs are available for purchase. You always have the option to bring your own food that can be purchase from any of the local eateries. Be sure to stop by and ask for a perfectly poured Guinness by one of The Dead Poet bartenders.