Alligator Lounge
600 Metropolitan Ave., between Leonard and Lorimer Sts., Brooklyn; 718-599-4440
Drinking on an empty stomach is never a problem at this Williamsburg pizza parlor-turned-bar.
The Deal: Drinks are $1 off from 3 to 6 p.m., but once happy hour ends, the pizza oven warms up: Patrons get a free personal pie with any drink order weekdays from 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and weekends from 3 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Extra toppings will cost you ($2 for the first, $1 for every one after that), but hey, the owner’s gotta make a living.
Blind Tiger Ale House
518 Hudson St., at W. 10th St.; 212-675-3848
This woody, low-ceilinged bar is popular for its extensive beer list.
The Deal: On Mondays at 6 p.m., hot dogs are offered, but there’s a limited supply so don’t be late. The same goes for Wednesday’s free 6 p.m. cheese tasting, with selections from Murray’s paired with beer. Or tote your Times to the bar for a free brunch of bagels and all the fixings weekends at 1 p.m. A weekday happy hour from noon to 8 p.m. features a Brooklyn “draft of the day” for $3.50.
Boxers
190 W. 4th St., between Sixth Ave. and Barrow St.; 212-206-7526
Attracting Greenwich Village locals and students from nearby NYU, this dark and airy Irish pub offers a tasteful selection of beers on tap and a sea of cozy wood tables.
The Deal: Situated on the impressive wood-and-stained-glass bar from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. are two towering egg trees (an Irish tradition), with wire branches cradling hard-boiled eggs for the taking: you need only to crack and peel. They’re perfect accompanied by a glass of cold beer, which, along with wine and well drinks ($5-$6), are buy-one-get-one-free from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the bar.
Hank’s Saloon
46 Third Ave., at Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn; 718-625-8003
If Hank Williams had hailed from Brooklyn, he would have been a regular at this gritty Boerum Hill bar, where the jukebox—or a live band—is always on.
The Deal: This honkytonk barbeques up free burgers, hot dogs, and sausages every Sunday night at 10 p.m. while Kershaw and the New Jack Ramblers provide the live country soundtrack. While you’re enjoying the music, be sure to wash down all the gratis grub with a $2 Pabst.
O’Flaherty’s
334 W. 46th St., between Eighth and Ninth Aves.; 212-581-9366
A warm midtown Irish pub replete with fireplaces, bookcases, and imported tap beer selection.
The Deal: Free, steaming plates of pasta in marinara sauce make their way to the bar when the kitchen closes around 10:30 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday. Happy hour features $3 pints of Budweiser (weekdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Rocking Horse
182 Eighth Ave., between 19th and 20th Sts.; 212-463-9511
This sleek yet festive Mexican cafe with its large selection of margaritas is a neighborhood favorite in Chelsea.
The Deal: Vats of delicious homemade tortilla chips—both baked and fried—are on the bar all day, everyday, and constantly refilled. They’re accompanied by little bowls of roasted tomato salsa (made daily on the premises like the chips). On weekdays from 5 p.m. to close, $15 buys you a flight of three five-ounce margaritas in any flavor or style, from frozen strawberry to mango rocks.
Rodeo Bar
375 Third Ave., at 27th St.; 212-683-6500
This cowboy-themed bar offers free nightly music in its back room for those looking for a little country in the big city.
The Deal: A weekday happy hour in the front room from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. features a free buffet with chicken wings and nachos, in addition to $3 draft beers and $5 margarita pints.
Rolf’s
281 Third Ave., at 22nd St.; 212-473-8718
This cheery German bar and restaurant offers hearty fare from the homeland and plenty of cozy booths in which to enjoy the imported beers.
The Deal: Plates of free finger sandwiches like ham, cheese, and turkey are on the bar everyday at 5 p.m. But get there on time because they go fast. Beer, well drinks, and wine are $5 to $9.
Rudy’s Bar & Grill
627 Ninth Ave., between 44th and 45th Sts.; 212-974-9169
Every hour is happy hour at this dirty dive, where hipsters, young professionals, and local drunkards enjoy dirt-cheap pitchers at the bar or in the shabby, red vinyl booths.
The Deal: The greasy hot dogs spiraling in the ancient-looking machine behind the bar are free, and the bartender will happily hand one over with bun and ketchup or mustard. There’s free popcorn, too. No drink specials, but you’ll have a hard time finding anything cheaper: a Rheingold is $2.50, a pitcher of Miller Lite, $6.50.
Ryan’s Daughter
350 E. 85th St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-628-2613
Shoot some pool, play some darts, or just listen to the jukebox at this Upper East Side hangout.
The Deal: There may not be happy hour but there is a “Turkey Night”–On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6 p.m., patrons load up on the free sandwich spread.
The Thirsty Scholar
155 Second Ave., between 9th and 10th Sts.; 212-777-6514
This East Village pub has a daily happy hour from 2 to 8 p.m., with discounted drinks, $5 martinis and half-priced cosmopolitans.
The Deal: A free buffet is unveiled weekdays at 5 p.m., where you’re liable to find everything from french fries and buffalo wings to shepherd’s pie and garlic bread. There’s no weekend buffet, but free snacks are offered while the game’s on.
Tracy J’s Watering Hole
106 E. 19th St., between Park Ave. So. and Irving Pl.; 212-674-5783
This shoebox-shaped bar, a popular after-work destination, is owned by former New York Knicks player Art Heyman. Later in the night, it transforms into a full-fledged karaoke extravaganza.
The Deal: A freeloader’s paradise: You can pile your plate high with pizza, chicken wings, pigs-in-a-blanket, and Caesar salad. Try to grab as much as you can on the first pass: It only lasts from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, and it goes fast.