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Happy hour—two of our favorite words. It’s a time when friends, families, coworkers, and acquaintances come together to celebrate, chat, and relax over bar bites and beverages. Whether you’re looking for half-price margaritas, a pitcher of ice-cold beer, or mini burger sliders, there’s a happy hour for everyone here in Hartford. We’re breaking down all our favorite restaurants and bars to visit in the city—this is your guide to happy hour in Hartford (updated for Spring 2023!)
The first of its kind, the original First and Last Tavern has been open in Hartford since 1936. First and Last is famous for its coal-fired brick oven pizza, handmade pasta, and entrees, this Italian restaurant is a fan favorite in the city. Enjoy $6 cocktails, $5 glasses of wine, $3 tap beer, half-price pizza, and appetizer specials. Happy hour is available Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 pm–5:30 pm in the bar and patio. Learn more about First and Last Tavern’s menu and hours here.
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Matty D’s is the perfect place to hit up for happy hour if you’re looking for a chill, relaxed atmosphere. Known as Hartford’s best-kept secret, this new-American restaurant and bar has delicious cocktails, great-tasting food, live music, and entertainment every week. Enjoy $5 appetizers, $6 cocktails, $3 beer, and $5 wine in the bar and patio area. Our favorite happy hour bites include chili cheese nachos, jumbo pretzels, and wings. Happy hour is available Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm–7:00pm. Wednesdays are the perfect time to stop by Matty D’s for happy hour followed by karaoke and game night from 7:00pm–10:00pm! View the happy hour menu and get directions here.
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If you like high-quality steak, oysters, and wine, Max Downtown is the place for you! Max Downtown has it all—legendary service, great-tasting food, and delicious cocktails. The happy hour menu features buck-a-shuck oysters and clams, Kung Pao shrimp, and Wester Ross Salmon Crudo. Drink specials include an array of craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday in the bar area from 4:00 pm–6:00 pm. View the happy hour menu and learn more about Max Downtown here.
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Trumbull Kitchen has a little bit of everything, literally! Their menu offers variations of familiar food from around the world in a stylish, contemporary restaurant and bar. The happy hour menu features tapas starting at $2.99, such as the blackened shrimp quesadilla, pork carnitas tacos, and carne asada. Happy hour drinks include a classic margarita, wine, and draft beer. You can find these specials and more every day from 3:00 pm–6:00 pm in the bar area. The happy hour menu changes seasonally, so be sure to check out the latest menu before you stop in.
If you’re into rock and roll, beer, and a good time, The Brownstone has to be on your happy hour bucket list. The restaurant and pub just recently opened up in Downtown Hartford in Fall 2023 and has been rockin’ and rollin’ ever since. Every week there are live musical performances and new food and drink specials. Happy hour runs every day (yes, even on the weekends!) from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm, with specials changing frequently. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for updates on live music and weekly specials.
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Social Republic is an industrial, old-school gastropub located at the corner of the Linden building in Downtown Hartford. Serving old school and new-American comfort food, Social Republic is the perfect place to visit for craft cocktails, local beer, and delicious small bites. The happy hour menu features bacon-wrapped dates, wings, and arancini. Select drafts are $3, wine is $4, and all bottled and canned beer is $3. Happy hour is available in the bar Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 pm–6:00 pm. View more of the happy hour menu and get directions here.
Recently opened in April 2023, Fire by Forge should be at the top of your happy hour list. A Pan-American inspired, chef-driven concept that includes a café, full-service restaurant, bar, and catering operation. Their seasonal menus feature fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. You can find them in the historic former Billings & Spencer Company in Frog Hollow, conveniently located near the State Capital, The Bushnell Theater, and Asylum Hill neighborhood. Their happy hour runs from 4:30-6 PM Tuesday through Saturday where you can find classic cocktails with a twist for $7.95, and mouth watering bites for less than $5!
Tisane is well known for its award-winning cocktails and martinis. If you’re looking to try something new, this is the place for you! Tisane’s team of mixologists is constantly trying something new behind the bar—whether it be infusing their liquors or using edible flowers, they’re always changing things up! Enjoy select cocktails for $5, beer for $4, and wine for $5. Happy hour bites include wings, sliders, nachos, hummus, and more. Happy hour is available Monday through Thursday at the bar from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm. Ready for a cocktail? View the happy hour menu here.
This isn’t your typical happy hour—Wood ‘n Tap celebrates “Tappy Hour” Monday through Friday during the afternoon and late at night! Wood ‘n Tap has a pretty expansive happy hour menu for both food items and beverages. Enjoy a variety of craft cocktails, wine, and beer starting at $5. Food items include soft pretzels, spinach and artichoke dip, a chicken quesadilla, and more. View the happy hour menu and get directions here.
Parkville Market
Every weekday from 3-5pm, you can hit up any of the three bars in Parkville Market, including The Local for awesome drink deals including $4 bottles/cans of beer, $6 glasses of wine, $6 draft beers, $8 classic cocktails and $8 frozen spiked slushees (a delicious warm weather treat).
For an even sweeter deal, check out The Local @ Parkville Market on Thursdays for THIRSTY THURSDAY Deals featuring $3 beers, $4 shots and $5 mixed drinks!
Wherever you choose to celebrate, #experiencehartford with us. Share your happy hour adventures and be sure to tag us on social media for a chance to be featured on our page!