Sip and save: Our 5 favorite happy hours in downtown Phoenix

As journalists, we ask questions all day long. So, we’re turning over the mic, asking Phoenix New Times readers what questions they have about this sprawling city we all call home. In our new series, the Weekly WTF, you get a chance to have your questions heard and, possibly, answered. Together, we can all learn more about what makes metro Phoenix tick.

Recently, Lynette from downtown Phoenix asked: 

What are the best happy hour deals? Not $1/$2 off nonsense, but legitimately excellent deals that feel good for people trying to exist in this economy?

I just ate at SoSoBa for their Halfy Hour, which was a $9 ramen and $6 Old Fashioned ($4.50 beers that I’ll try next time). Cornish Pasty has $4 beers (VERY RARE). Welcome Diner does $1 Hamm’s and $5 chicken biscuits. Does Pita Jungle still have inflation busters? Selfishly, I want a highlight on downtown Phoenix because of its walkability and reputation for businesses having high prices, but I’m happy to extend my boundaries to explore Central Phoenix with a convenient ride on the light rail or bus route 🙂

Cornish Pasty Co., SoSoBa and Welcome Diner are stellar spots to find a good deal during happy hour. Here are five more of our favorite downtown happy hour destinations that we hit up on the regular:

Palma

903 N. Second St.
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Dining at Palma feels like being on a tropical vacation. The beachy patio is even better enjoyed during happy hour. And this deal actually spans many happy hours. Offered every weekday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the deal includes discounts on drinks, with frozen margaritas for $6 and draft beers for $5. Sushi rolls are between $5 and $7 and shareable snacks, including crab rangoons, edamame and Hatch chile queso, are between $5 and $10.

The Vig

606 N. Fourth Ave.
3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
The Vig’s seasonal happy hour rotates throughout the year, but this downtown spot is a staple for a good deal. The Filmore location of the local chain, surrounded by a large patio, has an industrial, urban feel that is right at home in the heart of the city. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and includes $7 glasses of wine, $5 draft beers and a selection of craft cocktails for $7 or $8. Pair those sips with a couple of tacos for $6, a pretzel with queso for $7 or split a giant plate of nachos with a friend for $12. Check back throughout the year for additional discounts, especially during the summer months.

Filthy Martini Bar

455 N. Third St., #1005
5-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday
For an elevated experience without the matching pricetag, head to Filthy during happy hour, or, as the bar calls it, Tini Time. The swanky cocktail bar is hidden inside Cleaverman Steakhouse at Arizona Center. There, customers will find golden lighting, frequent live music and a luxurious vibe. During Tini Time, the bar’s signature martinis are $10, along with a selection of small bites to pair with the drinks, also for $10. 

Pedal Haus Brewery

214 E. Roosevelt St., #4
3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
During many happy hours, the beers on special are your standard national brands. Not at Pedal Haus Brewery. The Roosevelt Row outpost of this local beer maker offers its own craft brews at a discount from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. The staple Day Drinker Light Lager is on sale for $4, with $ 2 off other house brews and $6 margaritas and wine. Pair those sips with a $7 pork schnitzel sandwich or a classic cheeseburger for $9. For an ideal happy hour environment, head upstairs to the shaded rooftop patio for an afternoon of easy sipping.

Barcoa

829 N. First Ave.
4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
If you’re looking for a happy hour focused on great drinks, Barcoa may be your ideal weekday spot. The colorful downtown agave bar offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m, with $7 margaritas made with tequila or mezcal, palomas, micheladas, ranchwaters, sangrias and straight sips of tequila and mezcal. Enjoy your drink inside the funky cantina-inspired space or under the string lights on the patio.

Do you have a question you want Phoenix New Times to answer? Submit it here and we may respond in our next Weekly WTF column.