The Ultimate Guide To Phoenix's Best Happy Hours

Happy hour's origins as a tradition involving booze are often traced back to Prohibition. From 1920 to 1933, the sale, transportation, or manufacture of alcoholic beverages was illegal in the United States. However, drinking intoxicating liquors remained legal. This conundrum led to the formation of speakeasies. These secret businesses continued to serve alcohol illegally during the Prohibition area. During this time, patrons missed being able to get tipsy at restaurants. To solve the issue, people would first go to a speakeasy, then, once they were drunk, head to dinner. This practice of pre-gaming dinner at a different place pioneered the concept of happy hour.

Engaging in happy hour is no longer illegal. Instead, it's known as a way to unwind after work, hang out with coworkers or friends, and enjoy a few snacks or drinks. It's also known for its deals. Bars and restaurants offer discounts on menu items. Starting at 5 p.m. (give or take a few hours, depending on the business) you can take advantage of markdowns on beer, wine, cocktails, and more. Because of these attractive price cuts, it can be useful to know about happy hour deals in your area. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona — or are traveling there soon — read on to learn our happy hour recommendations for the city. Here is our ultimate guide to Phoenix's best happy hours, as of December 2022.

Kaizen is a Japanese restaurant located at 515 East Grant Street in the Phoenix neighborhood of Central City South. This means it's located right next to Downtown, the heart of this Southwestern city. The restaurant's happy hour takes place Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

According to a Kaizen Instagram post from 2022, the eatery's happy hour deal is half off the entire menu. If this remains the case, you'll be able to enjoy a major markdown on the restaurant's many Japanese dishes. These include classic appetizers and small plates like edamame, miso soup, shishito peppers, gyoza, karaage, tempura, and yakitori. Sushi offered includes familiar favorites such as spicy tuna rolls, California rolls, spicy salmon rolls, and Philadelphia rolls. As for drinks, there are many Japanese offerings there, as well. Kaizen serves several different Japanese whiskeys, sakes, Japanese beers, and cocktails made with Japanese flavors.

Due to its extensive food menu, we'd recommend Kaizen as a place to get both drinks and snacks during happy hour. If that turns into your dinner, or you stay until the happy hour is over, this seems fine to us as well. Kaizen patrons seem to agree. "Definitely come here for happy hour!! They have 50% off the entire menu from 4-6pm from Tuesday to Saturday ...There were so many things we want to try so we will definitely be back! The sashimi were really fresh," wrote one person on Yelp.

Postino WineCafe is an Italian restaurant chain. Its name translates to "mailman" in Italian because the original location of Postino (which happens to be in Phoenix) was housed in a former post office, according to The Houston Chronicle. Today, Postino maintains several Phoenix locations. But it has also expanded into other nearby Arizona cities, such as Tempe, Gilbert, Tucson, and Scottsdale. On top of that, there are now Postino locations in other states, like California, Colorado, Georgia, and Texas. 

There are two outposts of Postino WineCafe in Phoenix, Arizona. One is located in the Arcadia neighborhood and the other is located in the Central neighborhood. Both offer the same happy hour deals. This includes an offer of $6 wine glasses until 5 p.m. Also, on Monday and Tuesday, you can get a wine bottle and a bruschetta board for only $25 after 8 p.m. This turns out to be a really good deal, as Postino's lowest price for a bruschetta board is $16 and its lowest for a wine bottle is $35. Even by getting the cheapest options available, you're paying half.

This Phoenix eatery's generous happy hour deals are a hit with patrons. "Awesome happy hour specials. Plus, surrounded by other great eateries," said one Postino WineCafe customer on Foursquare. Another person (who claimed to have been to the restaurant over five times) exclaimed "Happy hour all day before 5!"

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a Mexican restaurant chain with locations in several states, including Arizona. Phoenix is home to more locations of this eatery than any other city or state. There are currently three: one in the Biltmore neighborhood, one in Downtown Phoenix, and one at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The first two Blanco Cocinas come with happy hour menus, which are available Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

These happy hour menus include deals on appetizers (like queso or guacamole), tacos (like carnitas or pastor), cocktails (like a margarita or a Paloma), wine, beer, and shots. Every single item on the happy hour menu can be purchased for under $10. Happy hour patrons of Blanco Cocina + Cantina were pleased with the affordability of these deals. "Good food and service. Great for date night, group dinner, or happy hour," said one person on Open Table. "The ambiance and location is really great, right in the center of Downtown and happy hour deals seemed pretty fair," said another person on Yelp.

