Happy hours are a treasured tradition for bars and restaurants. They are a great way to save money on lunchtime eats and drinks, and a big draw for people leaving work looking for a quick libation before heading home. 

They’re also valuable considering the cost of living in New York City. While states like Massachusetts have outlawed happy hours, they are alive, well, and bustling in the Big Apple.

We’ve put together a list of the five best happy hours in downtown New York City. Have you tried one of these great spots? If so, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Flora Bar

This modern, chic eatery is famous in the city for its top-of-the-line seafood offerings. Often checks can get pretty pricey, but between the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, you can get a great deal on tons of different items.

During Flora’s happy hour, you can get $5 beers, $10 cocktails, and $8 wines. Also enjoy a $12 Wagyu (yes, that Wagyu) beef burger, and $1 oysters.

Badshah Modern Indian

For some seriously solid drink specials, you can’t beat Badshah Modern Indian’s split happy hour.

Their two-for-one specials on well drinks, beer, wines by the glass, and specialty cocktails run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and return from 11 p.m. to close. This is great for beginning a night out, or heading into a cheaper round two at the end of the night.

Reunion

With some of the cheapest happy hour drink specials on this list, Reunion is one happy hour that can’t be missed.  

On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, happy hour is on from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these times, you can get $3 pilsners, $6 acid drop cocktails, and $6 palomas. Also, Sunday is happy hour all day!

Porchlight

Porchlight is one of the starkest, most modern designs on this list, and is a sight to behold in and of itself. It’s even better when cheap drinks are involved!

Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy a $10 special cocktail of the day or a $5 flask of house-made punch.

Leonelli Taberna

Easily the most breathtaking of any spot on this list, Leonelli Taberna is one of the best high-end Italian spots in New York City. It’s also the location of an incredible happy hour special that can’t be missed.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Leonelli Taberna offers an “aperitivo hour” where beers are $5, and wine and cocktails are $8. There are also several appetizers available at comparatively discount prices - arancini, focaccia, and baked ricotta are among the offerings selling for $5 or $10.

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