After a long day at work or studying, few things are more satisfying than kicking back with friends and enjoying some delicious food and refreshing drinks. Luckily, Ann Arbor has plenty of options to choose from, and happy hour is the perfect time to try them out!

Whether you’re looking for craft beer, creative cocktails, or savory appetizers and entrees, you’ll find amazing deals all over town. We’re guiding you through some of the best happy hour specials in Ann Arbor, from hidden gems to popular hotspots. And if you’re looking for a Friday or Saturday night happy hour — don’t worry! There’s something happening every day of the week.

 

Aventura

Monday–Friday from 3–6 p.m.

Aventura focuses on authentic Spanish cuisine and culture, including tapas, paella, vino and delicious, artisan cocktails. Complete with exposed brick walls, gorgeous tilework, unique light fixtures and bold wallpaper, the interior is cozy, comfortable and inviting, yet remains modern, cheerful and eclectic. Aventura hosts Sangria Hour at their bar every weekday from 3–6 p.m.

 

Black Pearl

Monday–Thursday from 5–6 p.m.

This sleek seafood restaurant offers a unique lounge atmosphere with cocktails, music and mouth-watering cuisine. The outdoor patio is tastefully decorated with charming string lights, providing a perfect backdrop for people-watching. It’s also a great place to enjoy their happy hour Mondays through Thursdays from 5–6 p.m., when they offer some of their best appetizers and specialty drinks at discounted prices. And on Tuesdays, Black Pearl serves $5 a la carte fish tacos for dine-in and $3 off every order of deconstructed fish tacos for carryout.

 

The Blue Leprechaun

Monday–Saturday from 4–8 p.m. (Excludes Game Days + Special Events)

Nestled in the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus, the Blue Leprechaun is a great place for students and locals alike to “Get your Irish on.” This lively pub is also home to the longest happy hour in Ann Arbor, extending Monday through Saturday from 4–8 p.m. (excluding game days and special events). During happy hour, you can get $3.50 well drinks, shooters, featured drinks and draft pints, $4 call drinks, tall drafts, long islands and bombs, and $6 select appetizers.

 

Blue Tractor BBQ + Brewery

Every Day from 3–6 p.m.

BBQ and beer is a winning combination and no one knows more about it than Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery. Pair your barbecue dish with one of their six rotating beers, including award winners that have snagged numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at competitions across the nation. During happy hour every single day from 3–6 p.m., you can get half-off appetizers, half-off house-brewed drafts, $5 mixed well drinks, and $5 pours of select whiskeys. And on Monday nights, stick around for trivia at either 7 or 8 p.m.! 

 

The Brown Jug

Monday–Thursday from 2–4 p.m.

Monday–Saturday from 7–10 p.m.

Sunday from 2–9 p.m.

The Brown Jug has been a University of Michigan tradition since they opened their doors in 1936. Named after the Michigan vs. Minnesota football trophy, the oldest in college football, The Brown Jug is the ideal place to watch the game. It’s also the place to be during happy hour, which happens at several different times throughout the week. From 2–4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, you can get half-off appetizers (excluding 2-pound wings and the Mediterranean sampler). And from 7–10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 2–9 p.m., enjoy $3 Coors Light, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue 22-ounce drafts, $5 long island iced teas, and $4 premium draft pints.

 

The Circ Bar

Thursday–Saturday from 6–9 p.m.

Established in 2018, The Circ Bar is a relatively new addition to Ann Arbor’s flourishing nightlife scene. But the building has been around for decades, and has undergone an extensive renovation with a modern, industrial-style feel. Part cocktail bar, part event venue, part restaurant, Circ has plenty of space to gather and mingle, both inside and outside — as it includes four unique bars, a rooftop deck, and a dreamy outdoor alley patio adorned with string lights. And on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, you can get 20% off all menu items during happy hour!

 

The Garage Bar

Every Day from 3–6 p.m.

The Garage Bar is the ideal spot to rev up your day, with its unique open-air atmosphere, 32 craft beers on tap, and full Pizza House menu. Whether you’re in the mood for watching the game or having a night out with friends, The Garage Bar offers daily happy hour specials, nightly drink deals, and the perfect lively atmosphere. During happy hour, get half off drinks and $5 appetizers, including sliders with fries, queso dip with nacho chips, jumbo wings, sweet potato fries, hummus and pita, spinach artichoke dip, and more.

 

Good Time Charley’s

Tuesday–Saturday from 3–6 p.m.

Good Time Charley’s opened its doors in 1979, the first U-M student walked in, and the rest is history. The sports bar and restaurant is located right across the street from the university and is a great choice to watch Wolverine games, to enjoy a casual dinner, to meet with friends, or to grab a beer at the bar. On Tuesdays through Saturdays, their happy hour runs from 3–6 p.m., with the best deals earlier on in the afternoon. From 3–4, you can get 50% off all drinks and apps, 40% off from 4–5, and 30% from 5–6, so get there early!

 

The Grotto

Monday–Friday from 3–6 p.m.

The Grotto aims to be “everyone’s watering hole” —and we think it’s safe to say they’ve accomplished their goal! This lively hotspot features 36 constantly rotating craft beer taps from across the country and the world, shelves of world-class bourbon scotch and other spirits, an excellent wine list, and a variety of creative cocktails, including plenty of frozen options. During happy hour on weekdays from 3–6 p.m., you can get 20% off all beer, wine, cocktails and spirits! And all day Sunday through Thursday, the same deal applies to military members, first responders, teachers and those in the industry.

 

The Habitat

Monday–Friday from 4–6 p.m.

