Fantastic Spots In NYC For Summertime Drinking On A Budget
The weekend is nearly here! Just a day of work to get through before we can retreat back home for weekend festivities, where the weather will hopefully be (crosses fingers) a sunny delight. After spending so much time in NYC over the last few months, I’ve found myself truly in awe of the high concentration of bars that line every street. I was born and raised in the suburbs of New Jersey, where great cocktail bars and beer gardens are far and few between. I live in a SMALL town, so nearly every spot that’s decent is one you have to drive to. The destination bar with great food, music, and drinks always requires the appointment of a DD, which is a buzz kill for the entire group.
Another thing that’s sorely lacking from where I’m from is the existence of great happy hours. Since there is much less competition amongst the establishments here (because there are fewer), the incentive to offer rock bottom drinks prices, 2-for-1s, and deals on bottles of wine, is much lower. Sure, there’s the occasional discounted Wednesday night bottle of wine, the pitcher specials at the local sports bars, and dollar off house cocktails, but ever since I’ve been exposed to the happy hour magic at work in Brooklyn and Manhattan, I crave more.
While we here at TFD advocate for making cocktails at home, even if it’s making one or two before you go out (we’ve whipped up some great ones here and here), it’s helpful when sticking to a budget and keeping your bill lower. However, sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself to a few drinks out with friends at a bar with an outdoor garden, rooftop, etc. and get out of the house. But, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a couple of cocktails out on the town. I’ve rounded up some of my research about the best spots in the NYC area to go for a drink on the cheap. In my mind, it’s always good to be overly prepared, and have a reserve of suggestions you can whip out the next time someone asks, “where should we meet for a drink?” Check it out!
BROOKLYN
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- Best Happy Hour Spots In Brooklyn
- Guide To Happy Hours In Brooklyn
- The 24 Best Happy Hour Bars In Brooklyn
- Best Happy Hour Specials In Brooklyn, NY
- Best Outdoor Happy Hours In Brooklyn
- Outdoor Bars We Love
- Brokelyn Guide To Brooklyn Outdoor Drinking
- Great Happy Hours In Williamsburg, Greenpoint, And Bushwick
From my own personal (and limited experience), some good places to check out in Brooklyn are Zablozki’s, Good Co., The Commodore, and Pinkerton Wine Bar (all shown to me by friends!)
MANHATTAN
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- 14 Best Happy Hours In NYC
- Great Happy Hours in NYC
- 9 Happy Hour Spots To Try In Midtown
- Best Midtown Happy Hour Bars
- Best Outdoor Happy Hours In New York, NY
- Best West Village Happy Hours
- Best East Village Happy Hours
- 10 Of The Best Upper East Side Happy Hours To Check Out
- Best Upper West Side Happy Hours
- NYC’s Best Damn Happy Hour Spots
- Best Happy Hours In Harlem
- Top Happy Hours In Harlem, NYC
BONUS! ~ROOFTOP HAPPY HOURS~
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- Best Rooftop Happy Hours In NYC
- 9 Spectacular Rooftop Bars You Need To Hit Up For NYC Happy Hour
- Best Rooftop Happy Hours In Williamsburg
- Best Cheap Rooftop Bars In NYC
Since Chelsea lives in NYC, and I live nearby, we’re somewhat geographically limited to the happy hour drinking spots we’re able to try. I want your feedback, suggestions, and tips for the best spots for cheap happy hour drinking in your city for our next round-up of reader favorites. Be sure to list your suggestions in the comment section below. Let’s all drink better (and cheaper), together!
