Sip, Sip, Hooray! 5 of the Best Happy Hour Deals in Town

The historical roots of Happy Hour date all the way back to the early 20th Century – the term is actually derived from American Naval slang in the 1920s. After World War I, happy hours were periods of time when sailors could engage in relaxing activities to relieve themselves of the drudgery of life at sea.

These days we head to our favourite venues for drinks and meal deals to make Happy Hour even happier…why limit happy to one hour?

Here are five of our fave venues where every hour is happy:

Find a little slice of the Cotswolds located in the heart of Kirribilli at Bamfords on Fitzroy Street. Be transported to the gastropubs of England in an intimate, casual and cosy vibe ideal for all occasions, whether it’s a long, boozy lunch or family get-together enjoyed over a few beers, glass of wine or cocktail and delicious nibble.

 

Sip, savour and soak in weekday vibes at Happy Hour from 3 pm-5 pm Tuesday to Friday and enjoy a Margarita with menu share plates of pulled beef brisket sliders with pickled slaw, cucumber and herb mayo; or tempura fish tacos with pico de gallo, cabbage slaw, mesclun, sriracha, herb mayo, tomato, coriander salsa and lime. 

Expect a special dining experience in Melbourne’s iconic O’Connell Reserve at Reserve Dining on Bridge Road in Richmond. This stylish restaurant is historic Amora Hotel Riverwalk’s home of fantastic eats and drinks, with a robust menu showcasing the best local produce, complemented by a bar offering the best Scotch.

 

Join the Happy Hour fun every Friday from 5 pm-8 pm for $5 pots, $8 pints, $7 wines and house spirits, plus complimentary finger food; keep the party going with a memorable meal of seared scallops, with cauliflower purée, King oyster mushrooms and lemon caper butter, followed by eye fillet, Sebago potatoes, cos salad and peppercorn sauce.

Those looking for after-work drinks and a bite to eat in Southbank head to The Melbourne Cellar Door on Dukes Walk at South Wharf. This trendy wine bar is a sibling to The Valley Cellar Door in Moonee Ponds and rocks a chilled-out vibe of wine barrels, fairy lights and leather couches to recline on while sipping a vino, or craft beer of choice.

 

Every Saturday and Sunday Happy Hour offers oysters for just $2 each from 2 pm-5 pm to start an evening to remember; follow on with Korean fried chicken, chilli sauce and crushed roasted peanuts, then twirl your fork around spaghetti with chilli, crab, coriander, spring onions and chives, or devour roast pork belly, caramelised apple, mashed potato and apple cider sauce.

A long-loved watering hole in Mosman Park, Samson’s Paddock on Glyde Street is a tapas haven for local foodies. With a history dating back to the 1830s when horses rested out front while riders quenched their thirst indoors, Samson’s has evolved into a casually chic stop for a drink and graze from share plates.

 

Locals’ Hour runs from 4 pm-5 pm Tuesday to Sunday, come for a glass or two with half-price drinks on the menu, to go with plates like char-grilled Albany sardines, chilli marinade, house pickles and grilled sourdough, or prawns with smoked pancetta, coconut milk, chickpeas, capsicum, chilli and anise myrtle.

Combining food, fun, family and friends, dining at Criniti’s Carousel on Albany Highway in Cannington creates memories with your loved ones. When you visit this rustic restaurant in Westfield Carousel Mall - voted Australia’s favourite Italian - you are treated like family as you peruse a fusion menu of traditional and contemporary dishes, from wood-fired pizza and pasta to ribs, steaks, burgers and salads.

 

Unwind with discounted drinks during Happy Hour and indulge in selected cocktails, beer and wine at unbeatable prices, whether you are winding down after work or catching up with friends. Pair your drink of choice with share platers such as cheeseburger spring rolls, with mustard aioli and tomato sauce, or hot chilli buffalo chicken wings, with celery and ranch dressing.