Your guide to Dallas’ 6 best happy hour food specials
Embrace your inner Golden Girl and eat at 5:00 p.m.
Jean Baker
October 12, 2023
Dallas is known for its bustling culinary scene, and one of the best ways to experience it without breaking the bank is through happy hours. Whether seeking a mid-week pick-me-up or a way to unwind after a day of local adventures, Dallas has options that are sure to do the trick.
From pimento cheese dip to meatball sliders, Dallas’ happy hours are a treasure trove of delicious deals. Join us as we explore some of the city’s top spots to enjoy discounted dishes that will leave you in high spirits.
Lounge Here:
Cozy hideaway with daily deals
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Come for the cozy ambiance and stay for the discounted food and drinks. The intimate bar in Little Forest Hills offers happy hour daily. (That’s right! Every single day! Well, except Mondays because they’re not open on Mondays.) Enjoy $2 off cocktails, appetizers and soups while enjoying a playlist curated by the fine folks at Good Records. We recommend the deviled eggs, which come topped with smoked bacon, hot sauce and chives. And be sure to dive into the pimento cheese with crispy ham and a side of house potato chips and fresh veggies. (9028 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218)
Poco Fiasco:
Double the fun with two happy hours
When: Sunday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Late-night happy hour: Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. – midnight
What’s better than one happy hour? Two happy hours, obviously. This lively restaurant from Harwood Hospitality offers a standard late afternoon/post-work happy hour Sunday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. During this time, guests can indulge in $4 slices of pizza and $5 meatball sliders. They also have a menu devoted to $9 build-your-own martinis. (That counts as food if there’s an olive or two, right?) Those who prefer a midnight-ish snack can order a $4 slice of pizza or $8 pizza fries and mini calzones from 10 p.m. until midnight on Friday through Sunday. (2823 McKinnon St, Dallas, TX 75201)
The Rustic:
Energetic hangout with daily specials
When: Daily, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This restaurant and live-music venue is your go-to Uptown hangout for happy hour every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sure, there are $5 frozen cocktails like a house margarita, frosé and mule, but the discounted bites alone are worth a stop. Indulge in tamales three ways; smoked brisket, chicken tinga and pork carnitas. Those who prefer to dip can opt for the smoked dip duo which includes smoked brisket, spinach and cheddar fondue and cold pimento dip with smoked salt potato chips. (3656 Howell St, Dallas, TX 75204)
Uchi:
Craft your own tasting menu
When: Daily, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sure, you can order the ten-course omakase at this Uptown sushi oasis. It’s wonderful; we’ve done it. But you know what’s also wonderful? Assembling your own tasting menu during happy hour for a fraction of the cost. Happy hour is daily here, and with these deals, you can afford to try a little bit of everything, from nigiri to cool and hot tastings like oak-grilled escolar with candied citrus, ponzu and myoga to Japanese sea bass ceviche with gooseberry, leche de tigre and candied orange. Add $6 sake to the mix, and you have yourself a proper feast. (2817 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201)
Truluck’s Dallas:
Iconic happy hour at an Uptown institution
When: Monday-Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The happy hour at this Uptown institution is iconic. Sit in the bar area (honestly, the best place to be if you ask us) and enjoy half-price on all liquor, beer and wine. That’s right, all of it. Happy hour food options include sliders, with a choice of steak, crab cake or Maine lobster. We also recommend the salmon crudo with cucumber dressing, jumbo shrimp cocktail, salt and pepper calamari and a jumbo lump crab cake. Sipping a $7.25 espresso martini while munching on some fresh seafood is an excellent way to spend a Tuesday after work. Or any day, for that matter. (2401 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201)
Hudson House:
Happy hour on the half-shell
When: Monday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
What’s better than oysters after a long day? $3 oysters paired with half-priced martinis, Bellinis and wines by the glass. Those who aren’t into mollusks can opt for the $10 cheeseburger; two thin beef patties, topped with melted American cheese, pickles, onion and Hudson sauce. Trust us when we tell you it’s one of the best burgers in all of Dallas. (Multiple locations)
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Nearby Cortland Locations
Nearby Cortland Locations
Get spooked with these Atlanta Halloween ghost tours
Make your own frights for less than $25.
Though haunted houses get all the love, there are truly creepy, interesting and macabre experiences throughout Atlanta. The city has a rich, complex and sometimes dreadful history adding to its air of mystery, all of which you can experience on the cheap for a truly memorable night out. Read on for fun ideas under $25 per person to experience Atlanta’s local lore and history this Halloween.