Rough Rider is a restaurant and bar located in the Phoenix neighborhood of Roosevelt. This historic-sounding name is fitting, in this case, because Rough Rider has a 19th-century theme. The theme comes through in the drinks — which are inspired by the Victorian era — and food — which is also influenced by the past. Phoenix locals can sample from both parts of the menu during happy hour at Rough Rider. This takes place Tuesday through Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

During Rough Rider's happy hour, there are multiple deals to take advantage of. Cocktails cost only $10, allowing you to try alcoholic beverages such as "The Daisy," which have their roots in the 1800s. Rough Rider also offers deals on wine and beer. You can take $2 off a glass of either during this time. With food, the markdowns continue. Oysters are $1 each. There are also discounts to be found on small plates like salmon dip, mussels, and fried cauliflower.

According to some customers, Rough Rider is a good place to have a romantic happy hour. "Great place for date night. Definitely go for happy hour! Delicious drinks and fresh oysters. Dinner was also very good, can't go wrong with the half chicken or the bone in pork chop," they said on Open Table.

Gracie's Tax Bar is a bar located in Downtown Phoenix. The name comes from its owner, Gracie, as well as the building's former life as a tax service business, per the Phoenix New Times. But nowadays, it's a convenient spot to gather with friends for drinks, bar food, and live music. You can take advantage of happy hour deals at Gracies Tax Bar from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

This is a fun yet casual establishment. Some even call it a dive bar. The happy hour deals reflect this. During happy hour, you can get a pitcher of beer for $7, a Miller High Life for $5, or well drinks for $3 each. If you're still not interested, listen to what these ecstatic online reviewers have to say. "Nice little neighborhood bar. Fun for happy hour. I liked the moody red lighting inside, and the pet-friendly outdoor patio with ample seating. Regular bar food and service. I look forward to going back," said one person on Restaurantji.

The Main Ingredient Ale House & Café is a Phoenix restaurant in the Coronado neighborhood. Its name and welcoming atmosphere come from the fact that it was built in a hundred-year-old home. But this homey vibe also emanates from the menu, where there are comforting dishes like tacos, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and more to be found. During happy hour, you can save on The Main Ingredient's drink menu.

Happy hour at this business takes place on Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. During these times, beers, wine, and well liquors cost $1 less. Also, cocktails cost $2 less. Customers say The Main Ingredient and its happy hour is beloved by Phoenix locals. "Neighborhood favorite. Great happy hour, good food, and always a good time whether alone or with the family," said someone on Yelp. "I can't stay away from this place. Amazing service, tasty sandwiches and appetizers, oh, and the happy hour rocks," wrote another reviewer.

The Arrogant Butcher is an American restaurant located at 2 E. Jefferson in Downtown Phoenix. Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and comes with a menu. Pints of draft beer are reduced to $5 each. Classic cocktails like mules, margaritas, and old fashioneds only cost $7 each. If wine or well drinks are more of your vibe, you can also get one serving of either for only $6. But that's just the drink prices. The Arrogant Butcher has a happy hour food menu as well. During this time, you can get appetizers like soft pretzels with fondue, spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips, or salmon rillette with ciabatta bread.

Due to the schedule and affordability of The Arrogant Butcher's happy hour, it's a good place to go on weeknights if you want a deal. "We had three awesome appetizers and two non-alcoholic drinks for under $30. That's pretty impressive," said one visitor. "The ambiance of the restaurant was sweet and romantic, the lighting fixtures really set this whole place off. The restroom had a small little lounging area and the Decor was just so sweet. Happy hour is a must!" said a patron on Kayak.

Adams Table Patio & Bar is a Phoenix bar and restaurant named for its address, at 150 West Adams Street. This Downtown Phoenix establishment offers happy hour deals Monday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. According to the Phoenix New Times, this place offers genuinely affordable happy hour deals. Beers are $5, cocktails are $7, and appetizers are $6.

According to customer reviews, it's not just the deals that make happy hour at Adams Table exciting. It's also fun for socializing. "Great happy hour and fun for people watching," said one person on Yelp. "We wanted to try this place instead of hitting up one of our usual spots. It was perfect! The atmosphere was on point, the steak frites were terrific, and our bartender, Maddy, was serving up some fantastic cocktails!" said another reviewer. Also, due to the proximity of this spot to the Phoenix venue The Orpheum, you could stop by before seeing a show.

