Restaurant Happy Hour Times and Timed Deals That Save You Money
Quick answer
- Sonic has half-price drinks and slushes every day from 2 to 4 PM.
- Applebee’s has half-price select appetizers from about 3 to 6 PM, and many stores add a late-night window.
- Arby’s runs Happy Hour deals at participating stores from about 2 to 5 PM.
- Twin Peaks discounts starters from about 3 to 6 PM, and The Cheesecake Factory has weekday Social Hour from about 4 to 6 PM.
Timed deals are one of the easiest ways to pay less at a restaurant. You do not need a coupon or an app for most of them. You just need to show up at the right hour. Here are the regular happy hours and timed deals at popular chains, along with what you actually save.
Happy hour times at popular chains
| Restaurant | When | What is discounted |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic | Every day, 2 to 4 PM | Half-price drinks and slushes |
| Applebee’s | About 3 to 6 PM, plus late night at many stores | Half-price select appetizers |
| Arby’s | About 2 to 5 PM | Discounts on shakes and snacks at participating stores |
| Twin Peaks | About 3 to 6 PM | Discounted starters |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Weekdays, about 4 to 6 PM | Social Hour small plates in the bar area |
| 7 Brew | The 7th of every month, 7 to 8 PM | Buy one, get one drinks |
Timed meal deals that save even more
Happy hour is not the only clock-based deal. Several chains drop prices during set meal periods:
- Texas Roadhouse Early Dine plates on weekday afternoons, with a 6 oz sirloin around $11.99 instead of about $16.
- Olive Garden weekday lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, with lunch-size Fettuccine Alfredo around $10.99.
- LongHorn Steakhouse lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Saturday, with Pick Two combos from about $9.49.
- Little Caesars Lunch Combo, four slices of Deep Dish and a drink for about $5.99 from 11 AM to 2 PM.
- Twin Peaks Full Tank Lunch on weekdays from 11 AM to 2 PM, starting around $7.99.
- Cracker Barrel Early Dinner Deals on weekday afternoons at participating stores.
How much can you save?
A family of four that buys four medium drinks at Sonic during Happy Hour can save around $6 to $8 compared with regular prices. At Applebee’s, two half-price appetizers usually save $10 to $13. Early Dine at Texas Roadhouse can save about $4 per plate on a sirloin dinner. These savings add up fast if you plan regular meals around them.
Tips for using happy hour deals
- Check the app before you go. Hours can differ by store, and some deals are dine-in only.
- Sit in the bar area at sit-down chains. Some happy hour menus are only served there.
- Pair a timed deal with a rewards app offer when the restaurant allows it.
- Go on weekdays. Many lunch and early dinner deals are not offered on weekends.
- Order food, not just drinks. Discounted starters can make a cheap meal on their own.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Sonic Happy Hour?
Sonic Happy Hour runs every day from 2 to 4 PM, with half-price drinks and slushes at participating drive-ins.
Does Applebee’s have happy hour every day?
Most Applebee’s restaurants run happy hour daily from about 3 to 6 PM, and many add a late-night window. Times vary by location.
What is Early Dine at Texas Roadhouse?
Early Dine is a set of lower-priced plates on weekday afternoons at participating Texas Roadhouse locations, usually before 6 PM.
Are happy hour deals available for takeout?
Some are and some are not. Sonic Happy Hour works at the drive-in, but many sit-down happy hour menus are dine-in only.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
