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Drink · Happy hour · 2026

The best happy hours on the Upper East Side.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.

One of my lifelong best friends has lived in the Upper East Side (UES) for the past ten years, so I’ve made quite the dent in the best happy hours on the Upper East Side. As a New Yorker who takes happy hour on the Upper East Side seriously, I’ve made it my mission to find the very best. In fact, if there’s a good (or even decent) happy hour on the Upper East Side that I don’t know about by this point I’d be surprised.

Quick Summary. Looking for happy hour spots in Upper East Side? Here are my top picks. The Penrose , Pil Pil, The Sefton, and more.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide
  1. Canyon RoadRestaurant · Upper East SideCanyon Road has been around since 1985 and while I can’t speak as to how it was back then, I do know that it’s currently serves up one of the best happy hours on the Upper East Side.
  2. Festival CafeBar · Upper East SideAs one of the best bars on the Upper East Side it also doubles as one of the best happy hour spots.
  3. Five Mile StoneBar · Upper East SidePart of what makes this one of the best happy hour spots in the Upper East Side for beer-enthusiasts is the impressive twenty-four rotating craft brews on tap for $7/pint.
  4. Pil PilRestaurant · Upper East SidePil Pil is a great happy hour spot on the Upper East Side if you’re searching for a casual spot with a nice ambiance.
  5. The Five LampsBar · Upper East SideThe Five Lamps is one of the best Upper East Side happy hour spots if you’re looking to score a deal.
  6. The Jeffrey Craft Beer & BitesBar · Upper East SideIf you’re on the hunt for the best happy hour on the Upper East Side for beer and seafood, I’ve got just the spot.
  7. The PenroseBar · Upper East SideThis bar checks all the right boxes – beautiful, vibey, and affordable.
  8. The Pony BarBar · Upper East SideOozing saloon vibes, The Pony Bar brings the spirit of the wild west to the posh Upper East Side.
  9. The SeftonBar · Upper East SideThe Sefton is a cozy Irish pub serving proper pours of Guinness.
  10. The Stumble InnBar · Upper East SideA reliable neighborhood dive bar known for it’s lively atmosphere and inexpensive drinks, The Stumble Inn is my friend’s go-to Upper East Side happy hour spot.

Best happy hours on the Upper East Side, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 13 Satisfying Happy Hour Spots on the Upper East Side.