Oakland Cemetery
Starting on Oct. 1, Oakland Cemetery is hosting a month-long Halloween scavenger hunt called Haunted Hunt. You can explore the 48-acre cemetery with your partner or invite other couples to join for a group experience. The cemetery is known for its haunting stories, including the ghost of a soldier hanging from a tree, the eerie voices of soldiers calling out names during roll call, and a young woman still searching for her lost love.
For up to two hours of spooky fun in Atlanta’s oldest public park, you can purchase a downloadable Haunted Hunt packet for $25.
Ghost tour in Little 5 Points
Join the Little 5 Points Ghost Tour to hear scary stories on a 90-minute walk through historic Inman Park (Atlanta’s first suburb!) and eerie landmarks through October. Search for apparitions of lost souls, including Lady Sintana from House of Ravenwood, 7 Stages theater’s ghosts, Deacon Lunchbox, Gregory Davis, and more.
The tour costs $25 per person. For maximum frights, you can pair the ghost tour with the Little 5 Points Halloween parade in late October.
Fernbank’s Woodland Spirits
Fernbank’s yearly Halloween exhibit, Woodland Spirits, is unlike any other haunted house experience. It features eerie and supernatural sculptures created by artist Laura Lewis, inspired by the mysterious forests depicted in movies and literature. As you walk along the nature trails of WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, you’ll come across dozens of ghostly figures and animal spirits lurking in the shadows.
Members can enter for free, otherwise $25/person.
The Wren’s Nest
Located in Atlanta’s historic West End, the Wren’s Nest is Atlanta’s oldest house museum and was the home of writer Joel Chandler Harris. Visitors claim to have seen apparitions of two young boys playing on the stairs and in the yard, who are believed to be Harris’ grandchildren, as well as Harris himself and his son throughout the house.
You can visit the house for a tour on Saturdays for $12/person. Every October, the Wren’s Nest offers a ghost-hunting tour with the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research, only available for one night.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was the site of brutal Civil War battles in the summer of 1864, resulting in the loss of over 5,000 lives. It’s not surprising that the park is believed to be haunted by spirits.
Visitors can enter the park for $5/vehicle and explore the various dog-friendly hiking trails, making it an ideal location for a spooky day date. Some visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing the sounds of cannons and gunshots, and even smelling the faint scent of blood and gunpowder. Even locals that live near the park have reported seeing the soldiers’ ghosts in their homes.
Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre, a cherished landmark in Atlanta, offers special ghost tours during October. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the haunted history of the theater. An experienced guide will lead you from the lobby to the basement and backstage areas, sharing the building’s history and stories of the many ghosts that still roam there. The most famous ghost of the theater is Roosevelt, who worked in the boiler room until he died in 1945. He dislikes being interrupted and may slam doors or turn off the lights.
This ticket is $45/person, but it includes access to the Fox Theatre’s rooftop bar, which is only accessible during performances. Before or after your ghost tour, grab a drink and relax by viewing the Midtown skyline.
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Nearby Cortland Locations
Nearby Cortland Locations
6 new and opening Atlanta restaurants we’re most excited about
Out of many, many choices, we narrow down the best bars and restaurants to try
Atlanta natives (or longtime residents; I’ll claim y’all) know that autumn in the city is a frenzied time of events, festivals and new places to try. In my few years back in ATL since graduating, I’ve noticed October brings out the fiend in people. The cocktail fiends. The brunch fiends. Fiends searching for the best meal deals possible ITP. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options in Atlanta.
Among the many restaurant openings, we’ve picked some standout options that will allow you to make the most out of the hottest culinary season of the year. See what we love about these picks, and make sure to plan a visit while there are still tables to be found.
Marcus Bar & Grille: The recently opened favorite offers new additions worth coming back for.
Opened March 2023
Chef Marcus Samuelsson has blessed our TV screens for years on Food Network’s Chopped, but diners now get to experience the magic in person at the James Beard Award Winner’s O4W restaurant Marcus Bar & Grille. After its opening in March, diners fell in love with the retro-joint’s classic soul and comfort food, featuring the perfect mix of surf-and-turf fare. As someone constantly on the hunt for a satisfying burger in the city under $20, their B&G burger featuring double-stacked patties, Swiss cheese and onion strings intrigues me and sits at an attractive $17.
What’s to love: The spot features an out-of-this-world happy hour menu featuring $6 craft beer, $7 house wine pours and $8 house cocktails. Additionally, you can now reserve a spot for their brunch service, where you can enjoy classics like chicken and waffles, indulgent French toast and hearty brisket hash. If you come on Sunday, plan to make a day out of it. At “Sunday Supper & Spins,” you can enjoy a family-style meal with music from one of Atlanta’s popular DJs.
