8 Best Chain Restaurant Happy Hours

Increased living costs have drastically affected restaurant-goers’ access to experiences, especially in recent years.

If you miss the days of stopping by your favorite hot spot for a quick bite and a drink after work, never fear — there are still affordable happy hours out there.

You can stretch your restaurant budget with insight into happy hours at various favorite budget-friendly spots. Here are eight of the best chain restaurant happy hours and a bevy of ideas for what to order.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

1. Applebee’s

As most know, one of the best places to go for an inexpensive happy hour is Applebee’s Grill & Bar. Its deep discounts, like mozzarella sticks and chicken wonton tacos for $5 and onion rings for $4, make it a great happy hour to nab a substantial meal.

Applebee’s happy hour has extended times, too — 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close daily. The late-night half-price appetizers are delicious, like the crowd-favorite spinach and artichoke dip.

This makes it a hot spot for people who work different shifts, travelers, and young friend groups. Couple this with drink specials and their affordable $10 bucket drinks, and Applebee’s really has a variety to experience.

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2. Chili’s

Chili’s is another restaurant well known for its wide-ranging happy hour. Drink specials take over the national chain pretty consistently from 4 to 7 p.m., all week long.

During that window of time, you can grab well cocktails, classic marks, Sam Adams, Truly Strawberry Lemonade, and more for under $5.

Chili’s carries a Marg of the Month deal, which you can enjoy all day, every day. This month’s was a Shark Bite Marg for $6. Plus, you aren’t restricted to the restaurant to enjoy their margarita specials and other mixed beverages.

Chili’s has alcohol to go with their curbside pickup and delivery options.

3. Buffalo Wild Wings

From 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Buffalo Wild Wings offers $3 to $6 specials on wings and cocktails. This basic bar happy hour menu also includes chips and salsa, bird dogs, tater tots, mozzarella sticks, and pretzel knots.

Specialty drinks are available at deep discounts, including the Blue Long Island Iced Tea ($4), strawberry margarita ($6), and tall drafts for $4 and $5.

This happy hour is so predictable and well-priced that it’s no wonder it’s such a hot afternoon spot. Plus, the televisions are always turned to the game.

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4. The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory has arguably one of the most expansive menus of any restaurant, and its happy hour is just as impressive.

Served exclusively in the bar area from 4 to 6 p.m., it offers a nice selection of unique, discounted appetizers like cheeseburger spring rolls, crab wontons, and avocado tacos.

Beer is available for under $5, and select well drinks, wine, and cocktails are all available for a deal during happy hour.

5. Dave & Buster’s

Adult-friendly arcade Dave & Buster’s has a great weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Their discount makes everything on the happy hour menu $5.

Special margarita flavors, wine, specialty beverages, and 22-oz domestic drafts are all available at this price. So are delicious food options like fried pickles, queso fries, cheese flatbread, and cantina nachos.

Dave & Buster’s also hosts a late-night happy hour Sunday through Thursday.

6. Outback Steakhouse

The best time to try Outback Steakhouse’s most beloved appetizer is during happy hour. Even if you aren’t digging into a discount Bloomin’ Onion, there is something for everyone during happy hour.

Though each location varies, most host happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and some even have a mid-day happy hour on Saturday and Sunday. $5 craft beers and $7 cocktails are offered alongside delicious discounted apps.

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7. 54th Street

54th Street is a midwest staple that often comes in close third to Applebee’s and Chili’s happy hour options. With restaurants located in Missouri and Texas, the chain knows how to serve up big flavors and the happiest of hours.

Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., score 15 appetizers at discounted pricing, like calamari, spinach and artichoke dip, and fried pickles. The same deal is available from 9 p.m. to close with a minimum purchase of $3 in beverages.

Cocktails, draft beers, and wines are on special that same time from Monday to Friday as well, and from 9 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

8. Texas Roadhouse

Looking to get a full meal at a really great price? Texas Roadhouse locations host happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and they include discounts on steakhouse dishes like chicken and steak.

Get a deal on margaritas, and add a shot to your beverage at the low price of $1. Order rattlesnake bites, tater skins, onion rings, boneless wings, and fried mushrooms at discounted prices.

Look out for daily deals at Texas Roadhouse locations. Enjoy $5 margaritas on Tuesdays, $3 beers on Wednesdays, and $3 glasses of wine on Thursdays.

Enjoy mountains of shelled peanuts and fresh-baked bread with honey cinnamon butter, the endless, free appetizer that is available at your table as soon as you sit down.

Bottom line

On a budget but still want to enjoy a drink and a meal out? Coupons and happy hour specials are two things that can help you keep more cash in your pocket .

Plus, happy hours are a great way to try new food and beverages that your budget might not otherwise allow for.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).