Chili’s Has a Great Happy Hour, But It’s Still Not as Good as These 8 Spots

Many parents appreciate the idea of getting off work and finding a place to unwind for an hour before heading home to their busy lives, where they care for their family and kids. If you're like me, the first place that comes to mind when someone mentions a great happy hour is heading to Chili's. Don't get me wrong — Chilis is great, but as I'm starting to find out, it's not the only game in town. Over the years, I have learned about many other restaurants that offer a great menu of drinks and appetizers.

If you're looking for a new happy hour spot, then this list is for you. We'll show you some of the other hot spots, like BJ's Brewhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings. We'll also mention some places you may not have considered, like Morton's Steakhouse. Here are 8 spots worth visiting in 2026 for happy hour.

This post was updated in February 2026 to include updated information about popular restaurants and additional editorial enhancements.

BJ's Brewhouse is one of the best restaurants to visit if you want to hang out with friends and have incredible food. The restaurant also has a great happy hour. Most locations have happy hour from 3 PM to 6 or 7 PM, Monday through Friday. During happy hour, many of the appetizers are under $10, which is incredible, even in this economy.

As of this time, there are many amazing offerings during the early hours at BJ's Brewhouse. Domestic bottles are just $4 each, margaritas are $6, and signature beers are $5. As for the food, you can get various appetizers, including avocado egg rolls, mozzarella sticks, sliders, and pot stickers. Each dish is $7. So, you can get one or several and feel satisfied without breaking the bank.

It's hard not to think of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. when you consider leisurely restaurants where you can really sit back and enjoy life with your pals. Many restaurants allow you to sit inside or outside so you can enjoy the weather. The place has tasty appetizers, various drink options, and an incredible atmosphere.

Happy hour for most Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. locations is Monday through Friday, from 3 PM to 6 PM. You will have many great food options at stellar prices. Currently, you can get onion rings, garlic bread, and a bucket of fries for just $4. For $6, you can get popcorn shrimp, chicken tenders, or Bubba's dip. At the $8 price point, you can get calamari or shrimp mac and cheese for $8. There are also domestic beers for $4 or less.

As you may imagine, Buffalo Wild Wings also has a great happy hour. After all, many of its main offerings are what you might consider quintessential happy hour food. The restaurant, which is famous for chicken wings and beer, continues to offer these great options during the afternoon, and they're as good as ever.

At this time, most Buffalo Wild Wings locations offer happy hour from 3-6 PM. During that time, most of the offerings are between $3-$6. If you only have $3, and you're super hungry, you can get chips and salsa or tater tots. For $5, you get gooey mozzarella sticks. At $6, you can get their unforgettable Everything Pretzel Knots. As for the drinks, there are $5 Bud Lights and select $6 IPAs.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy games and have amazing happy hour fun, then Dave & Buster's is the place to go. Many of the drinks are just $5 during this portion of the day. In between sips, you can play one of the many different arcade games. Before you know it, hours will go by. Their great happy hour is typically between 4 PM and 7 PM.

While there are some amazing appetizers at Dave & Buster's, happy hour is really great for the affordable drink options. For $5, you can get a glass of wine, their new Tres Tequila Rita drink, the Backwoods blueberry lemonade, the Long Island iced tea, and many different domestic draft beers. Plus, you can get rewards for spending money as part of their loyalty program.

If you want something a bit more upscale, then head to the happy hour held by Morton's Steakhouse. Attend during this time, and you may be rubbing shoulders with some of the most powerful people in your town. Many consider it to be a "power lunch" destination. Like the other restaurants, they also have great deals.

There are many fine beverages and appetizers to enjoy at Morton's Steakhouse. As far as the drinks, you can get many of their signature cocktails for $10 and many great wines for under $12. There are also many tasty and fancy appetizers, all for great prices. You can get petite filet mignon sandwiches for $12, hand-cut potato chips for $8, and crab cakes for $18, among other delicious items.

For the best deals in town, head to Red Robin after work. Their happy hour menu is out of this world. There are appetizers, milkshakes, beer, wine, and more. You'll need to get there between 3 PM and 6 PM to enjoy the deals.

Head into the bar area of your local Red Robin, and you'll be greeted by a long menu filled with many great deals. Though the prices may differ per location, you can get $3 off various appetizers, including pretzel bites and onion rings. Plus, there are discounts on their pizza and their various gourmet milkshakes. Many of their best drinks are available for $6 or less.

The Cheesecake Factory is a great restaurant regardless of which time of day you visit. They have a huge menu full of tasty items, and you can get many of them during happy hour. During weekdays, head there between 4 PM and 6 PM and get ready for a party. Though not as affordable as some of the other restaurants, there's still a lot to love here.

You'll be shocked by the great deals during The Cheesecake Factory's happy hour. Almost all of the draft and bottled beers are under $5.50. Select wines and well drinks will be under $9 during the two-hour block. They also have countless appetizers that you can get for less than $10. They include nachos, chicken potstickers, chicken sliders, dynamite shrimp, and more.

Finally, go to Applebee's for a great happy hour. Many people think that their happy hour is one of the best parts of this famous restaurant. It's so beloved that most Applebee's locations will have two happy hours each day. You can go between 3 PM and 6 PM or 9 PM to close and get great deals.

Whatever you like, Applebee's has it. You can get just about any alcoholic drink for under $5, from draft beers to margaritas. The cost of the appetizers will depend on what you order. However, you can get anything from queso and chips to onion rings to boneless wings for under $7. They also have a "2 for $25" menu for extra savings.