Are after-work drinks starting to take a toll on your budget? Do you love going out but need to save cash? (Doesn’t everyone?)
Here’s where and when to get some of your favourite happy hour snacks and cocktails without breaking the bank.
Drinks
Highballs (1oz)
A happy hour staple for pocket change.
Chuck’s Burger Bar – $3.50
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 2:30 p.m. — 5 p.m. & 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 538 Yates St
Earls – $3.50
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 1199 Government St
Felicita’s Pub – $3.50
- Hours: Monday — Friday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Location: 3800 Finnerty Rd
Highballs (2oz)
For when you need a little something extra.
Pluto’s – $5.95
- Hours:
- Sunday — Thursday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m. to close
- Location: 1150 Cook St
Cenote – $6 (gin & tonic)
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 5 p.m. — 7 p.m.
- Location: 768 Yates St
Local beer sleeves
Cold local brews for just a couple of toonies!
Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio – $3.95
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 536 Yates St
Baan Thai Wok & Bar – $4
- Hours: Monday — Saturday, 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Location: 1117 Blanshard St, 104-2000 Cadboro Bay Rd, 400-777 Royal Oak Dr
Crooked Goose Bistro – $4
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 2:30 p.m. — 5:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 4136 Wilkinson Rd
Martinis
Because classy doesn’t have to be expensive.
Fiamo – $5.50
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Location: 515 Yates St
Vista 18 – $6
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 5 p.m. (note – will reopen early spring)
- Location: 740 Burdett Ave
Sangria
Fruity and frugal.
Steamship Grill & Bar – $5
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 470 Belleville St
Santiago’s Cafe – $5
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Location: 660 Oswego St
Tapa Bar – $5 ($20 pitcher)
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 5 p.m. & 10 p.m. to close
- Location: 620 Trounce Alley
House wine
By the glass.
Ferris’ Grill & Garden Patio – $3.95
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 536 Yates St
Nourish Kitchen – $4
- Hours: Tuesday — Saturday, 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Location: 225 Quebec St
Strathcona Hotel’s Rooftop Patio – $4
- Hours: Monday — Friday, 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Location: 919 Douglas St
Food
Truffle fries
Is there a more heavenly combination than truffles and fries?
Cactus Club Cafe – $4
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 1125 Douglas St
Lot 1 Pasta Bar – $5
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Location: 815 Cloverdale Ave
Flatbread
The perfect pre-dinner snack.
Fireside Grill – $5
- Hours: Monday — Friday, 2:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
- Location: 4509 W Saanich Rd
Finn’s – $6
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 4 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
- Location: 1208 Wharf St
Cheese boards
Even indulgent cheese boards are possible on a budget!
Milestones – $9
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 2 p.m. — 5 p.m. & 9 p.m. to close
- (Patio: 3 p.m. — 6 p.m.)
- Location: 812 Wharf St
Caffe Fantastico – $10
- Hours: Monday — Saturday, 4 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Location: 965 Kings Rd, 298 Harbour Rd
Dry ribs
Clean plate, full wallet, can’t lose.
The Sticky Wicket – $5
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Location: 919 Douglas St
5th St. Bar & Grill – $7
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
- Location: 1028 Hillside Ave
Moxie’s Classic Grill – $7
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m., 9 p.m. to close
- Location: 1010 Yates St
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTeeiEUD7EE/
Sliders
As adorable as they are affordable.
Pagliacci’s – one for $4
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Location: 1011 Broad St
Glo Restaurant & Lounge – two for $7
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 2 p.m. — 5 p.m. & last hour of service
- Location: 2940 Jutland Rd
Shark Club – three for $7
- Hours: Monday — Friday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. & 10 p.m. to close
- Location: 2852 Douglas St
The Beagle Pub – three for $8
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 2 p.m. — 4 p.m.
- Location: 301 Cook St
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxfoWh9hWOJ/
Calamari
Are you a crunchy tentacle or a chewy ring kind of person?
Shark Club – $7
- Hours: Monday — Friday, 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. & 10 p.m. to close
- Location: 2852 Douglas St
Heron Rock Bistro – $8
- Hours: Monday — Sunday, 3 p.m. — 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Location: 435 Simcoe St
The Beach House Restaurant – $8
- Hours: Monday — Friday, 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Location: 5109 Cordova Bay Rd
Did we miss your favourite? Know a place that’s even more affordable?
Comment below and let us know where you go for happy hour on a budget.
