While an after work drink is always something to be happy about, saving a little money in the process makes this whole experience slightly happier–especially when there’s discounted food involved. So, here are a few Orlando area bars and restaurants that make the happiest time of day something worth celebrating.
Santiago’s Bodega
802 Virginia Drive, (407) 412-6979
This pan-Mediterranean serving up tapas-style dishes is definitely not known for its low cost menu items. However, happy hour is the exception. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. you can get the shareable plates for just $5, a fraction of the regular cost, along with $3 sangria, half priced wine by the glass and $3 beer.
Photo via beccajourdan/InstagramFirebirds Wood Fired Grill
1562 N Mills Ave, (407) 581-9861
If you’re looking for a happy hour that offers a little more variety than the average draft beer and nacho specials, look no further than to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Here you can find specials on unique menu items like the Nashville hot chicken sliders or a tenderloin trio to go with your half-priced signature cocktail.
Photo via christiebanach/InstagramBrass Tap Beer Bar
1632 Mills Ave, (407) 270-9538
Chances are that if you’re looking for a happy hour, even if it’s a Tuesday at 12 p.m., you’ll find it at Brass Tap, the beer lover’s haven that offers $4, $5, $6 and $7 deals on their drafts, wine and food every Monday through Friday form 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Photo via theorlandogirl/InstagramShakai Sushi Lounge
43 E Pine St, (407) 423-2688
The atmosphere alone will have you coming back to Shakai Sushi, but the happy hour is pretty great too. If the $5 sake-tinis aren’t enough of a draw, Shakai Sushi also offers $3 and $5 rolls and $4 sashimi for the sushi lovers out there that just can’t bear to order one roll.
Photo via shakaiorlandi/InstagramGringos Locos
22 E Washington St, (407) 841-5626
This renowned queso dispenser has an appealing happy hour from 4 – 8 p.m. daily that brings the game changer that is free chips and salsa into the mix along with $2 tacos and $5 burritos. Yes, pick your jaw up from the dust ladened floor and go ingest one of these mexican masterpieces and add to the evening with a selection from their cheapened beer that touts temporary and lower prices.
Photo via cflfoodie/InstagramTR Fire Grill
1035 N Orlando Ave #101, Winter Park, (407) 708-3600
With their “Local Hour” running from 3 to 6 p.m. and a medley of drinks and munchables, including their $10 smoked pork tacos and $5 poutine, this grill throws another post work chill zone into the Orlando melting pot that could warrant an afternoon of your time.
Photo via TR Fire Grill/InstagramCarmel Kitchen & Wine Bar
140 N Orlando Ave, Winter Park, (407) 513-4912
Spinach ricotta gnocchi, tomato and spinach margherita flatbread, and a ricotta meatball. No, we’re not talking about an overpriced Italian restaurant. Carmel Kitchen in Winter Park offers these delicious favorites on their happy hour menu that runs from 4 to 7 p.m., all seven days of the week. Wines are $4 to $5 and you can take $2 off liquor drinks as well while you munch on the well priced yet filling apps for just $6.
Photo via aida.vianna/InstagramKabooki Sushi
3122 E Colonial Drive, (407) 228-3839
Cold tastings like hamachi chili and hot tasting like the delectable ebi gyoza can be found at Kabooki Sushi from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The makimono dishes and $5 to $6 rolls coupled with the $3 sake should be where you set your sights as such a deal seems too unreal for you to just let it pass you by.
Photo via xixili89/InstagramThe Stubborn Mule
100 S Eola Drive #103, (407) 930-1166
A lazy-bones can produce plenty of reasons to sit-on-ass instead of giving the Stubborn Bruschetta and the trio of warm Bavarian pretzel sticks at this eatery a try, but the happy hour $5 rate that runs Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. should counter that rather briskly.
Photo via therealcrumcake/InstagramRusTeak Wine Bar
2625 Edgewater Drive, (407) 540-1100
From 4 to 7 p.m. and from 10 to 11 p.m., absorb a classy evening at this Edgewater based beacon of sustenance with its $5 pretzel rolls, edamame, and the tomato jam jar, which is made with ricotta cheese, spinach and fresh tomatoes. Accompany the apps with a $5 glass of wine or a cold beer and let the work day wash away.
Photo via ph_adventures/InstagramCuba Libre
9101 International Drive, Ste 1004, (407) 226-1600
A $5 menu that begins at 5 p.m. in the evening and runs to 7 p.m. brings the glorious cuban empanada down to an appetizing price that will turn a single purchase to a chain reaction of hunger-eroding purchases that will end with you stuffed and craving a well earned siesta before 8 p.m. rolls around.
Photo via Cuba Libre/FacebookEarl’s Kitchen & Bar
The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, (407) 345-8260
Truffle fries or garlic fries? How about both, since you can get both orders for the price of one during happy hour at Earl’s kitchen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Knock a few bucks off select apps and drinks to enjoy a power snack or two after shopping at Mall at Millennia.