Situated in northwest Ann Arbor, The Habitat is equal parts cocktail bar and live music venue. The music roster includes a mix of jazz, soul, rock, pop and much more, offering cover-free access to incredible local and regional bands. The Habitat serves expertly prepared small plates and oysters from the adjacent kitchen at Weber’s, plus a sixteen-bottle wine tap system. On weekdays from 4–6 p.m., The Habitat offers happy hour specials at the bar, including $2 off liquor, beer and wine, $8 cocktails, and snacks ranging from $3–12!

 

Haymaker Public House

Monday–Friday from 3–6 p.m.

Located in downtown Ann Arbor, Haymaker Public House is a favorite sports bar and restaurant amongst locals, students, visitors and people around all of Southeast Michigan. Their pub offers board games, trivia, handcrafted beverages, 24 different beers on draft and a menu of classic comfort food that includes chicken and waffles! On weekdays from 3–6 p.m., their happy hour offers 50% off all drinks (excluding all cocktails that are not seasonal drinks) and 25% off all starters.

 

Heidelberg

Wednesday + Thursday from 6–10 p.m.

Since 1961, Heidelberg has been serving fine German food in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. But it’s more than just a German restaurant; Heidelberg offers three floors of drinking, dancing and entertainment. Stop by on Wednesday or Thursday nights for their happy hour, when you can eat and drink for under $10 — with a $3 Twisted or Truly and $6 chicken strips or a burger.

 

Jolly Pumpkin

Monday–Friday from 4–6 p.m.

Founded by Ron Jeffries in 2004, Jolly Pumpkin began in Dexter and now operates pubs and tap houses in Dexter, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Traverse City, Royal Oak, Grand Rapids and Chicago. Each location — whether full-service pub or casual hangout — offers its own character, menu and lineup of oak-aged Michigan wild beers. On weekdays from 4–6 p.m., Jolly Pumpkin’s happy hour includes $5 North Peak drafts, $6 Jolly Pumpkin drafts, and $10 pizzas.

 

Mani Osteria & Bar

Wednesday + Thursday from 4–6 p.m.

Friday–Sunday from 3–5 p.m.

Mani Osteria & Bar is named for two things: the word “mani” which means “hands” or “handmade” in Italian, and the classic Italian osteria, an eatery that emphasizes local ingredients, small production wines and hospitality. This particular osteria specializes in artisanal pizzas and creative Italian dishes prepared in wood-burning ovens. Enjoy discounts during happy hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 3–5 p.m.

 

Mediterrano

Monday–Saturday from 4–7 p.m.

Mediterrano is the Carlyle Grill’s sister restaurant serving up flavors inspired by 14 different countries. Driven by the belief that the Mediterranean diet is inherently nutritious, they source their meats and produce from local farmers and purveyors as much as possible. During their happy hour at the bar every day but Sunday, enjoy $4 wines by the glass, $4 beers, and $4 highballs.

 

Nightcap

Monday–Thursday from Open to 8 p.m.

Nightcap is a popular bar offering a modern cocktail experience in the heart of downtown. Their bartenders are deeply committed to providing an excellent, modern cocktail experience, utilizing only the finest and freshest ingredients, along with innovative techniques and cutting-edge equipment. Mondays through Thursdays, Nightcap offers a happy hour menu (inside only) with discounted cocktails ranging from $8–12 and beer and cider for $3 or $4.

 

The Pretzel Bell

Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m.

After The Pretzel Bell opened in 1934, it became the campus watering hole for more than 50 years, feeding and hydrating students, townies and visitors alike. After a brief closing, the doors reopened as one of A2’s warmest and coziest spots — complete with gourmet pub food, craft beer and cocktails, and dozens of TVs tuned into your favorite team. And on Mondays through Thursdays from 4–6 p.m., The Pretzel Bell offers half off all apps, draft beers, and menu cocktails. On Wednesdays, stick around for trivia at 7 or 8 p.m.!

 

The Ravens Club

Monday–Friday from 4–6 p.m.

Thursday from 9 p.m.–Close

The Ravens Club has been offering some of the best seasonal menus in town since they opened their doors in 2011. Alongside Michigan craft beer, a list of over 150 American whiskeys and impressive craft cocktails, the dinner menu features made-from-scratch snacks, appetizers and dishes like Korean pork belly, fish tacos, seared duck breast, and more. During their happy hour, which occurs every weekday from 4–6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9 p.m. to close, you can expect discounts on cocktails, select draft beer and snack plates.

 

Tios Mexican Cafe

Monday–Friday from 3–6 p.m.

Saturday from 11 p.m.–1 a.m.

Founded by Tim and Harriet Seaver in 1986, Tios Mexican Cafe has been A2’s Tex-Mex favorite for decades. Open and serving food until 2 a.m. seven nights a week, you can order from the unique menu of South American, Spanish and Mexican dishes late into the night. And if you’re there on a weekday between 3 and 6 p.m. or late on Saturday nights, enjoy half-off margaritas and $1 off draft beer!

 

Vinology

Monday–Friday from 4–6 p.m.

Owned and operated by the Jonna family, this neighborhood wine bar, dinner destination and event venue boasts a chic atmosphere, 150 wines and a New American menu. The Vinology team has more than 40 years of experience in the food and wine business and offers everything from weekend brunch to wedding services. During their happy hour on weekdays from 4–6 p.m., enjoy 50% off all wine, specialty cocktails, Zura “sangria,” and wood-fired pizza.

 

Happy Happy Hour!

What’s your favorite happy hour in Ann Arbor? Tell us in the comments below!