Toasting, laughing and connecting with friends has now become part of the post-pandemic, self-healing process.
But as people begin to spread their wings, inflation is forcing many to choose between spending money on luxuries like an evening at a local pub or buying necessities like groceries.
Many North Jersey restaurant and bar owners are aware of this. Eager to make sure happy hour doesn’t end up on the rocks, they are offering terrific deals on cocktails, beer, wine and bar food. Instead of charging $17 for a cocktail and $20 for sliders, many places are offering drinks and snacks at half the price — or less.
“People are going through rough times, people are losing jobs, gas is up, people are trying to gather money to go food shopping,” said Alexander Duran, the owner of Ventanas at The Modern in Fort Lee. “There’s a concern with where we go with the economy. So, we’re a place where people come and enjoy their day, their time, and the experience kind of makes them get away from reality a little bit.”
A recent survey found that 60 percent of U.S. consumers interviewed said they attend happy hour because drinks are cheaper during that time. And 63 percent of those surveyed said they go to happy hour because of affordable food prices.
Duran, who also owns Son Cubano in West New York, says the happy hour food at Ventanas is as important as the cocktails. Celebrity chef David Burke created the menu.
“Our bites are awesome, David Burke, what else can you ask for for a lesser price?” Duran asked.
We went in search of restaurants and bars offering stand-out happy hours, and here are three of our favorite spots, including Ventanas.
With posh booths and a golden-hued room, you’ll feel like you’re in a cozy, modern bar in Vegas — if not for the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline over the Hudson River. There are six cocktails on Haven’s happy hour menu, all priced at $7. The Spicy Margarita comes with a nice but tolerable kick; the Blood Orange Martini is also popular and refreshing. The happy hour bar specials cost $12; bar food costs $15. The menu includes short rib sliders and ahi tuna tacos.
Toasting, laughing and connecting with friends has now become part of the post-pandemic, self-healing process.
But as people begin to spread their wings, inflation is forcing many to choose between spending money on luxuries like an evening at a local pub or buying necessities like groceries.
Many North Jersey restaurant and bar owners are aware of this. Eager to make sure happy hour doesn’t end up on the rocks, they are offering terrific deals on cocktails, beer, wine and bar food. Instead of charging $17 for a cocktail and $20 for sliders, many places are offering drinks and snacks at half the price — or less.
“People are going through rough times, people are losing jobs, gas is up, people are trying to gather money to go food shopping,” said Alexander Duran, the owner of Ventanas at The Modern in Fort Lee. “There’s a concern with where we go with the economy. So, we’re a place where people come and enjoy their day, their time, and the experience kind of makes them get away from reality a little bit.”
A recent survey found that 60 percent of U.S. consumers interviewed said they attend happy hour because drinks are cheaper during that time. And 63 percent of those surveyed said they go to happy hour because of affordable food prices.
Duran, who also owns Son Cubano in West New York, says the happy hour food at Ventanas is as important as the cocktails. Celebrity chef David Burke created the menu.
“Our bites are awesome, David Burke, what else can you ask for for a lesser price?” Duran asked.
We went in search of restaurants and bars offering stand-out happy hours, and here are three of our favorite spots, including Ventanas.
With posh booths and a golden-hued room, you’ll feel like you’re in a cozy, modern bar in Vegas — if not for the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline over the Hudson River. There are six cocktails on Haven’s happy hour menu, all priced at $7. The Spicy Margarita comes with a nice but tolerable kick; the Blood Orange Martini is also popular and refreshing. The happy hour bar specials cost $12; bar food costs $15. The menu includes short rib sliders and ahi tuna tacos.
Ventanas at The Modern, Fort Lee
5 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday
This gem of a restaurant and bar — upscale and trendy — sits on the ground floor of The Modern, one of two skyscrapers just a stone’s throw from the George Washington Bridge. But you won’t feel like you’re spending your decompression time in a loud, busy, hectic urban setting. Go to the back of the restaurant to step outside into an inviting oasis complete with comfortable seating overlooking a lovely, well manicured park. Inside, you’ll find a more energetic, rockin’ atmosphere with chandeliers resembling large, purple jellyfish hanging over the bar and couples dressed to the nines for their fun night out. Happy hour cocktails — $12 each — include vodka-based Pretty in Pink and the Tequila-mixed Devil on my Shoulder. Bar dishes — $10 each — include Burke’s octopus chorizo kebabs and burgers.
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