Cheers to Edmonton’s best happy hours

by Theresa Tesolin

After toiling at work for most of the day, a drink or two with friends and co-workers is just the thing to ease your worries and stress. Here are some of the best YEG Happy Hours by location. [Image credit: iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages]

When asked about his workday schedule, Stephen King once said, “I work until beer o'clock.” Working a regular nine-to-five shift means you can take advantage of the drink specials and cheap appies many pubs and restaurants offer after work. Check out some of the most popular happy hours in Edmonton.

The Common

The Common serves up the perfect blend of good music, unique drinks and interesting appies, all wrapped in a hip package.

• Happy Hour: Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. Get $2 off domestic pints and wine; $1 off domestic cans and bottles and well high balls.
• Specials: Monday is chicken and waffle day; Tuesday is all-day Happy Hour.
• Try: Crabbies Ginger beer, tandoori fries, truffle popcorn and chicken and waffles.

Beer Revolution

If you have a hankering for beer and pizza, Beer Revolution is the place to hangout and watch a game on one of their large screen TVs.  Digital beer boards display the latest 24 craft beers on tap.

• Happy Hour: Monday to Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm. The 4-4-5 Special lets you pick from a selection of four beers or wine for $5 and four snacks for $5 each.
• Specials: There are different specials every night of the week, including Monday wings for $0.45, Tuesday Bavarian pretzels for $3 and cheap pizza on Sundays.
• Try: Truffle fries and Blazing Saddle pizza paired with one of their many craft beers.

The Cask & Barrel

Conveniently located just off of Jasper Ave, this locally-owned, cozy pub serves up homemade grub and specializes in whiskey, wine and beer.

• Happy hour: Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. Choose from select pints, 1 oz. high balls and house wines for $5.
• Specials: Come on Saturdays for live music and $5 draft beer and on Sundays, which features all the specials normally available throughout the week.
• Try: The Mexicana dip with chips and a Scotch whiskey, such as Bowmore.

The Sugarbowl Bar and Cafe

A neighbourhood mainstay since 1943, The Sugarbowl’s welcoming, yet bustling atmosphere is a local favourite amongst university kids, hipsters and Garneau residents.

• Happy hour: Daily from 2 pm to 7 pm.  With 160 craft beers to choose from and 15 rotating taps, plus vintage cocktails, this is one of the sweetest happy hours.
• Specials: Pop by on the third Thursday of every month for Alley Kat Cask night at 6 pm.
• Try: Everyone raves about the chicken and waffles, but why not try the pulled pork sandwich paired with one of their beers on tap, like the fuzzy peach flavoured Sea Dog by Sunfish.

The Next Act Pub

With scrumptious burgers and a wide selection of beer, The Next Act never disappoints. With a relaxed vibe and friendly service, coming here feels like visiting an old friend’s house.

• Happy hour: Daily from 4 pm to 7 pm. Get $1 off pints of craft beer.
• Specials: Brunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm on weekends.
• Try: Local brew Wild Rose Velvet Fog paired with The Critic burger – smoky cheddar and bacon-y goodness.

El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar

For a change of scenery, step into this edgy Latin-inspired alcove filled with 140 different kinds of premium agave tequila.

• Happy hour: Daily until 6 pm. Drinks are priced between $5 to $7.75 and food is between $7.50 to $12.
• Specials: Various specials are offered throughout the week, including Margarita Mondays for $4 and Taco Tuesdays with $3 tacos and $5 Coronas.
• Try: Creamy guacamole with a bucket of chips paired with a flight of tequila.

With Edmonton’s thriving restaurant and pub scene, there’s no shortage of places to go to make merry after work. Have fun and drink responsibly!