It’s about time we talked about 608 happy hours, folks. No matter if you’re grabbing a quick beer after work, on the hunt for some discounted bites, or just want to have a chill hangout while going easy on the wallet, we’ve got this round.
Here are ten places around town offering the best deals right now. So #DrinkUpMadison and be merry. (Hours listed are HH only.)
Beer lovers rejoice
Vintage Brewing Company | Weekdays, 3-5:30 p.m. | Stop in at the brewery for $3 VBC beers from the tap or opt for something with a bit more of a kick and sip on $2 rail mixers. Pro tip: Try the FWD, an India Pale Ale supporting the Forward Madison & Flock Soccer Foundation.
Late-night gem
Canteen | Everyday, 2-5 p.m. + 9 p.m.-close | Time is just a construct with a drink in your hand. Grab half priced margaritas + sip on $2 Tecates during your post-work hangout or while kicking off a night on the square.
Hungry for meal deals
Sardine | Mon.-Fri., 4:30-6 p.m. + Sat.-Sun. (bar area only) | Imbibe during dollar off oyster happy hour paired with a glass of the house red, white, or rosé for just $5 per glass. Must try: The moules frites + a glass of the house white.
Off the vine
Eno Vino | Mon.-Thurs., 4-7 p.m. + all day Sunday | Add some sophistication to the happy hour occasion and take advantage of $2 off wine by the glass + signature handcrafted cocktails.
Biggest bargains
State Street Brats | Mon.-Thurs., 3-5 p.m. | Let the fates decide your discount. Call the coin flip correctly and receive 75% off your entire drink order — go big or go home, 608.
Hang around after happy hour
Cafe Hollander | Mon.-Thurs., 3-5 p.m. | Spend a night at Hilldale sipping on half-priced wine, mules, sangria + Lowlands Brewing Collaboratives and Bier of the Month. Later, stick around at Hilldale and play oversized board games to crown the king or queen of happy hour.
Keep the spirits up
Genna’s Cocktail Lounge | Mon.-Fri., 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Take in the energy of the downtown area sitting on the patio + enjoying 40% off rail mixers plus select tap beers. Pro tip: Try to plan your happy hour around one of Genna’s open mic nights or beer events.
Weekend warriors
Shamrock Bar and Grille | Everyday, 3-7 p.m. | The party does not stop here. Take advantage of the 608’s longest and most recurring happy hour offering 50% off all rail drinks + beers.
Fun in the sun
bartaco | Weekdays, 3-6 p.m. | Soak up the sun on the patio while watching lawn games and enjoying a paloma fresca or mojito for $7 or seasonal sangria for $6.50.
Sips and bites
Tempest Oyster Bar | Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m. | Make the most of this happy hour with $3 shrimp cocktails, $2 oysters on the half shell + $10 cocktails. Must try: The Stephano — Four Roses small batch bourbon, meyer lemon, coriander, Jamaican bitters, on a rock.
Host at home
Shop our favorite happy hour essentials to host friends for a drink at your place:
- The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker promises no more leaks and has a built-in measuring system.
- This set of six colored wine glasses reminds us of Estelle stemware — only more affordable.
- Pair your colorful wine glasses with a colorful decanter that’s an Anthropologie best-seller.
- Keep wine and champagne cold in a marble wine chiller.
- An electric wine opener makes opening bottles smooth and stress-free.
- Don’t forget the best drinkware made by small, local businesses — we’re big fans of the Pirani Life tumbler, an eco-friendly version of a Solo Cup, and these Kanga Coolers koozies that keep drinks cold.
