On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best happy hours in Madison.
Get ready to drink up at 15+ places lifting spirits with their sip-worthy specials.
Beer lovers
Cooper’s Tavern, 20 W. Mifflin St. | Weekdays, 3-6 p.m. | Belly up to the bar for $2 off draft beers, or get 25% off growlers to go.
Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East, 803 E. Washington Ave. | Weekdays, 2-5 p.m. | In addition to other cocktail and food specials, in-house brewed beers (<7% ABV) are $1.50 cheaper during happy hour.
Weary Traveler Freehouse, 1201 Williamson St. | Every day, 3-6 p.m. | During “Magic Hour” $5 will buy you any tap beer, or a canned beer with a well shot.
DLUX, 117 MLK Jr. Blvd. | Weekdays, 3-6 p.m. | Get $2 off all taps and apps.
Mocktail musts
Blind Shot Social Club, 177 S Fair Oaks Ave. | Weekdays, 3-5 p.m. | Half-price house and NA cocktails.
Merchant, 121 S. Pinckney St. | Every day, 3-6 p.m. | Swap out liquor for an offering from the non-alcoholic spirits menu instead.
Settle Down Tavern, 117 S. Pinckney St. | Tuesday-Saturday, 2-6 p.m. | Besides non-alcoholic beers, Settle Down offers a seasonal craft mocktail menu with sips including piña coladas and cran-ginger goodness.
Hungry for meal deals
Grampa’s Pizzeria, 1374 Williamson St. | Tuesdays | Spend $55 for a small plate, specialty pizza, dessert, and bottle of wine.
Jordan’s Big 10, 1330 Regent St. | Tuesdays | Dig into half-priced burgers every Tuesday.
Pitcher’s Pub, 323 W. Beltline Hwy. | Weekdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | $6 burger and fries
Turn Key, 1344 E. Washington Ave. | Thursdays | Enjoy a salad, two entrees, a bottle of wine (or pitcher of beer), and a dessert for $60.
Late-night gems
Canteen, 111 S. Hamilton St. | Every day, 2-5 p.m. and 9 p.m.-Close | Located right on the Capitol Square, enjoy deals on tacos, margs, and more every day at Canteen.
Come Back In, 508 E. Wilson St. | Mondays, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | Get $2 margaritas and domestic beers, and $3 microbrew bottles.
Dexter’s Pub, 301 North St. | Thursdays, 7 p.m.-Close | Keep it simple with a $5 Domestic tallboy paired with a shot.
Red Rock, 222 W. Gorham St. | Thursdays, 9 p.m.-Close | Take advantage of a variety of liquor deals — $2 Dr. Bombs, $4 double rails, $5 double Jack and Tito’s mixers, and $6 Coors pitchers.
Fun in the sun
The Boathouse, 1001 Wisconsin Pl. | Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. | Located at The Edgewater Hotel, grab a burger and a pint of beer for $20.
Soak up some sun at The Boathouse. | Photo by The Boathouse
Lake Louie Brewing, 1079 American Way, Verona | Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. | Rent a firepit for up to eight people and kick back with a few $3 canned beers.
Sardine, 617 Williamson St. | Weekdays, 4-6 p.m. | Sip on $6 house wines and $8 featured cocktails while enjoying the lakeview patio.
Host at home
Shop our favorite happy hour essentials to host friends for a drink at your place:
- Craft delicious drinks at home with syrups and mixers made from fresh ingredients.
- No clue how to put together a charcuterie board for your next event? No worries, here’s a helpful road map that you can use for everyday hosting!
- Try these alcohol-free sparkling beverages available in six organic flavors and made with nourishing, regenerative ingredients that help you tap into your inner power.
- 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.
