The words “happy” and “hour” together conjure images of coworkers and friends gathering at the local watering hole for drinks and nibbles before heading to dinner or whatever else the evening holds.
Even King Henry was on board. In Act I, Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s Henry V, he tells his court, “Therefore, my lords, omit no happy hour / That may give furtherance to our expedition…”
Henry likely meant a fortunate moment rather than drink specials and half-off appetizers. But the custom we know dates back at least to 1913, when a group of Navy wives calling themselves the Happy Hour Social organized gatherings aboard the USS Arkansas. During Prohibition, it moved to speakeasies, where people would squeeze in a “cocktail hour” before heading to restaurants that couldn’t legally serve alcohol.
In some places, happy hour is still outlawed. Massachusetts banned it statewide in 1984.
Texas has no such hang-ups, and the Spring Branch District is proof. Restaurants and bars across the district roll out special menus and discounts to lure guests in and spread a little cheer.
Here are the happy hours not to miss.
Aye Candy
On Bingle Road, a hostess leads guests, who must be 25 or older, past the candy counter and into a low-lit, glamorous bar. Inside, expertly crafted cocktails, a candy-themed twist on the charcuterie board, and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights keep things upscale with a strict dress code. Midweek happy hour knocks down the price of signature cocktails, beer and wine. Keep an eye out for the occasional late-night reverse happy hour, like the one Aye Candy held for the Houston Rodeo’s final night.
Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m. | 1849 Bingle Rd.
The Blind Goat
MasterChef winner Christine Ha’s Vietnamese restaurant pours classic cocktails for $6 to $8 during happy hour. The bites are the real stars: Mom’s eggrolls ($5), pork belly skewers ($7), thit kho shumai inspired by Ha’s winning MasterChef entrée ($8), crispy Parmesan fries ($8), bánh khọt ($9) and sticky wings ($11).
And then there are the daily deals. Half-off margaritas on Tuesdays? Yes, please.
Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 6 p.m. and all day Monday | 8145 Long Point Rd.
BORI
BORI gives diners two chances each weekday to save, once at lunch and again before dinner. Specials cover beer and wine, including 15 percent off bottles and $2 off glasses of red and white wine. All happy hour beers are $5.
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. | 1453 Witte Rd.
Cobble & Spoke
Hump day gets a makeover at Cobble & Spoke, where Wednesday is an all-day happy hour. Take $2 off every 16-ounce beer pour and $2 off wine.
Wednesdays, all day | 1900 Blalock Rd.
The Decoy
Anchored by regulation sand volleyball courts, The Decoy morphs into a full-fledged nightclub on the weekends with live music or DJs, drink specials and, for those truly ready to party, shot towers. On weekdays, start early with $1 off domestic drafts, $4 lemon drops, $5 Modelos and $6 margaritas and “Branch Waters.”
Weekdays, 2 to 7 p.m. | 1222 Witte Rd.
Eighteen Ten Ojeman
Eighteen Ten Ojeman is a launchpad for local musicians, artists and performers, hosting shows where the stage might feature soulful jazz one hour and high-energy metal the next. Drinks are discounted during happy hour, and Texas Tuesday takes $1 off Texas brands.
Daily, 2 to 7 p.m. | 1810 Ojeman Rd.
Feges BBQ
Happy hour at Feges brings $3 select beers, half-off select wines by the glass and $5 frozen margaritas. The real draw is the $10 food menu: a chopped brisket sandwich, a pulled pork sandwich or 10 smoked chicken wings for $15.
Tuesday through Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m. | 8217 Long Point Rd.
Hando
At sushi spot Hando, house cocktails that normally go for $13 to $15 drop to $7, including a clarified milk punch and Tiki-inspired drinks like the Matcha Painkiller (rum, shochu, matcha, coconut, pineapple and orange). Bites are $5 each: mozzarella kushikatsu, curry croquettes, chicken karaage, ika karaage and veggie kakiage. Or go for the $15 Hando Happy Meal, which pairs a Toki highball with a hand roll and one of those bites.
Daily, 3 to 6 p.m. | 8211 Long Point Rd.
Hugh O’Connors
The Spring Branch District’s preeminent Irish pub, located at the Marq’E Entertainment Center, pairs a weekday happy hour with a rotating lineup of food deals: $5 off the Guinness Burger on Mondays, $5 off bangers and mash on Tuesdays, $5 off fish and chips on Wednesdays and steak night starting at 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. | Marq’E Entertainment Center, 7620 Katy Fwy., Suite 350
Lazy Oaks Beer Garden
Happy hour at Lazy Oaks runs seven days a week because, well, why not? And it isn’t limited to an hour. Nearly every alcoholic drink is $1 off from opening until 8 p.m.
Daily, opening to 8 p.m. | 10158 Long Point Rd.
La Cruderia
At La Cruderia, every dish on the happy hour menu is just $5 and packed with bold, authentic flavors, including fresh, perfectly marinated ceviche. Pair it with $6 drinks like the signature margarita or an Agua Loca de Jamaica or Pepino.
Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. | 7710 Long Point Rd.
The Library
Tucked along Long Point Road, The Library wine bar feels more like a spot you’d stumble onto down a European side street than a bar on a major Houston thoroughfare. Settle into a cozy booth with a staff-recommended glass or slip out to the secluded patio. Happy hour offers $9 glasses of wine and $9 flatbreads, a great reason to make it an early night out.
Daily, 4 to 6 p.m. | 8510 Long Point Rd.
Loose Cannon
In the mood for something a little more unpolished, in the best way? Drop anchor at Loose Cannon. Happy hour brings $4 well drinks, $6 drafts, $8 cocktails and discounts on bottles, cans and wine. First responders, teachers, military and hospitality workers get the deals anytime.
Monday through Saturday, 2 to 7 p.m., and all day Sunday | 8518 Long Point Rd.
Pampa Grill and Market
This family-owned Argentine restaurant doubles as a specialty grocery store. Happy hour takes 15 percent off a wide selection of drinks.
Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m. | 10111 Hammerly Blvd.
Ragin’ Cajun
The Wirt Road outpost of the Houston Cajun institution calls its deal the Happiest Hour.
Pair discounts on bottles and pints, well drinks and frozen margaritas and hurricanes with jumbo Buffalo wings, a dozen Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell or debris fries loaded with slow-cooked roast beef debris and melted cheddar.
Mondays, 3 p.m. to close; Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m. | 1725 Wirt Rd.
Slowpokes
Slowpokes’ weekday happy hour starts at 4 p.m. and runs until close, so go ahead and call it dinner. Local drafts are $4.50 to $5.50, wines by the glass run $6 to $13, and snacks include a $6 hummus plate and a $3 pretzel. The $25 Bottle & Board is available all day, every day, and on Wine Wednesday, bottles are half price from 4 p.m. to close.
Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to close | 8147B Long Point Rd.
Stuffed Belly
Proving that happy hour doesn’t have to involve alcohol, every weekday afternoon, every Stuffed Sipper (specialty drink) on the menu is half off, and the $9 Mini Belly Meal (a mini Belly burger, a small drink and tater tots) costs less than most people spend on coffee.
Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. | 8133 Long Point Rd.
Warehouse 72
Don’t miss “social hour” at Warehouse 72, featuring $8 cocktails as well as additional drink specials and discounted food such as $7 crispy pork belly bites.
Tuesday to Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. | Marq’E Entertainment Center, 7620 Katy Fwy Suite 305
Henry had France to conquer. You just have Long Point Road. Round up your lords and ladies and set off on your expedition. Just be sure to designate a driver.
— Dorothy Puch Lillig
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