Breaker Breaker: A seafood joint with a beach-inspired atmosphere that feels like taking a vacay.
Opened in August 2023
BeltLine fanatics, now’s your turn. Sitting right on the BeltLine off Wylie Street you’ll find seafood joint Breaker Breaker. The highly Instagram-able restaurant is the latest creation from the consistently delicious minds of Grindhouse Killer Burgers’s Alex Brounstein and Johnny Farrow.
The menu includes seafood classics with a twist, whether it’s poutine with crab and Cajun gravy or vegan calamari made with hearts of palm and enoki mushrooms. They’re taking care of Atlanta’s herbivores with inclusions like the mushroom chopped cheese sandwich, or the mouthwatering cabbage and crispy rice salad, served with carrot, avocado, orange, mint, cilantro, basil, toasted pumpkin seeds and house vinaigrette.
What’s to love: Beyond the tasty menu options, this Florida-panhandle-inspired joint will make you feel like you’ve just come from a day at the beach. Within its massive 9,000 square foot facility, you can enjoy an indoor-outdoor bar, a huge patio and plenty of parking, so that families, friends and surfers-at-heart will find their place at Breaker Breaker.
Omakase by Yun: Unsurpassed craftsmanship with quality-sourced ingredients.
Opened in September 2023
Chef Jonathan Yun brings an impressive pedigree to his new omakase, with years of training in Japan and New York City. Chef Yun trained under Daisuke Nakazawa, whose eponymous restaurant Sushi Nakazawa in New York City earned a Michelin star with help from Yun himself, according to the Omakase by Yun website. After returning home to his hometown of Atlanta, Yun’s pop-up Chiori gained a devoted following.
The new 18-course omakase experience begins at $185, an excellent deal for a memorable experience provided by a master chef. You can choose to pair with sake and wine for an additional fee, with the menu offering an impressive list of choices in both categories.
What’s to love: Yun’s devotion to quality shows in his carefully selected ingredients. In fact, diners will be able to see where the fish is sourced. Though the majority of the offerings will be imported from Japan, dishes will arrive from Mexico, Canada and Alaska. With such a thoughtfully considered selection applied to classic training and modern touches, the variables add up to an exciting debut.
Lazy Betty: New location brings a la carte bar offerings and accessible ambience.
Opening Fall 2023
Atlanta’s bougiest foodies are absolutely familiar with Lazy Betty, the tasting menu eatery from owners and chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips. The current menu at their Candler Park spot includes either four or seven courses starting at $110.
Though the food is phenomenal, a tasting menu is an event — both in terms of time and expense. Considering my favorite meal in Atlanta is the $10 chicken lunch plate at local family chain Mediterranean Grille (not newly opened by any means, but I had to shout them out), my heart and stomach instantly filled with excitement when I read about Hsu and Phillips moving to an expanded Lazy Betty location in Midtown this fall.
What’s to love: In addition to a main dining room, large patio and extended bar with cocktails, mocktails, beer and an extensive wine list, diners will be thrilled with a new addition: An a la carte bar menu. Now, you can create your own tasting menu and sample some of the restaurant’s new offerings at your own pace. All of that, plus a phenomenal patio view — what’s not to love?
YEPPA & Co.: One location to love with another to look forward to.
Buckhead location open now; Junction Krog District location opening in 2024
Buckhead Village Italian spot YEPPA & Co. comes from co-owners Pietro Gianni and Stephen Peterson, the duo behind beloved ATL eateries Forza Storico, Storico Fresco Ristorante, and Storico Vino. These guys have quite the resume, and Yeppa’s menu only ups their culinary expertise.
Stand-out dishes include the prosciutto crudo pizza focaccia and roman veal bombs, an ambitious dish featuring prosciutto rolled breadcrumb-crusted veal with mozzarella, parmigiano and a sage lemon butter white wine sauce. The upscale bar offers a selection of Italian beers, specialty cocktails (yes, they use real espresso in their espresso martini), and a variety of wines available by the glass or bottle, courtesy of beverage director Jose Pereiro.
What’s to love: Though the Buckhead location has already become a popular spot to hit, keep your eyes open for the newest location in the Junction Krog District, coming Spring 2024. It will feature a spacious outdoor dining area so that you can see the action of the high-energy crowds walking nearby.
So, fellow fiends, now’s your time to explore these excellent additions. Grab a friend, dog or even a book and take yourself out for a much-deserved drink or dinner this fall.
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