Still, happy hour is a reward for the planners and prudent who can make the 6 p.m. cutoff. How often do we rush to drinks or dinner with friends only to get the response, “Sorry, happy hour just ended?" In some ways, this adds to the distinctiveness of happy hour, like the elusive Loch Ness, not to be seen again until 3 p.m. the next day. This leaves the throng of procrastinators to pay full-price drinks or risk waiting for reverse happy hour to start. So, we compiled a list of a few local watering holes that kindly push the happy hour cutoff past 6 p.m. so you can have your slice of cake too (looking at you procrastinators). Cheers!
Salty Senorita
3748 North Scottsdale Road, ScottsdaleHappy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. daily, and all day Monday
Decorated with palms and tiki torches, Salty Senorita is the beach vibe we all crave as Phoenicians. This upbeat spot in the heart of Scottsdale is known for its signature margaritas and massive selection of tequila. Their beach-inspired happy hour includes a selection of tacos ($2.75 each), carnitas tostada ($4), and loaded beach house nachos ($8.75) which includes your choice of meat, pico, and melted fundido pepper jack cheese. Drinks include the classic house margarita or seaside sangria ($5.75), house wine ($4.75), and a 14-ounce Pacifico draft ($3.50). Because why not.
Bevvy Uptown
5600 North Seventh StreetHappy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday
Whether you’re in uptown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale, throughout the day, Bevvy transforms from a brunch favorite to a lively happy hour to a late-night high-energy pub with games and trivia. Needless to say, Bevvy aims to please everyone. This upbeat eatery serves hearty portions of pub grub and drinks in a swanky British-style venue. Happy hour drinks include a list of Moscow mules and cocktails starting at $7, and house wine and well drinks for $6.
The food menu offers a generous list of pub-grubby pleasers like the giant salted pretzel ($8), house mac and cheese ($8), and a selection of flatbreads made with house-made dough. Try the Ron Swanson, their signature flatbread with house braised short rib, bacon, cheddar, chipotle aioli, topped with chives (13). Come for brunch and stick around for happy hour, it’s worth the wait.
Sushiholic
3957 East Camelback RoadHappy hour from 2 p.m. to close daily
Arguably one of the best happy hours in town, Sushiholic's reverse happy hour starts immediately when the regular happy hour ends at 8 p.m. and goes until midnight. Located in a typical hole-in-the-wall strip mall, this unassuming neighborhood sushi joint is bustling with activity. Happy hour is a more condensed version of the main menu, including a selection of roughly 20 types of sushi, 17 appetizers, and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
For $10, you can do quite a bit of damage with full sushi rolls starting at $3.75 and miso soup for $1.75. Try the Tootsie Roll, which has shrimp tempura, avocado, crab meat, cucumber, topped with savory eel sauce, and the Sinful Geisha cocktail that is smooth and mellow with watermelon pucker and a mandarin orange kick. Because of their popularity, consider making a reservation for reverse happy hour to bypass the hungry crowd of sushiholics.
Jackalope Gastropub
801 North Third StreetHappy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. daily
Start your night in downtown Phoenix at this cozy burger café located just south of the bustling Roosevelt Row. Jackalope Gastropub has an adorable patio to enjoy lavishly prepared comfort food, cocktails, and late-night snacks. Their happy hour is simple: $2 off everything. Featuring a menu of full-flavored appetizers like the buffalo cauliflower bites ($11), elaborately crafted burgers, plus an unsparing list of cocktails, it’s hard not to indulge in this 20-odd-item menu. Try the juicy Truffle Burger, which includes a half-pound beef patty, shaved truffle, grilled onions, gruyere cheese, herb aioli, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun ($15).
The Whining Pig
1612 East Bethany Home RoadHappy hour from open to 7 p.m. daily
Since opening in 2013, this neighborhood wine and craft beer bar has taken over the Valley with force. Now with seven locations, including Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Gilbert and Scottsdale, the friendly staff at the Whining Pig pours wines from all over the world including more than 100 craft beers from a rotating tap that changes with the season. With winter upon us, stouts and porters are appearing on their tap handles.
The cozy atmosphere makes this an intimate experience with the classic chalkboard menu, live music, and vintage board games. With such a large drink selection, the food options are slim. A dollar off a selection of grilled cheese sandwiches ($8) and a charcuterie board ($14) are the only options in terms of eats. Happy hour drink special includes $2 off any draft beer.
