What makes a good Happy Hour? Well, without getting too philosophical over the concept of “happiness” (is it a state of being? Whatever eudaemonia is?), there’s usually a combination of good drinks, good food, and good deals. But what separates a good Happy Hour from a great one is the quality of those drinks, food, and deals. These are the 11 Great Happy Hour Deals In SF right now.
The Happy Hours
The small, cozy seafood spot on the Divisadero corridor is one we always recommend for an intimate date night. It’s also a spot we turn to for deals that satisfy our deep cravings for anything that swims in the sea. They have a great Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 5-6:30pm with $2 oysters, $2 herb and jalapeño marinated mussels, and $9 seafood chowder. Crispy cod tacos (two for $10) are also here to help you reach seafood bliss, and there are deals on red and white wine and beer as well.
Santería, a new Mexican cocktail spot in the Castro, has a full dinner and brunch menu, but we like casually dropping in to play catch-up with friends over shareable bites and cocktails. There’s a ton of elbow room on the front patio, lots of comfy seating, and a great Happy Hour menu from 3-6pm on weekdays. The drinks are pretty standard, $8 margaritas and $5 beers, and they also like to keep things simple with their food specials: everything is $7, from the nachos with carnitas to the flautas and quesadillas.
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Located in the Marina on the main Chestnut Street drag is Causwells, a great neighborhood bistro serving one of the best burgers in town. And lucky for you, it’s available in slider form ($4.50) during Happy Hour (Tuesday through Friday, 4-6pm, and then again on Saturday and Sunday from 3-5pm). The special menu also focuses on snackier things, like $1.50 hush puppies and deviled eggs. Wine and beer specials, plus $9 margaritas are also a thing.
We like this Mission rooftop bar for their strong margaritas and the, “Wow, I’m so lucky to live here” views of Downtown. Coming here for the Happy Hour specials that run Monday through Friday, 4-6pm is also never a bad idea. The deal features everything we love - strong booze at a discounted price, plus $7 guacamole and chips, $5 yuca fritta, and $7 beef empanadas.
The neighborhood seafood market in Noe Valley doubles as a casual, counter-service restaurant, and one that can fulfill any late afternoon desire for shellfish. Every Tuesday through Friday, 3-5pm, Happy Hour oysters are half off, as are all bottles of wine, beer, and sake. What could possibly be better than slurping back a few oysters with a glass of chardonnay out on the sidewalk patio?
Damnfine encompasses everything we look for in a memorable pizza spot: excellent wood-fired pies, solid cocktails and beer, and a casual setting that will probably inspire hours of spirited Real Housewives debate. Basically, getting here should be a top priority, especially now that you know they also do Happy Hour. Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6pm, Damnfine makes mini pizzas, and has specials on wine, sparkling sangria, and more.
We can always rely on Delarosa to get the job done, whether we’re planning a date night or dinner with our dog. That’s the beauty of a spot that has solid pizzas, a lively bar, and a great Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 3-5pm. Cocktails are $6, beers are $4, and margarita pizzas are $10. Get the burrata bruschetta ($6) or the crispy cauliflower ($6) and you’ll be all set.
Mission Rock Resort wins the award for Best Waterfront Bar And Grill For Practically Any Occassion - group dinners, brunches, a quick cocktail with a view, and, since it’s only one block away from the Chase Center, a fantastic spot for all your Warriors pre-game drinks (the upstairs cafe also has lots of TVs). But come here any time from 3-7pm, Tuesday through Friday, and you’ll get $7 well drinks, beer and wine, plus $1 oysters (six minimum, 24 max).
The Peruvian restaurant on the Embarcadero is always a hit for cocktails and ceviche, and unbeatable views, especially if you choose to sit out on the waterside patio. Happy Hour from 3-5pm on weekdays is another huge plus, and this one has $7 cocktails, $4 beers, and $5 empanadas (or four for $20).
The Happy Hour at this Thai restaurant on the Embarcadero is all about the oysters - $1 oysters Monday through Friday 5-9pm and weekends from 4-7pm, to be exact. If that’s not enough to entice you, consider this: the special menu also includes $7 cocktails, $5 beers, and $7 small plates that include everything from basil pesto fries to calamari to chicken wings.
You won’t find the phrase “Happy Hour” anywhere at this elegant spot that reminds us of an Old Hollywood parlor. Instead, the Marina restaurant calls the magical time of food deals “Golden Hour” (weekdays, 4-6pm). The menu has pretty average drink prices, but includes $1.50 oysters, $5 chicken sliders, and $5 truffle fries. There’s also a $50 wagyu beef burger on it if you want to splurge.
