Ten Best Happy Hours in Charlottesville
The world may have reopened but I am still working from home. I love it but it can be challenging as someone who loves being around people. As a result, I often find myself thinking about happy hours much more often than I used to.
There is something really appealing about getting out of the house to meet up with friends for a chance to unwind after a long day at work - especially if that form of socializing includes enjoying a cheap drink and some snacks at my favorite Charlottesville, VA spots! Plus, most happy hours tend to be between 4:00 - 6:00 PM, which means I can have a glass of wine and still be home to make dinner and relax before bed. It’s the best of both worlds!
Have I enticed you? Keep reading for my roundup of the ten best happy hours in Charlottesville!
Ten Best Happy Hours in Charlottesville
Café Frank
If you are feeling a bit fancy for happy hour, I recommend checking out Café Frank. This elegant French bistro on the Downtown Mall offers what they call an Apertif Hour from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. They feature a selection of small bites created by their Chef, Jose De Brito, as well as wine and cocktail offerings.
While I wouldn’t consider this a regular option to if you are looking for the quick and cheap happy hour vibe, it is nice if you want something a bit more special. The space is small, so I would recommend making a reservation or checking to see how easily you can sit at the bar if you don’t want to risk it.
Tilman’s
Tilman’s has always had a soft spot in my heart. Located on the Downtown Mall, this counter service wine bar is a fantastic choice for happy hour. The inside is really cute and, during the warmer months, they have a nice dog friendly patio perfect for people watching.
The happy hour choices are solid as well. Offered Monday through Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, you will find $8 wine specials (and wine is their specialty, so it’s good wine!), $1 off draft beers, small snacks (like olives or a pickle plate) and daily specials like half price bottle night on Tuesdays. It’s a lovely spot and one of my favorites.
Tonic
Obviously, I love Tonic and will sing its praises on a daily basis - I can’t think of a Charlottesville post where I haven’t included them. There is just so much I like about this place: the great patio, the cute inside, the creative and delicious food and drink offerings, the lovely people…I could go on.
Their happy hour is also a fantastic option. Offered Monday through Friday from 4:00 - 6:00 PM, you’ll find $6 draft beer and $8 wine by the glass, as well as daily specials. I would recommend Monday nights, where it is happy hour all night from 4:00 - 10:00
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen
Three Notch’d is a fun happy hour spot because they change up their offerings throughout the week. For instance, they have different specials depending on the day, like Kick the Keg on Wednesdays, which is $5 off select draft pours every Wednesday, First Tap Thursday where you can get $3 draft pours off of the new beer from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, and Happy Hour on Friday, featuring $5 pretzel bites, parmesan fries, and draft pours from 3:00 - 5:00 PM!!
Three Notch’d even has a Tuesday Run Club, where you run at 6:00 PM and then enjoy $5 draft pours and snacks - who doesn’t love such balance in life?
Quirk Lobby Bar
While I tend to think of Quirk Hotel for their rooftop bar, the lobby bar is also a fun spot to check out and they currently have happy hour specials going daily from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. They’re offering $9 craft cocktails, $6 local draft beer and bites from their rooftop pizza bar.
As they are located on West Main and near several good restaurants (Oakhart Social, Public Fish and Oyster, Orzo), this is a great option if you want a pre dinner cocktail somewhere nice.
Public Fish & Oyster
This is hands down my favorite happy hour in town and it all comes down to two words: Lobster Roll.
I love a good lobster roll. Not only are they delicious, but some of my favorite memories with my dad involve driving to get lobster rolls and I’m a very sentimental person. Public Fish does a great one, but they only offer it during their happy hour so I always try to get a table during the hours of 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
In addition to their lobster roll, you’ll find $1 off oysters (and they have so many selections!), $2 off all draft beers, featured wines for $7.50, and classic cocktails for $7.50. The lobster rolls are market price and served either Connecticut Style or - my personal favorite - Maine Style.
Starr Hill
Yes, I love Starr Hill A LOT - so of course I have to mention their happy hour! It’s one of my favorites.
Offered Monday through Friday from 2:00 – 6:00 PM, you can get $4 off of whatever their four weekly rotating drafts are. This is a great deal and you really can’t go wrong with any of their offerings, as they have some of the best beer in town.
The other nice thing about this option for happy hour is it opens up a lot of options for what to do after, as their location in the Dairy Market means you have plenty of food options to choose from.
South & Central
South & Central has become one of my favorite restaurants because they serve delicious food AND they offer up a ton of creative ways to get people in to enjoy it all. From their Wednesday Steak Night to their Drag Brunches, they make fine dining more accessible and more fun.
Their happy hour runs daily from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at the bar and chef’s table. You can expect deals on cocktails and beer, like $4 Modelo draft, $8 Margs and Caipirinhas, and $3 off of platillos.
Holly’s Diner
Holly’s Diner is one of the quirkier spots in Charlottesville and I find it completely enjoyable. They offer things like karaoke and live music and have happy hour going Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.
I always think fondly of this place because the first time I went there the beer I ordered was all out and they were so intent on helping me find a different, better beer. The effort that went into this venture was impressive, not to mention charming. This is such a nice spot if you want to have a good casual hangout session.
Boylan Heights
Boylan Heights is located on what is called The Corner, directly across from the grounds at the University of Virginia. As a result, this spot tends to be frequented by UVA students, as well as employees of the University looking for a great happy hour.
Offered Monday through Thursday from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, you’ll find deals on draft beers and their milkshakes. They usually have a lot of different specials going on depending on what is going on at UVA, so it’s worth checking their social media for updates.
There you have it - your options for happy hour in Charlottesville! I hope you enjoy.
Until next time, cheers and happy happy hour-ing!