If you’re looking for the best happy hours in St. Pete, you can’t go wrong with any of these local favorites. Whether you’re looking for a cheap pint of beer or a fancier cocktail or some inexpensive appetizers, these establishments offer something for everyone.
Copper Shaker
HAPPY HOUR: Monday – Friday 4:30 – 7:00 pm
169 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (google map)
Often overshadowed by the impressive cocktail menu, the food at Copper Shaker is a force to be reckoned with. Opened by two of the owners of the now-closed Cask & Ale, they brought the Chef-driven menu with them to their new cocktail bar.
The food is similar to that of a Gastropub – more on the gourmet side and high quality. In general, the happy hour food is a few dollars less than what you will find on the regular menu. The Charcuterie ($10) comes with Chef’s choice of meat and cheeses, toast points, and local honey. Be sure to order the Return of the Mac ($8) – three cheese panko-baked mac & cheese served with fire-roasted tomatoes and a generous portion of andouille sausage.
- FOOD DEAL: Chef’s Choice Charcuterie ($10), Return of the Mac ($8), Poutine ($8), Salmon Poke ($8), Buffalo Cauliflower ($5), Basic Burger ($8)
- DRINK DEAL: Half Price Wine by the glass & Draught Beer; $6 Old(er) Fashioned
Sea Salt
HAPPY HOUR: Daily 4:00 – 7:00 pm (bar & lounge area only)
183 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (google map)
Probably the most well-known food happy hour that’s noted on this list. If you’re ever passing by Sea Salt between the hours of 4:00 – 7:00 pm, you will likely notice quite a crowd at the outside lounge area.
There are several menu items with happy hour pricing under the categories of sandwiches, appetizers, and snacks. I found the assorted warm olives with the goat cheese & grape truffle to be a winner but didn’t much care for the Baked Goat Cheese.
On my next visit, I’ll be ordering the Wagyu burger because I hear it’s delicious, and during happy hour only costs $11 (regular $16).
Something else that’s noteworthy is that Sea Salt does $1 Gulf Oysters from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Monday – Thursday.
- FOOD DEAL: See MENU
- DRINK DEAL: Discounts on Wines by the glass, Well liquors & Beers
Asie Pan Asian
HAPPY HOUR: Monday – Friday 4:00 – 6:30 pm
437 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (google map)
The newest concept by Thuy Le (of La V and Novelle Beauty Bar) features dishes from all regions of Asia, known as “Pan Asian” cuisine. Happy hour items range from $1 sushi (2 pieces), $2 sashimi, $3 select appetizers, and a $4 “Mystery” chef’s choice, which I’m very curious about. Most notable are the $3 appetizers, especially the Velvety Shrimp (reminiscent of Bang Bang shrimp), which is a must-try. You also can’t go wrong with the edamame that’s doused in a flavorful spicy garlic sauce.
- FOOD DEAL: See MENU
- DRINK DEAL: 40% off Wine and Beer; $2 off Spirits
Buya Ramen
HAPPY HOUR: Monday – Friday 4:00 – 7:00 pm (bar & lounge area only)
911 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (google map)
I had heard Buya had a happy hour but was a little let down when we got there and were told by the server that the while happy hour dishes cost less, you also get less food. Apparently, it was designed to get single diners to sit in a group of tables within the lounge area that for some reason wasn’t appealing to them. Whatever. Not a total loss and definitely worth mentioning the Izakaya dishes that are part of the happy hour.
The Pork Gyoza ($5) only comes with 3 but they’re fairly large and some of the best dumplings I have had (I like ’em crispy!) The Blistered Shishito Peppers are topped with sea salt, sugar, and maple combination of some kind (I think?) making it really unique. While we were talking about trying the soft-shell crab buns (not at happy hour), I preferred the pork belly buns. The happy hour portion comes with one bun for $5 so not really a deal considering the regular menu has 2 for $10, but again a good option for those dining solo.
The other thing I love about Buya is that they are willing to split any ramen bowl in half for you. anytime. So while not a happy hour item per se, you can split a bowl of ramen and try a couple of apps for under $30 (excluding drinks of course).
- FOOD DEAL: ALL food items are $5 – Pork Belly Bun (1), Char Grilled Edamame, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Pork Gyoza (3)
- DRINK DEAL: $3 Aperol Spritz; $5 Laphroaig; $5 Garnacha or Sauvignon Blanc Wine; $4 Local Draft; $5 Glass of Sake; $6 Phil Collins + 4 Four Roses Old Fashioned
Il Ritorno
HAPPY HOUR: See weekly specials below
449 Central Avenue North #101, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (google map)
When Il Ritorno announced their weekly happy hours, I was pretty giddy. Especially for the 50% off pasta dishes on Tuesdays. Il Ritorno has always been more of a special occasion type place so to be able to try a variety of pasta dishes at a fraction of the cost is pretty great. All the pasta is made fresh in-house and some of the dishes will rotate based on the season.
My favorite pasta dish is the Cappelini Nero, which has squid ink so don’t be surprised when the pasta comes out black (hence the Nero.) It’s rich in flavor and the pasta pairs perfectly with the Key West Pinks (it can smell a little fishy in case you aren’t into that). The Mushroom Tagliatelle is also very delicious and hearty from the oyster mushrooms and fava beans. Whipped ricotta and herbs give it a fresh finish.
- Mondays: Hospitality Night – 50% Off Food all night for you and a guest (must show proof)
- Tuesdays: 50% Off Pasta 5pm – 7pm
- Wednesdays: 50% Off Glasses of Wine and Cocktails 5pm – 7pm
- Thursdays: $1.50 Oysters 5pm – 7pm
- Fridays: Two Glasses of Wine or Cocktails, 1 Appetizer, and 2 Pasta Dishes for $65 5pm – 7pm
Casita Taqueria
Happy Hour: $2 Tacos Monday – Thursday 4pm – 6pm
2663 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 (google map)
The taco happy hour at Casita Taqueria is definitely not advertised all that much so unless you frequent the place (like I do), you may not know about it. However, if you look closely at the specials board, you’ll that from 4pm – 6pm, select tacos are only $2. This includes both pollo options (tinga and verde), carnitas, and barbacoa. Plus, these drink specials: $3 Sangria and $2 Tecates. I’ll take these specials over taco Tuesday any day!
- FOOD DEAL: $2 Pollo Verde, Pollo Tinga, Carnitas, Barbacoa
- DRINK DEAL: $3 Sangria and $2 Tecates
Numex
TACO TUESDAY DEAL: All Day Tuesdays
2710 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (google map)
Taco Tuesdays count as food happy hour, right? Since it’s my list (and I do what I want), I’m including Taco Tuesday at Numex because it’s a good bang for your buck, and isn’t that what this is all about? Your choice of as many $2 chicken or beef tacos as you would like and $3 Modelo – Especial or Negra. Even though Numex specializes in Chile Centric New Mexican cuisine, their tacos are pretty standard.
My go-to is beef: ground beef topped with cheese, purple cabbage, lettuce, and tomatoes. I always get the queso that’s topped with New Mexican green hatch chiles – it’s packed full of flavor and fiery heat without being unbearable (also a good addition to the tacos!) I’ve found that munching on queso and one taco is filling enough for me, especially when I want to save room for the Sopapilla drizzled with local honey for dessert.
- FOOD DEAL: $2 Beef or Chicken Tacos
- DRINK DEAL: $3 Modelo – Especial or Negra