Best happy hours on the Upper West Side

Happy Hour. Daily 3-6pm

A fairly new addition to the neighborhood, Nobody Told Me opened in 2019. The brainchild of mixologist Nick Pfannerstill and Chef Alberto Miranda, the bar quickly gained a reputation for inspired libations and offering the some of the best happy hour cocktails on the Upper West Side.

During happy hour, a handful of craft cocktails range between $12-14. Food is also offered, $2 oysters and $5 spicy chicken sliders, shrimp rolls, crispy fish tacos and masala chickpeas.

Owned by the folks behind the West Village’s most exclusive restaurant, Carbone (one of the hardest reservations to score in NYC), Parm offers top-notch Italian classics in a casual setting. The menu ranges from tantalizing pastas and salads to crowd-favorite chicken Parmesan sandwiches and hearty platters of eggplant Parmesan.

The best time to visit is weekdays from 3-7pm when this Upper West Side happy hour destination dishes. Out $6 appetizers (don’t sleep on the garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, and crispy zucchini) and offers half-off select cocktails. But take note, happy hour is only offered at the bar.

During happy hour, Moscow mules, Aperol spritz and old-fashions drop to $7.50, house wines are available for $7, and beer runs for as little as $5. Parm’s signature chicken parm platter isn’t discounted during happy hour, but if you order it, ask to swap the pasta side for rigatoni carbone (rumored to be the same recipe as Carbone’s).

Affectionately known as “La Petite Amélie”, this small French bistro doubles as a wine bar and serves one of the best happy hour deals on the Upper West Side. The draw is the $14 wine flight, which gives you the opportunity to sample three wines from different regions (choose from a selection of rosé, white or red flights).

If you’re a frequent flier at this neighborhood haunt and have tried the flights, opt for the $10 glass of red, white, rosé, or sparkling (sommelier’s choice, changes daily). Not into wine? Beer goes for $5 during happy hour, which is practically unheard of in NYC.

As for food, there’s a handful of small plates on offer like the soupe du jour, escargot, cheese plates, goat cheese salad and tuna tartare. Amelie was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide (a distinction for good-value restaurants), so you can bet the food is held to a high standard.

Good to know Monday is “Moules-Frites Day” at Amelie, steamed mussels, french fries and a glass of wine or beer go for $31.

Bodega-turned-sports bar, Bodega 88 is a testament to turning lemons into lemonade. The result of rising rent prices in the neighborhood, the owner of the corner bodega decided to test his luck by repurposing the space into a sports bar and locals can’t seem to get enough.

The reason? Bodega 88 serves one of the most generous happy hours on the Upper West Side. Offering $5 beer, $6.50 wine & sangria, and $8.50 mojitos, margaritas, and caipirinhas (a popular Brazilian cocktail), if you’re feeling peckish, empanadas (chicken, beef and spinach) go for $2.75 a pop.

Good to Know Bodega 88 makes an appearance on our list of the best bars on the Upper West Side.

Home to one of the most affordable happy hours on the Upper West Side, e’s bar is a time-tested neighborhood staple with a great lineup of live entertainment. Well cocktails are $6.75, wine $7.75 and a beer + shot combo for $9.75. There’s also two burgers available on the happy hour menu, the house burger goes for $6.25 and falafel burger for $6.75. The decor strikes a nice balance between trendy and welcoming, so you never feel out of place whether you’re dressed up or in sneakers.

Oozing old-school charm, The Consulate reminds me of quaint European restaurants with its black-and-white tiled floors and a handsome wooden bar. It’s one of the few Upper West Side happy hours spots I’d recommend for food more so than drinks.

Some of the favorite bites include the ceviche of the day for $12, six pieces of escargot for $11, and fish and chips for $13. As far as drinks are concerned, happy hour cocktails are $13-$14, and glasses of wine are $10.

Leyla, a cute Mediterranean restaurant tucked into a residential street, serves one of the best happy hours on the Upper West Side. The restaurant offers a selection of shareable appetizers and pides (Turkish flat breads) for less than $12.

As for libations, the restaurant offers cocktails and wine for $11 during happy hour. I suggest starting with the mezza. There’s also the lamb burger ($17) with polenta fries, which I highly recommend.

Offering a romantic ambiance with string lights, dimly-lit brick walls and cozy leather booths, Tessa is one of the most romantic bars on the Upper West Side. The friendly bartenders make it a great spot for casual date nights in the neighborhood.

The restaurant seems to hit peak mass around happy hour (Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm) when signature cocktails are half priced. I’m partial to the French Blonde (Lillet, Ford’s Gin, elderflower, grapefruit, lemon), whatever you do – don’t sleep on the truffle fries.