Claiming to be located inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is an interesting place to get drunk. Its historical past may lead you to think it's another bar with a vintage vibe. Instead, it's a place where you can drink out of various gimmick containers. Per the current holiday menu, you can have cocktails served inside cups shaped like Santa, a coconut, or a tiki-themed bathtub. If this is the vibe you want from your bar, you can take advantage of Bitter & Twisted's happy hour deals Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Per Visit Phoenix, you're going to want to get a cocktail here. There are over 100 different kinds on the menu. On the other hand, the food menu is more limited. Per Total Happy Hour, drink discounts include $6 cocktails and $1 off well drinks and beer. If you are wanting to get a cocktail in a trendy spot during happy hour — and watch some flair bartending at the same time — this is the place. At least one patron said so. "Yes, it was happy!! Fantastic place! Clean and lively and contemporary. The bartenders are awesome! They know how to make a drink and watching them do it is half the fun," they wrote.

Aftermath Phoenix is a casual place to get food and drinks. Unlike many of the other popular happy hour spots in Phoenix, this business is not located Downtown. Instead, it's in the Madison neighborhood at 1534 East Bethany Home Rd. If you're in the right place at the right time, you can take advantage of this establishment's happy hour deals daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The bar menu is served during this period. It includes indulgent dishes like oysters on the half shell with Calabrian chili cocktail sauce, beef fat fries served with multiple dips, a burger made with Velveeta cheese, and caesar salad with ciabatta bread croutons. According to Aftermath's Facebook, happy hour drink discounts mean that you can get certain cocktails or beers for only $5 each. Per reviews, this place is versatile. It's more of a chill spot, making it suitable for multiple kinds of gatherings. "Great place for a date night, double date, work happy hour. Everything," wrote one Yelp reviewer.

The Neighborly Public House is a happy hour spot located at 5538 N 7th St. in the Phoenix neighborhood of East Central. It may refer to happy hour — which takes place here from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily — as "social hour," but this discounted menu operates the same way. Happy hour specials consist of food, wine, beer, liquor, and cocktails. For food, there are dishes like chicken wings, nachos, and oysters Rockefeller. They are offered for under $15 each. All beers cost only $5 each and all glasses of wine cost $9. Mixed drinks cost $7 for a standard pour and $10 for a martini or rocks pour. Cocktails are offered for a maxim of $10 each.

If you're hungry during happy hour, this is the place to go. Phoenix Magazine complimented several of its dishes, calling the restaurant slightly sophisticated, comforting, and affordable. These words could be used to describe several of the restaurants in the Phoenix area. But the small creative twists that Neighborly Public House sprinkles through its menu could be the perfect fit for some customers. One person on Tripadvisor called it their favorite spot in the area, writing "They have a great happy hour from 4-6pm. Highly recommend the ahi noodle salad, cauliflower wings, burrata and prosciutto, filet with loaded baked potato, and the good day sunshine cocktail."

The Whining Pig is a Phoenix bar chain centered around beer. There are several locations in the city, in the neighborhoods of Arcadia, Downtown, Desert Ridge, Ahwatukee, and Madison, per the website. The nearby cities of Gilbert and Scottsdale are also home to locations of The Whining Pig. Each business hosts happy hour every day until 7 p.m. Deals within this time apply to glasses of wine and draft beers.

According to one Reddit post, you'll save a few dollars on each of these drinks during The Whining Pig's happy hour. Per Total Happy Hour, that means you might be able to get a beer for $3 and a glass of wine for $5. It may appear casual, but The Whining Pig seems to be popular with locals. People appreciate it because the business is conveniently spread throughout the Phoenix area, making it easy to get to one or another location. Fans also appreciate this Phoenix happy hour spot's markdowns. "Very good selection/locations all over Central/North/East valley and they do weird and more random happy hours/nights/deals," explained one person.

If you prefer to drink brewery-quality beer during happy hour, check out O.H.S.O. This brewery chain has four locations in the Phoenix area, including two within the city. These are located in the Arcadia and Phoenix Valley neighborhoods. According to the chain's website, happy hour takes place at the Paradise Valley location from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The same schedule applies to the Arcadia location. Per O.H.S.O., some people bike to the bar. This allows you to take in views of Phoenix's scenic canal, as well as avoid driving home after drinking.

According to the King of Happy Hour website, you can get deals like $8 cocktails, wine glasses, and beer pitchers during this time. There's also a handful of affordable food dishes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. — many of which cost only $5 each. These include cheese curds, crab wontons, and pretzels (via Ultimate Happy Hours). This spot comes recommended by natives of the Phoenix area. One person called it the best "in the valley."