Best Happy Hour Deals in 2026 – Top Chains and Can’t-Miss Specials
The world feels a little wild right now. Groceries are expensive, gas prices jump overnight, and somehow even coffee feels like a luxury. But there’s one small joy that hasn’t let us down—a good, reliable happy hour.
Chain restaurants across America are keeping spirits high (literally) with food and drink specials that make weekday afternoons worth celebrating. You know exactly what you’re getting—familiar booths, classic apps, and drinks that don’t break the bank.
We’ve rounded up the best happy hour deals in 2026 across national chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden, Outback, Red Lobster, PF Chang’s, Yard House, BJ’s, TGI Fridays, and Texas Roadhouse.
So pull up a barstool and get comfy—these are the spots you’ll want on your weeknight radar.
Disclaimer: Happy hour times and offers vary by state and location due to alcohol laws. Always check your local restaurant’s page before heading out.
🏆 Top National Restaurant Happy Hours in 2026
From casual dining classics to upscale bar lounges, these national chains are keeping happy hour traditions alive with affordable drinks, signature appetizers, and great vibes. Whether you’re craving margaritas, wings, or wine specials, you’ll find something for every mood below.
Here’s a quick look at the best restaurant happy hours in 2026 across the U.S.:
- Applebee’s – Half-price appetizers & late-night drinks
- Chili’s – $6 Margarita of the Month & spicy bar bites
- Olive Garden – Wine specials & Italian small plates
- Outback Steakhouse – Aussie snacks & classic cocktails
- Red Lobster – $5 margaritas & seafood bites
- P.F. Chang’s – Sake cocktails & sushi happy hour
- Yard House – Massive beer list & shareable appetizers
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Craft beers & mini pizookies
- TGI Fridays – $5 cocktails & loaded potato skins
- Texas Roadhouse – Discounted margaritas & country-style apps
Each restaurant below includes updated 2026 happy hour times, menu specials, and drink deals — plus direct links to their full guides for more details.
Applebee’s
Ah, the OG of casual dining. Applebee’s practically invented the after-work hangout scene, and in 2026, it still delivers. Their half-price appetizers—like boneless wings, mozzarella sticks, and spinach artichoke dip—remain unbeatable.
Typical hours run 3–6 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close, with drink specials on house cocktails and domestic drafts.
Best pick: Boneless wings and a classic Long Island iced tea.
Full guide: Applebee’s Happy Hour Menu with Prices, Times & Specials
Chili’s
Chili’s keeps things spicy with some of the best margarita deals in the game. Their famous $6 Margarita of the Month runs all day, every day, alongside discounted beers and bar bites.
Expect weekday happy hours between 3–6 p.m., depending on the location.
Best pick: Chips, queso, and the Watermelon Wave Margarita.
Full guide: Chili’s Happy Hour Menu with Prices, Times & Deals
Olive Garden
Olive Garden may be best known for endless breadsticks, but its happy hour adds even more reasons to stay awhile. Many locations feature small plate specials and discounted glasses of wine from 3–6 p.m. on weekdays.
Best pick: Flatbread and a house merlot—it’s Italian comfort at its finest.
Full guide: Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu, Prices & Specials
Outback Steakhouse
From 3–7 p.m., Outback serves up hearty Aussie-style snacks and drink discounts. You’ll usually find $1 off draft beers, wine, and signature cocktails like the Koala Punch or Croc-Tail.
Best pick: Bloomin’ onion petals and a frosty pint.
Full guide: Outback Happy Hour Menu, Times & Specials
Red Lobster
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. From 3–6 p.m. on weekdays, many Red Lobster locations offer $5 drinks, including margaritas, Long Islands, and select beers and wines.
Best pick: Shrimp bites and a Tito’s Twisted Strawberry Lemonade.
Full guide: Red Lobster Happy Hour Menu, Times & Drink Specials
P.F. Chang’s
P.F. Chang’s wins major points for making happy hour feel upscale. In 2026, the chain still offers $5 Pink Lotus Cosmos, sake cocktails, and sushi bites, often available all day, every day at participating stores.
Best pick: Chicken lettuce wraps and a Zen Margarita.
Full guide: P.F. Chang’s Happy Hour Menu, Times & Specials
Yard House
Beer fans, meet your heaven. Yard House offers one of the most comprehensive draft beer lists anywhere, and their happy hour makes sampling them affordable. You’ll usually find discounts on pints, house cocktails, and shareable appetizers from 3–6 p.m. and again late night.
Best pick: Onion ring tower and a craft IPA flight.
Full guide: Yard House Happy Hour Menu, Times & Late-Night Deals
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s combines comfort food, beer, and dessert into one solid happy hour. You’ll see discounted appetizers, domestic drafts, and sometimes pizookie specials from 3–7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close.
Best pick: Sliders, house beer, and a mini pizookie for dessert.
Full guide: BJ’s Happy Hour Menu, Times & Specials
TGI Fridays
If any place screams happy hour, it’s this one. TGI Fridays runs 3–6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close most days, with $5 house margaritas, Long Islands, Old Fashioneds, beers, and wines.
Best pick: House LIT (Long Island Iced Tea) and a plate of loaded potato skins.
Full guide: TGI Fridays Happy Hour Menu, Times & Specials
Texas Roadhouse
Good food, loud country tunes, and buttery rolls—Texas Roadhouse knows how to keep it casual. Happy hour varies by state, but most locations run 4–6 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring $1 beers or discounted margaritas.
Best pick: Rattlesnake bites and a Legend Margarita.
Full guide: Texas Roadhouse Happy Hour Menu, Times & Specials
Editor’s Note – FoodDealsNow Favorites
- Most Affordable: Red Lobster and TGI Fridays ($5 drink deals)
- Best for Big Groups: Applebee’s and Yard House
- Most Unique Cocktails: PF Chang’s and Chili’s
- Best Late Night Happy Hour: BJ’s and Yard House
How We Chose These Happy Hours
We analyzed over 50 national restaurant chains, comparing:
- Typical happy hour windows (start and end times)
- Appetizer and drink discounts
- Menu variety and regional availability
- Verified offers listed on each brand’s 2026 menu pages
All times and specials were confirmed through official restaurant websites or phone calls to participating locations across the U.S.
FAQs
Which chain has the best all-day happy hour?
PF Chang’s and Chili’s often feature all-day or daily drink specials.
Who has the best late-night happy hour?
Yard House, BJ’s, and TGI Fridays run strong after-9 p.m. deals.
Are these offers available everywhere?
No—each location may set its own hours. Always call ahead.
Which chain is cheapest overall?
Red Lobster and Applebee’s typically offer the lowest drink prices nationwide.
