Best Happy Hours Now: Come for the Drinks, Stay for the Food

Best Happy Hours Now: Come for the Drinks, Stay for the Food

Xin Chao

IT’S 5’OCLOCK, AND we’re all getting hungry, thirsty and tempted by glorious spring weather to get outside. The happiest of happy hours can magically transport you from frenzied workday to relaxing evening while staying gentle on the wallet. Here are nine new menus to try.


Loro's boozy slushees

LORO ASIAN SMOKEHOUSE & BAR Happy hour (weekdays 2-6pm) at this hopping newcomer from two James Beard-winning chefs is worth skipping lunch for. While basking on the sunlit patio, start with signature slushee cocktails and segue to the crispy smoked chicken sandwich with slaw ($8). Anticipate smoked salmon deviled eggs, brisket tostados and more deliciousness, as well as deeply discounted wine, beer and sake. Weekdays, 2-6pm

Xin Chao's smash burger

XIN CHAO There’s a newly expanded patio at chef Christine Ha’s place, with a new happy hour menu, too. The drinks are a steal and $5-$6 bar bites will stave off the hangries (try the beef skewer or eggrolls). In the mood for a big juicy smash burger with a little Asian flair? Wednesday is burger day! Sun.-Thurs., 5-6:30pm

Monkey's Tail patio

MONKEY’S TAIL Bring Fido along, as two large patios await; they’re dog-friendly and kid-welcoming until 8pm. Here, happy hour means $6 viejitas cocktails — try the Mexican Firing Squad, Pepino Sour or impressive margaritas.Weekdays, 4-7pm

Bourbon Improved at Doris Metropolitan / photo by Kirsten Gilliam

DORIS METROPOLITAN Doris Metropolitan specializes in fine steaks, and during early evenings, it’s easy to taste beef for less dough. The Doris Burger with smoked gouda and truffle fries is a happy hour signature or opt for tuna tartare, beef kabobs or artisanal cheeses ($6-$22). Wines ($8) are on special along with cocktails ($9) – think Bourbon Improved and Chill Paloma. Mon.-Sat., 5-7pm

Focaccia at Cafe Leonelli / photo by Emily Chan

CAFÉ LEONELLI After checking out a new exhibition at the MFAH, stop by this artfully decorated café for $5 wines by the glass and $5 assorted fresh focaccia. Snag a seat on the patio if possible. Wed.-Fri., 4-6pm

Just Beet It at Heartbeat / photo by Julie Soefer

HEARTBEET Vegans relish this new spot for its modern plant-based menu and invigorating drinks and cocktails. Refreshing happy hour faves include the Just Beet It and Vodka Ginger Turmeric Tonic cocktails ($9). Shareables like citrus marinated “ceviche” and spinach-artichoke dip are ready when you are ($6-$12).

Tiny Champions pizza

TINY CHAMPIONS During “golden hour,” this EaDo favorite offers winning food and drinks at tiny prices. The northeast oysters are a bargain and where else can you find stellar pizzas for half-off? The “green” pizza is so good you should order two. Cocktails are $5, wine by glass is half-off, and beers are $3. Tues.-Thurs., 5-6pm

Hungry's spicy pineapple margarita

HUNGRY’S Pizzas ($11) are fired up in the wood-stone oven during happy hour, and the treetop terrace in Rice Village is the place to be. Starters also come at a bargain: homemade hummus; baked goat cheese; blue crab cakes, and more. Wines by the glass are $7 (Texas Becker Vineyards chardonnay, thank you) and the spicy pineapple margarita hit the spot. Order up – inflation is here for a while! Daily, 3-6pm

Badolina breads

BADOLINA BAKERY Yes, bakery happy hour is a thing: Load up on carbs at a discount from 4-5pm daily, when all breads and pastries are half off. At this Rice Village gem, “pastry genius” Michal Michaeli bakes a variety including modern Middle Eastern and Israeli baked goods, sweet and savory pastries and custom desserts.

Food
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? Launched in 2006, Kids’ Meals’ mission is to end childhood hunger in Houston by delivering free, healthy meals year-round to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children and through collaboration, provide their families with resources to end the cycle of poverty.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less