Every New Yorker knows that crushing happy hour is essential to survival in New York City.
This fall, downtown bars are where it's at-- where else, right? They usually tend to feature the most amazing food, awesome people, innovative cocktails, and in some cases, even rooftop views.
Yeah, you can find most of those things uptown as well, but who wants to deal with all those suits, right? Right.
Finding an amazing happy hour spot could be the difference between having the best night of your life, and having a night that's just eh.
And the last thing in the world we'd want is for you to have a night that's just eh. So read on to find out the 8 hottest happy hour spots in NYC below 14th Street (obviously).
You know, because uptown is kinda beat and all.
1. Loopy Doopy (102 North End Avenue)
Situated on the rooftop of the Conrad New York Hotel, Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar got it going on with their innovative drinks.
For one, they invented the "Prosecco and Icepop," which is probably the most delicious thing for summertime in NYC. They come in raspberry-thyme, blackberry-mint, red plum-basil, peach-ginger, or pear-vanilla.
For another, their cocktails are off-the-chain. Their "Topsy-Turvy" cocktail earns its name by combining ciroc, orange liqueur, and white cranberry into a cocktail that will leave you confused about which way is up and which way is down.
Also, did we mention the view from Conrad's roof is drop dead gorgeous?
2. Stone Street Tavern (52 Stone Street)
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Aside being among the best places to throw back a cold beer in the Financial District, Stone Street Tavern is located on the first street to be paved in New York City.
Which makes this an epic summer hangout, as you can sit outside on the handcrafted stone street, which has survived all the way through colonization, the World Wars, and the Great Depression.
This gem is charmingly historic, and invitingly picturesque.
Which makes it a lovely locale for your next happy hour, everyday from 3 p.m to 8 p.m., when Heineken, Amstel Light, and Brooklyn Lager Beers are all $5, and Russian Standard Vodka is $6.
3. Rooftop at the James Hotel (15 Thompson Street)
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The Jimmy is a classy rooftop bar with amazing views and cocktails, and music that's always on point.
To start, it offers a complete, 360-degree view of downtown Manhattan, which everyone knows is stunning in and of itself.
The real perk here are the specialty cocktails, ranging from the amazing Watermelon Mule to the refreshing Grilled Pineapple Mojito. Just do it, trust us.
4. Blind Tiger Ale House (281 Bleecker Street)
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Blind Tiger Ale House is legendary for the simple fact that craft beer is their business, and they do their business like professionals.
They have 28 rotating craft draughts, three cask ale selections, an extensive bottle selection, and an acclaimed seasonal menu with offerings cooked up by Chef Tommy Harder.
Blind Tiger's lamb sliders will change your life, as will their hot wings.
Their happy hour is every weekday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and entails a dollar off the price of draught beer, cask ale, wine, and Prosecco.
5. Mermaid Oyster (79 Macdougal Street)
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In addition to being one of the best places to have oysters in NYC, Mermaid Oyster also brings the noise during the happiest hour of the day.
And by the happiest hour of the day, we mean all night Mondays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.
Mermaid Oyster's happy hour deals are dollar oysters and clams and $8 cocktails. Cocktails to try include their Hot & Dirty, Dark & Stormy, and Mermaid Mary, which is the satisfying collision of vodka and old by spiced Bloody Mary mix.
They also offer $5 beers and $7 glasses of wine during happy hour. We know, amazing.
6. Sweet Revenge (62 Carmine Street)
Of all the wine bars in New York City, Sweet Revenge has got to be the one with the most delectable wine and desserts.
While you're enjoying their flavorful wine slushies, be sure to try a Crimson and Cream, Dirty Cupcake, or Mexican Vanilla Cake.
The atmosphere here is intimate and cozy, and the perfect place for a happy hour date that you want to include wine, beer, and desserts.
And of course, their happy hour is the best of all, and includes cupcakes, sangria, and wine specials, and takes place Mondays through Fridays, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
7. Biergarten at the Standard Hotel (848 Washington Street)
Want to play beer pong or ping-pong? Do you love German beers and eats?
Well, at Biergarten you're able to play games, and slam back beers, sausages, and amazing pretzels all at the same time. And yes, this happens to be a surprisingly unpretentious, Meatpacking District joint, which we all know is shocking.
Biergarten, a festive German blast of approximately 4,000 square feet, employs a clever ticketing system so everyone gets their drinks super quick.
If you're rolling squad deep and you need a spot to happy hour it up, this place is absolutely perfect.
8. Sons of Essex (133 Essex Street)
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From drinks like the delicious "Snoop Dog," the penultimate "Georgia Peach," and the "Kentucky Mule," a bunch of Sons of Essex's incredible cocktails are a relaxed $7 during happy hour.
With hip-hop bumping all night long, amazing food, and plenty of space, this is another must-do spot for a group happy hour sesh-- especially if you already find yourself on the Lower East Side.
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[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]
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