Photo via earlsorlando/InstagramThe Ravenous Pig
565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park (407) 628-2333
Your hearty hankering looks likely to find a nemesis from 3 to 6 p.m. at this sibling to the Cask and Larder where appealingly priced munchies like shrimp and grits ($12) as well as raw oysters (2 for $2) can be seized while sipping on a price reduced gin & tonic. It helps that the well honed service amplifies the merriment with their knowledge and efforts.
Photo via grilled_cheese_and_cocktails/InstagramKasa Restaurant & Bar
183 S Orange Ave, (407) 985-5272
Ranging from $4 to $ 10, Kasa’s happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (or until 10 p.m. on Tuesdays) offers pan-seared gyoza, pork belly tostadas and mini gourmet burgers to those who find that food hankering has claimed them while out and about in the downtown area.
Photo via Kasa’s HomepageDragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way, (407) 370-3359
Weep over a lack of sushi no further because everyday starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m., Dragonfly Robata offers a $3 to $6 menu that brings crunch rolls, grilled skewers and a create your own sushi option int the mix. The steamed buns with their braised rib interiors are also beyond worth taking a swing at.
Photo via efmb89/InstagramMuchos Tacos & Tequila
101 S Eola Drive, (407) 843-9676
As if tequila shouldn’t be included in happy hour specials! At Mucho’s, it’s all about the tequila. House ritas are $3.50, and if you want to beef it up to 1800, that’ll be an extra $2. Don’t stumble your way home without trying a muchos taco for just $2.50, a tasty way to soak up the alcohol and sober up a bit after some 1800 shots.
Photo via uncommon_jenn/InstagramRelax Grill
211 Eola Parkway, (407) 425-8440
Take a minute to relax during happy hour at this outdoor patio and bar on Lake Eola. Monday through Thursday, you can get $2 off entrees, (we suggest the fried pickles) along with $2 beer and $4 wine between 4 to 7 p.m.
Photo via ivannaa29x/InstagramYard House
8367 International Drive, (407) 351-8220
You may have to make your way out to I-Drive for this one, but it’s worth the trip. Ranging from Moo Shu egg rolls to poke nachos, Yard House has an expansive happy hour menu to satisfy whatever your cravings may be. Prices for apps vary from $5-$8, and $4 off half yards make this a happy hour worth driving (or Ubering) to.
Photo via Yard House/InstagramMoonfish
Bay Hill Fountains LLC, 7525 W Sand Lake Road, (407) 363-7262
Glide through around 4:30 in the afternoon and before 6:30 p.m. to ease into your evening with some $6 Grey Goose cocktails before you sample some makimono rolls ranging from $4 to $9 or consider other edible sea creatures like the $7 wok-fried calamari for a price more in line with the wishes of your fiscally focused internal monologue.
Photo via genk_zora/InstagramAvenue Gastrobar
13 S Orange Ave, (407) 839-5039
If the term “Super Fries” sounds like something that would spark your interest, head over to Avenue Gastrobar, where you can find the cheesy, bacon-y, ranch-covered potatoes for just $4. Looking for something less greasy? Try the popcorn brussels or small beet salad for the same price and wash it all down with $3 Bud Lights or well vodka.
Photo via orderup_orlando/InstagramBahama Breeze
1200 N Alafaya Trail, (407) 658-6770
Imagine your escape to the islands while you sip on a $5 margarita and enjoy a warm lobster and shrimp quesadilla in your hand without even having to book a flight. During this happy hour, you can get the classic Caribbean favorites for half the price to go with the $5 specialty drink of your choosing, perhaps a Piña Colada?
Photo via td2timemvp/InstagramShari Sushi Lounge
621 E Central Blvd, (407) 420-9420
Solve the guilt of overspending on sushi by heading over to this trendy lounge that offers up cheap rolls, we mean really cheap, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Triple tail, salmon crunch, shrimp tempura and many other rolls all start at $4.25 and they don’t skimp out on the good stuff, either.
Photo via sharisushi/InstagramThe Oceanaire Seafood Room
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, (407) 363-4801
If you are searching for a place to draw a memory from any day of the week between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. then browse no further, for this spot with its $4 jumbo shrimp cocktails and $8 steamed filet mignon sliders packs a fine dining experience at one of the nicer venues in town all while keeping your wallet on the side of plumper.
Photo via johannasjostrandd/InstagramBar Louie
Plaza on University, 4100 N Alafaya Trail, (407) 428-2980
If you want to avoid paying $9-$10 plus tax for one of Bar Louie’s signature martinis,from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., happy hour offers a better bang for your buck with $5.25 martinis, $3.35 drafts and $4.25 wines. Select apps are half priced too, so you can get a big ol’ plate of spinach and artichoke dip for a mere $4.
Photo via Bar Louie/Instagram
