Reverse Happy Hour: Late Night Food & Drink Deals
Reverse happy hour is a popular trend that’s changing the way people enjoy food and drinks in the evening. Instead of the traditional early evening time, this special deal happens late at night. Many restaurants and bars across the United States now offer this happy hour to attract night owls, shift workers, and late diners. These specials usually include discounted drinks, appetizers, and late-night menu items.
You’ll find that this happy hour is especially popular in cities with busy nightlife. From Las Vegas to New York, places are competing to offer the best deals. If you’ve ever searched for “Friday Happy Hour Near Me: Top Restaurants, Reviews & Menus,” chances are you’ve already seen this happy hour options popping up in your results.
This guide gives you a complete breakdown of what this happy hour is, how it works, and where to find it. We’ll also cover real reviews, restaurant examples, full menus, timings, and delivery options.
What is Reverse Happy Hour?
Reverse happy hour refers to late-night discounts on drinks and food, offered after the usual dinner rush. While traditional happy hour usually starts around 4 PM and ends by 7 PM, this happy hour often begins around 9 PM or even later.
Restaurants do this to attract customers during quieter hours. Instead of closing early with empty seats, they fill tables with people looking for value meals and affordable cocktails. For night-shift workers, students, and partygoers, this late-night deal becomes a favorite.
Popular Restaurants Offering Reverse Happy Hour
Many well-known chains and local bars now feature reverse happy hour menus. One popular example is Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and exclusive menu options. If you want more details about that specific menu, check out this helpful guide: “Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu Menu: A Complete Guide.”
Let’s take a look at some popular restaurants offering this happy hour and who owns them:
| Restaurant Name | Owner/Parent Company | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Cafe | Hard Rock International | Burgers, Live Music, Cocktails |
| BJ’s Restaurant | BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. | Pizzas, Craft Beers |
| Yard House | Darden Restaurants | Tap Beers, American Food |
| Applebee’s | Dine Brands Global | Bar and Grill, Casual Dining |
| Chili’s Grill & Bar | Brinker International | Tex-Mex Food, Margaritas |
| P.F. Chang’s | TriArtisan Capital Advisors | Asian Cuisine, Signature Drinks |
Each of these chains has different this happy hour menus, which we’ll detail shortly.
Locations Across the USA
You can find reverse happy hour in almost every major city in the United States. Here are some top cities where it’s most popular:
| City | Best Areas for Reverse Happy Hour |
|---|---|
| New York City | Manhattan, Brooklyn |
| Los Angeles | Santa Monica, Hollywood |
| Chicago | River North, West Loop |
| Las Vegas | The Strip, Downtown |
| Miami | South Beach, Brickell |
| Houston | Downtown, Midtown |
| Phoenix | Scottsdale, Tempe |
| Honolulu | Waikiki, Downtown |
Whether you’re in a big city or a smaller town, it’s likely that local bars offer some form of this happy hour.
Customer Reviews from Google
We looked up reviews on Google to find out what customers are saying about this happy hour. The response is overwhelmingly positive, especially for restaurants that offer good value.
- “I love the half-off appetizers after 9 PM at Chili’s! It’s the best deal if you’re craving snacks late at night.”
- “BJ’s has awesome drink specials during reverse happy hour. Their handcrafted beers are a steal!”
- “P.F. Chang’s late-night deals make going out on a weekday actually affordable.”
The most common praise goes to the affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. However, some reviews mention that not all locations offer the same deals, so it’s a good idea to check before heading out.
Complete Reverse Happy Hour Menus
Below are sample reverse happy hour menus from top restaurants. These menus may vary by location but give a general idea of what’s offered.
BJ’s Restaurant Reverse Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mini Deep Dish Pizza | $6 |
| Avocado Egg Rolls | $7 |
| Sliders with Fries | $6 |
| Craft Beers (Pint) | $4 |
| House Margarita | $5 |
Chili’s Reverse Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Texas Cheese Fries | $5 |
| Chips & Salsa | $3 |
| Boneless Wings | $6 |
| Domestic Draft Beers | $3 |
| House Wine | $4 |
Yard House Reverse Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Onion Ring Tower | $5.50 |
| Moo Shu Egg Rolls | $6 |
| Margarita | $6.50 |
| Classic Mojito | $6 |
| 16oz Draft Beer | $5 |
P.F. Chang’s Reverse Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Crispy Green Beans | $6 |
| Spring Rolls (2 pcs) | $5 |
| Signature Dumplings | $6 |
| Sake or Draft Beer | $4 |
| Lychee Martini | $6.50 |
Opening and Closing Times
Every restaurant has its own schedule, but here are the most common opening and closing times for places offering reverse happy hour:
| Restaurant | Opens | Closes | Reverse Happy Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJ’s Restaurant | 11 AM | 12 AM | 9 PM – Close |
| Chili’s | 11 AM | 11 PM | 9 PM – 11 PM |
| Yard House | 11 AM | 1 AM | 10 PM – 12 AM |
| P.F. Chang’s | 11 AM | 11 PM | 9 PM – 11 PM |
| Hard Rock Cafe | 12 PM | 12 AM | 10 PM – Close |
Always confirm with the location near you, since times can vary by state laws and local regulations.
Delivery Timings
Most of these restaurants also offer delivery for their reverse happy hour items, but there are some limitations. Not all menu items may be eligible for delivery deals.
| Restaurant | Delivery Service | Delivery Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BJ’s Restaurant | DoorDash, UberEats | Until 11:30 PM |
| Chili’s | In-House + UberEats | Until 10:45 PM |
| Yard House | DoorDash Only | Until 11:15 PM |
| P.F. Chang’s | Grubhub + In-App | Until 10:30 PM |
| Hard Rock Cafe | Varies by location | Until 11:00 PM |
It’s best to use the restaurant’s own app or call directly to check this happy hour eligibility for delivery.
Why Reverse Happy Hour Is Gaining Popularity
The idea behind this happy hour is both simple and smart. Restaurants often experience a slowdown after 8 PM, especially on weekdays. Instead of letting tables go empty, they introduce this happy hour to fill the gap. It’s a win-win. Customers save money, and businesses keep the kitchen and bar busy without sacrificing profit.
Reverse happy hour deals also appeal to younger customers, especially those in college or working evening shifts. People who miss the traditional early evening happy hour due to work schedules find this a perfect fit. Bars in nightlife-heavy areas like downtown Las Vegas or Miami Beach have seen a sharp rise in customers walking in specifically for this happy hour. The fact that you can grab a full appetizer platter or signature drink at nearly half the price is incredibly appealing in today’s economy.
Final Thoughts
Reverse happy hour is a great way to enjoy delicious food and drinks without spending too much. It appeals to both casual diners and serious foodies. Whether you’re ending a long day or just starting your night, these deals offer something for everyone.
What makes this happy hour stand out is its timing and affordability. It’s not just a marketing trick; it’s a real benefit for customers. You can enjoy full plates and strong drinks at nearly half the cost.
So next time you’re planning a night out or looking for affordable late-night snacks, check your local restaurants for this happy hour specials. You’re likely to find tasty deals right in your neighborhood—and maybe even discover a new favorite place along the way.
Let me know if you’d like a printable guide or a map of places near you!
