How to Pick the Cheapest Happy Hour

Finding the cheapest happy hour is different for every would-be happy drinker. You may be out to sample fancy restaurant fare at a discount, you might just want something to soak up the beer, or the drinks themselves could be the be-all and end-all of your happy hour search. If you truly want to track down the cheapest pick for you, know your priorities for that sociable time around 5 p.m. called happy hour.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Restaurant or bar reviews
• Money for food and drink

How to Pick the Cheapest Happy Hour

1. Think drinks. If the bottom line is your priority, draft beer is your drink. You'll find it dirt-cheap by the glass, and pitchers are economical when split three or four ways too. If you're looking for the cheapest price on your favorite drinks, try a happy hour that features microbrews, blender drinks or shots at a discount.

2. Think eats. Mexican food is often low-budget; you'll see two-fer taco specials at tons of sports bars. Pizza slices and hot dogs are also cheap and filling happy hour choices. Many restaurants offer their entire appetizer menu at cut rates too.

3. Seek out deals. If you're looking for the cheapest price on great restaurant food or specialty drinks, research is key. You'll find menu prices slashed for sushi or margaritas at happy hours nationwide.

4. Add up intangibles. Figure fun into your happy hour calculations by considering valuable bar amenities such as locale, free pool tables or kicking DJs. Don't forget quality bartenders. Sometimes "cheapest" means friendliest-pouring bartender.

5. Pick a place. All things being equal, consider what makes you choose one bar over another. Let sports offerings, ladies' nights or bar prizes sway your decision. An inexpensive lottery game could help you pick up the tab for the whole night.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the inside scoop. Ask like-minded friends where they go for the cheapest food and drink specials.
• Most cities have a local arts and entertainment newspaper with restaurant and bar listings in it.
• Try out a new restaurant's fare by sampling small plates at its happy hour for a fraction of regular prices.
• Cheapest isn't always best. Use your good bar judgment when choosing an establishment to patronize. Think safety and sanitation as well as fun.
• Cheapest often means copious imbibing. If you drink more than usual, get a ride home.

[emp04]

on 6/7/2009 These are great tips. I will be sure to try them!