Happy hour. Two glorious words that signify discounted drinks, tasty appetizers, and a relaxed atmosphere after a long day. But navigating the happy hour scene can be tricky. Finding a place with a great selection, reasonable prices, and a menu that actually excites you can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This guide focuses on the ever-popular tap house happy hour, decoding the deals and helping you find your perfect after-work (or anytime!) spot.
What Typically Makes Up a Tap House Happy Hour Menu?
A typical tap house happy hour menu centers around, well, taps! Expect a curated selection of discounted beers on tap, often featuring local brews or seasonal favorites. The discounts can range from a simple dollar off to significant percentage reductions. Beyond beer, many tap houses extend their happy hour specials to other beverages, including:
- Wine: House wines, both red and white, frequently get the happy hour treatment.
- Cocktails: Classic cocktails or signature drinks might be offered at a reduced price.
- Seltzers & Cider: Hard seltzers and ciders are increasingly popular, and many tap houses include them in their happy hour deals.
What Kind of Food is Usually on a Tap House Happy Hour Menu?
The food selection at a tap house happy hour often complements the beer selection, offering options that pair well with various brews. Common happy hour food items include:
- Small Plates/Appetizers: Think nachos, wings, sliders, pretzels, and other shareable options, perfect for socializing.
- Pub Fare Classics: Some establishments might offer reduced prices on their full menu items, like burgers or fish and chips.
- Seasonal Specials: Depending on the season, you might find unique happy hour dishes utilizing fresh, local ingredients.
What Time Does Tap House Happy Hour Typically Run?
Happy hour times vary greatly depending on the establishment's location and target audience. However, a common timeframe is weekdays between 4 pm and 7 pm. Some tap houses might extend their happy hour later into the evening or offer weekend specials. Always check the individual tap house's website or social media for their specific happy hour schedule.
What are some popular happy hour snacks to pair with beer?
The best happy hour snacks to pair with beer depend heavily on the type of beer. Lighter beers, such as lagers or pilsners, pair well with lighter snacks like salads, chips and salsa, or even some sushi. For heavier, darker beers like stouts or IPAs, richer, more flavorful foods such as wings, burgers, or spicy nachos are often preferred. The key is to find a balance – don't overwhelm the delicate flavors of a light beer with a heavy snack, and vice versa.
Are there any downsides to going to a tap house during happy hour?
Yes, like anything, tap house happy hours have potential downsides. The most common is crowds. Popular spots can get extremely busy during happy hour, resulting in longer wait times for drinks and food. Another potential downside is that the selection might be limited compared to the full menu, particularly with food. Finally, while happy hour offers savings, it's important to drink responsibly and avoid overspending even with the reduced prices.
How can I find tap houses with great happy hour deals near me?
Finding great happy hour deals near you is easier than ever! Start by using online search engines like Google or Yelp, searching for "happy hour near me" or "tap house happy hour [your location]". Many websites and apps are dedicated to finding happy hour deals and allow you to filter by location, type of establishment, and even specific drinks or foods. Don't forget to check individual tap house websites and social media pages for their daily specials.
By understanding the typical offerings and potential pitfalls, you can confidently navigate the exciting world of tap house happy hour and find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy delicious food and drinks at a great price. Remember to check individual establishments' menus and timings as offerings can vary significantly.
