The Best Happy Hours in the Greater Sacramento Region

In the early 1900s, the U.S. Navy hosted entertainment events onboard ships in order to boost morale and build camaraderie. These “happy hours” eventually found their way into civilian life, morphing into social gatherings at drinking establishments with discounted drinks. After prohibition, the term was used as a way to attract customers during off-peak times, particularly in the late afternoon once the workday was done. Essentially, happy hour serves as a mini-break between work and home.

Today, happy hours are still going strong. In fact, the idea of a reduced-cost social hour has evolved to include not just beverages, but also food. It’s also expanded to far beyond an hour, sometimes lasting well into dinnertime. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind after a long day, following are some of the best weekday happy hours in the greater Sacramento area.

 Paesano’s | Elk Grove, Davis & Sacramento

This longstanding Italian eatery has locations in Elk Grove, Davis and Sacramento. Their dinner menu features classic Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta, but for happy hour, you can snag bruschetta, polenta fries, fried ravioli and more for just $7. They also offer $6 draft beer, sangria, house wine and well drinks. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m.

 Bennett’s | Rocklin, Roseville & Sacramento

Photo courtesy of Bennett’s

With locations in Rocklin, Roseville and Sacramento, there’s bound to be a Bennett’s near you. The swanky American-themed restaurant is a great place to gather with friends for happy hour, with specials between 2-6 p.m. every day of the week. Deals include $6 glasses of wine, cocktails under $12, and shared plates such as flautas, calamari, and tacos.

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Morgan’s on Main | Woodland

Morgan’s on Main in Woodland is a solid choice for a meal any time of day, but it’s especially appealing during happy hour. You can get great deals on food and drink Mondays from 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 3:30-6 p.m., and Saturday 5-6 p.m. The happy hour menu offers $1 off select wine and beer, $5 well drinks, and appetizers for under $15, including fried ravioli, Buffalo chicken wings, and pecan-crusted brie in phyllo.

 Alaro Craft Brewery | Midtown Sacramento

Located in Midtown Sacramento, this local brewery produces everything from pilsner to porter, saison to stout. They also have a great food menu as well. Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m., you can try it all at a reduced price! Plates include fish tacos, burgers & chips, and fried pickles, while drink selections include all pints, sangria, select wine, and margaritas.

 The Independent | Placerville

If you’re in the Placerville area, consider a visit to this upscale restaurant specializing in seasonal American fusion cuisine. Happy hour is held Wednesday through Friday from 2-5 p.m., with cocktails under $10, wine under $9, and $1 off all beer. They also have a discounted food menu, featuring jalapeño mac & cheese, sliders, and tempura prawns.

 Bacchus House | Folsom

Photo courtesy of Bacchus House

If you’re in the Folsom area, Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro is a great place to unwind. It’s dedicated to fresh, seasonal ingredients with a California spin. Happy hour is available Tuesday through Friday, 4-6 p.m. and although the menu specials change, it typically includes discounts on house cocktails, beer and wine, as well as shared bites such as wings, bruschetta, and flatbread. They also have live music most weekends.

 Dog Haus | Roseville

Yes, it’s a chain. But we’d be remiss not to mention Dog Haus in Roseville because of its killer happy hour menu. Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., you can get $2 off beer and wine, $2 off loaded tots and $3 off wings. Plus, they have happy hour offered on Sundays too, from 3 p.m. to close.

 Franquette | West Sacramento

This quaint wine bar-café in West Sacramento highlights the best in French food and wine. Their happy hour, held Tuesday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m., has a number of great deals, including $10 glasses of wine, $5 beers, and $10 bites. They have a rotating selection of cheese and charcuterie, Toulouse sausage, and onion dip for sharing.

 South Fork Grille | El Dorado Hills

The happy hour menu of this stylish restaurant in El Dorado Hills is one of the largest around. They have more than a dozen wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, and draft beer, all at discounted prices. The happy hour food menu is also on point, with everything from fish tacos to steamed mussels, sliders to sushi rolls. Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

 Koi Japanese Bistro | Midtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy of Koi Japanese Bistro

If it’s sushi you’re after, you can snag a deal at this Japanese spot in Midtown Sacramento. Their happy hour, Mondays 3:30 p.m.-close and Tuesday through Saturday 3:30-6:30 p.m., offers discounts on both dishes and drinks. It includes $12 sushi rolls, $2.50 oysters, and $8 bites like gyoza and tempura. You can also get $2 off beer and wine and $5 hot sake.

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 The Club Car | Auburn

Known for its eclectic lineup of live music, this bar and restaurant in Auburn also has a great happy hour. From 3-6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, you can relax with $8 cocktails, $6 glasses of wine and $3 draft beer. They also offer discounts on food, including sliders, bruschetta, and flautas. You can also indulge in $4 tacos on Taco Tuesday!

 La Venadita | Oak Park

Head to Oak Park for one of the best happy hours around! This lively Mexican eatery offers $8 margaritas and $5 Modelos Tuesdays through Fridays 3-6 p.m., along with tacos, nachos, and fried jalapeños. They also have combo deals during happy hour, including two tacos and a margarita for $18, or two tacos and an agua fresca for $13.

 Bull ’n’ Mouth | Davis

If you’re looking for a low-key way to chill out after work, take advantage of the happy hour specials offered at this lively pub in Davis. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m., you can get $2 off draft beer, well drinks, wine, and specialty drinks, plus $10 loaded fries and $6 BBQ pork flautas. Plus, they have trivia on Tuesdays and $10 burgers on Wednesdays.

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Relish Burger Bar | El Dorado Hills & Folsom

There are bars, and there are burger bars. This family-friendly spot, with locations in El Dorado Hills and Folsom, is a bit of both! Their happy hour menu offers great deals on both food and drinks, including $5 beer, wine and well drinks. Plus, you can nosh on lettuce wraps, nachos or tacos for just $5.

 Ella | Downtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy of Ella

For an elegant after-work experience, consider Ella in downtown Sacramento. The ambiance is refined and upscale, the menu featuring seasonal, locally produced ingredients. Happy hour is held Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and the menu features dishes such as oysters on the half shell, steak tartare, and lamb kafta. You can also sip select house cocktails for just $10.

 Sully’s Bar & Grill | Rocklin

This neighborhood tavern in Rocklin offers everything you’d want in an entertainment venue: great food and drinks, sports on TV, pool and darts, karaoke, and live music. From 3-6 p.m. on weekdays, they offer great deals on food and drinks, including $1 off draft beer, wine, and well drinks. In addition, you can get street tacos, wings, tostadas, and fries at reduced prices.