Happy hour is that special time when drinking is a bit cheaper. Not all happy hours are created equal however; some bars have a more quiet pub feel, while others go for a higher energy jaunt. It all depends on your mood and need — whether you want to meet up with a client and impress them with your knowledge of cocktails, or forget about work completely.
These Happy Hour selections from Washtenaw County are just what you need. We’ll see you there.
Best place to stare at the bar top trying to recover from your Monday
Monday: all day
Tue-Fri: 4pm–6pm
Sunday: 8pm-close
$1 off wine by the glass, well liquor drinks, and 16 oz beers.
$2 off 20 oz and snifter draft beers,
Arbor Brewing Company has that nice copper bar — perfect for staring and zoning out while you avoid thoughts of work. The cool texture can be quite calming after an overwhelming day. Their happy hour lasts all Monday, so you can take your time getting there.
Best place for pretending you’re in Margaritaville
Monday-Saturday: 3pm-6pm & 10pm-1am
$3 All Talls
1/2 off Jumbo Margaritas and appetizers
Besides the obvious that they serve margaritas, they also have a nice outdoor patio to enjoy a little sun. With some good mexican cuisine and a “Jumbo” margarita, you might hear some Jimmy Buffet waft your way.
Best place to have a mad-men style business meeting
Everyday from 7-9pm
Tues & Thurs: $2 PBR
Sunday: 1/4 Off Industry Tabs
Babs’ is regarded as one of Ann Arbor’s best-kept secrets, so don’t tell we told. To get into Babs’ you have to be clued in, descend a staircase, and make your way through a dark, very dark bar. The atmosphere and comfy booths lend themselves to nice suits and hushed conversation.
Best place to bitch about work
Monday: 1/2 off Pints 4-5pm
Thurs & Fri: 1/2 off Pints 3-6pm
Avoiding co-workers: the real reason we go to happy hours. It’s quieter on their happy hour days (except Fridays) and the pints are half off. The bar is big and lofty enough that no one would pay attention to your conversation. And if you don’t work in Chelsea, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to talk about work with none of your collegues overhearing.
Best place for taking advantage of the hipster’s venues when the hipsters aren’t there.
Mon-Thurs: 2pm-6pm
Half Off All Burgers!
$3.50 Local 30 Beers & Select Drafts, Well Cocktails, Wine
Hop Cat burgers are good, they’re even better when they’re half off. Bonus is that during their happy hour, it is usually not their busy time, so you can enjoy the hip venue without the hip folk. Their amazing fries are just a bonus.
