A term that’s beginning to build momentum, “reverse happy hour” refers to a late-night version of the typical happy hour discounts on drinks and bar food. As the workforce becomes more flexible and steers away from a typical 9-to-5 schedule, more restaurants and bars are adding after-dark deals. Most reverse happy hours happen during the week and typically begin around 9 pm. Others might land on a weekend or even carry over from the early afternoon specials. Here are five top Fort Worth go-to’s for the burgeoning reverse happy hour — because saving money will always bring happiness, no matter what time of day.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
The family-friendly chain stays busy after dark, especially Sunday through Thursday, from 9-11 pm, during reverse happy hour. Specials include $3 domestic bottled beer, $3 chips and dips, $5 BJ’s signature beers and select wines by the glass, and $6 margaritas, select spirits, and select appetizers. (Faves include deep-fried chicken pot stickers.) Mini deep-dish pizzas are also half-off. There are four BJ’s locations in Tarrant County, all situated in busy shopping districts near Hulen Mall, Northeast Mall, Alliance Town Center, and Arlington Highlands. Important note: the specials are only available in the bar and patio area. Also good to know ahead of fall sports watch parties, the specials are available during all pro football games.
Game Theory Restaurant + Bar
Fuel up for a little friendly competition at this hot spot for board games (more than 500 of them) and gastropub-style food and drink. Located on South Main Street, Game Theory offers late-night happy hour Monday through Thursday from 9-11 pm. Patrons can choose from several $5 craft cocktails, including favorites like the Brown Derby, shaken with bourbon, orange juice, and house-made honey syrup; and the tropical Blue Hawaiian, which combines vodka, coconut rum, and Blue Curacao. Highlights from the happy hour food menu include $6 rosemary truffle fries, $6.50 crispy Brussels sprouts with sweet Thai glaze, $8 barbecue chicken flatbread, and $8 Cajun lump crab dip. Eat, drink, and get your game on.
Lazy Dog
This late-night happy hour is for the dogs, literally. Canine friends are always welcome on the patio at Lazy Dog, which has locations in Euless and Arlington and features actual menu items for furry friends. The reverse happy hour here — offered Sunday through Thursday — runs later than most establishments, lasting from 9 pm until midnight. Among the many specials are select $3 domestic drafts, $4 well drinks and select wines, and $6 Orange Tang margaritas and Pink Lemon Drop martinis. Or, try the house beer tasting flight for only $6 or share a pitcher of house-made sangria for $15. Diners can stay well-fed with more than 21 happy hour dishes, too, including street corn fries, chicken lettuce wraps, and Buffalo chicken nuggets, each $6, and wok-fried calamari and chipotle chicken quesadillas for $7. Need a late-night pick-me-up? Stay perky with a $7 coffee martini.
The Lazy Moose
This lodge-like West Magnolia Avenue bar is not stingy with its weeknight happy hour, which lasts from 4 pm all the way until 11 pm, Tuesday through Thursday. Patrons can find deals like $2 off all draft beer, $5 premium wells and margaritas, and $6 house wine and house-made sangria. Nosh on Lazy Nachos piled with house-made tortilla chips for $7, loaded cheese fries for $7.50, and fried dill pickle spears for $6.50. With happy hour lasting much more than an hour here, pass the time with a game of pool or shuffleboard or grab a booth and get cozy.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
Most happy hours, whether early or late, skip the weekend. But not at this American gastropub chain. Here, reverse happy hour is only on Friday and Saturday nights, available from 9:30-11:30 pm. Folks get $1 off all draft pints and can choose from classic cocktails ranging from $7.95 to $9.95. (Think Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, and the Mojito.) Late-night bites range from garlic sesame edamame and Caesar salad for $6.95 to grilled salmon cakes and bacon-wrapped barbecue prawns for $8.95. Located in Euless’ Glade Parks development, the lively restaurant draws crowds for its big screens, big portions, and massive menu.
Happy hour takes place Friday and Saturday nights at Thirsty Lion.
