It's one of the most well-known downsides of living in Boston: while the rest of the country gets its discounted drink on at happy hour, old-school blue laws mean we're stuck paying full price, no matter where the hands are on the clock.
But we also get an advantage: compared to the rest of the country, our happy hour food deals are killer. Here are eight of the city's best places for food so delicious and cheap, it'll make up for a non-discounted bar tab.
Estragon
South End
The vibe: A laid-back, authentically Spanish tapas bar with a hefty wine list.
The deal: $1, $3, and $5 tapas, from octopus (pictured above) to goat cheese toast.
The time: Monday-Thursday, 5-7pm. Available exclusively at the bar.
Grendel's Den
Harvard Square
The vibe: A chill Harvard Square pub, popular with students and locals alike.
The deal: Every food item on the menu for half off, with the purchase of at least $3 in drinks. Think $4 quesadillas, $3 mac and cheese, and $3.50 kale salad.
The time: Nightly from 5-7:30pm, and Sunday-Thursday from 9-11:30pm.
Haru
Back Bay
The vibe: A sleek, chic NYC-based sushi chain in the base of the Prudential Center.
The deal: $4-8 sushi, including spicy tuna rolls and the Haru Wasabi Roll, with tuna, salmon and avocado. Small bites like BBQ ribs and blue crab corn fritters are the same price.
The time: Monday-Friday, 3-7pm and 10pm-close; Saturday, 3-6pm. Available exclusively at the bar and sushi bar.
Marliave
Downtown
The vibe: Old-school white tablecloths with a modern twist (and a great patio).
The deal: $1 oysters and clams wouldn't normally be a standout deal, but Marliave offers them twice a night, every night.
The time: Daily from 4-6pm and 9-10 pm.
Minibar
Back Bay
The vibe: A plush hotel bar hangout in the Copley Square Hotel.
The deal: Killer $2 beef sliders. Bet you can't eat just four.
The time: Monday-Thursday, 5-7pm.
Myers + Chang
South End
The vibe: A hip diner with fantastic family-style Asian small plates.
The deal: "Cheap date night"—an eight-course dinner for two, plus rice, for $45. A bottle of wine is an extra $25.
The time: Mondays and Tuesdays, 5-10pm.
Red Lantern
Back Bay
The vibe: A dimly lit, Asian-inspired lounge with lots of the titular red lanterns.
The deal: Unlimited sushi for $25. Think spicy tuna, fried rock shrimp with masago, California rolls, and more.
The time: Tuesdays, 5-10pm.
Stella
South End
The vibe: Seasonal Italian food in a contemporary, minimalist atmosphere.
The deal: $6 appetizers, including buffalo mozzarella arancini, Caesar salad, and "bolognese nachos."
The time: Monday-Friday, 4-6pm. Available exclusively at the bar.
