Best Happy Hour and Brunch Deals - Astoria, NY

Enjoy a great meal and delicious cocktails without breaking the bank. It's all about knowing where to drink and dine.

In life, the time-honored saying that goes, "you get what you pay for", usually rings true. Going the cheapo-cheapo route does not usually lead to a better product or meal. However, that also doesn't mean that one has to spend money foolishly or empty their pockets at the neighborhood bar or lounge like the proverbial drunken sailor. There's a middle ground to seek where quality meets savings. And isn't that what Aplez.com is all about: helping smart and savvy consumers get the best bang for their buck?  Whether it's finding the best happy hour deals, pre-fixe lunch and dinner options, or bottomless brunch, saving a dollar or two, particularly during these uncertain economic times, is simply a very good thing.

The city's leading chefs, mixologists and restaurateurs all recognize this basic fact of life: people love to save money, whether they're buying a car, shopping for clothing, or dining out. Nobody likes to spend more than they have to. Therefore, it is incumbent upon more forward-thinking restaurant and bar owners to make special offers and deals a vital part of their business strategy.  And, if you just happen to live or work in the charming yet bustling nabe of Astoria, Queens, then you're in luck. As expensive as Astoria can be, especially when we're talking about rent and the cost of living, it's easier than one would think to find great deals for date night or brunch with family and friends. Here we go; let's pe right in and see what's cooking when it comes to finding you a fantastic meal together with an "appetizer " of saving some of your hard-earned cash! After all, when the price is right, it's time to FALL INTO SAVINGS.

The Rabbit Hole  -  Astoria, Queens

   A relative newcomer to the Astoria nightlife scene, The Rabbit Hole has a bit of an Alice in Wonderland, eclectic and intriguing vibe going for it. The decor is different, that's for sure, with a retro quasi-Victorian look blending in with some sharp and snazzy modern touches.  The highlight, as far as atmosphere and decor go, would be the space off to the main bar and dining area, which resembles the library-sitting room in a genteel family's 19th-century home.  Besides being captivating to look at, the surroundings are quite cozy and comfortable. You'll certainly want to stay a while here as you sip a nice cocktail and enjoy a well-curated meal.

The special offers and promotions are part of the overall appeal. Everything here, from the friendly professional service and the food & drinks, is absolutely top-notch. But the deals are something special, starting with Happy Hour, which takes place Monday to Friday from 5 to 8 PM. Highlights include: $4 shots, $ 5 house beers, a glass of red or white for only six bucks, seven-dollar cocktails and the unbelievable price of $8 for a frozen drink.

If that's not enough for you, then get a load of The Rabbit Hole's weekly specials. They will blow your mind.  Early on during the week, you can look forward to dollar wings on Monday and Tuesday; all customers receive a fifty percent discount on ALL burgers and steaks on the menu.  When Wednesday hits, there are very tasty nine-dollar Margaritas available, while Thursdays feature $7 Martinis and a very inviting $10 burger & a beer offer. By the way, the deals keep coming on weekends, as well. Mimosas are on tap for just $5 from opening until 5 PM.  You'll also want to keep your eye out for various events during each month, such as Taylor Swift Trivia Night, UFC Premier fights and Karaoke Thursdays, where YOU get to be the star of the show.

If you're hungry, check out the a la carte menu crowd pleasers like their delicious, super juicy signature Steakhouse Burger. This masterful mound of Pat LaFreida beef is topped with au poivre sauce, melted provolone cheese and potato sticks. Just as good is the Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich on a Brioche bun. So very tender, the breast is crowned with a superb buffalo spicy Aioli, fried pickles and mozzarella cheese.  All hand-helds on the menu come with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, or a bountiful house salad.

Wash it all down with one of the bar's stimulating cocktails like The Rabbit Hole, a blend of vodka, basil and watermelon juice with a lime wedge as garnish. Another great choice is The Long Weekend, which mixes Ketel One vodka and rum, with mango, passionfruit juice and lime juice. It is so very flavorful and refreshing.

Location & Hours:
38-04 Broadway
Astoria N.Y. 11103
(718) 255-1271
www.therabbithole.nyc

Hours:
Monday to Thursday                  5 PM to 2 AM
Friday                                            5 PM to 4 AM
Saturday                                       3 PM to 4 AM
Sunday                                         12:30 PM to 2 AM

Bad Habits  -  Astoria, Queens

     Don't be afraid to get a little naughty at Bad Habits, a colorful and welcoming bar-restaurant in Astoria. After all, it's all just good, clean fun. You can forget about your workday blues here and leave stress behind. Cut loose, be yourself and let the bright, vibrant atmosphere take you where it will. Bad Habits is THE place to get together with friends or enjoy an unforgettable date night. The kitchen and bar proudly serve up a dazzling array of Latin fusion cuisine and cocktails with some Asian elements thrown in for good measure. Everything about Bad Habits is unique and that is a very good thing.

The welcoming vibe extends to Bad Habit's perse array of wallet-friendly deals. The Big Bad Brunch takes place weekends from one until five PM. It is NOT to be missed.  Plan to Go BOTTOMLESS for only $34.99 with the purchase of a brunch entree. They've got some tempting items on the brunch menu, including Chicken & Waffles ( vanilla malted waffles, fried chicken and marinated strawberries PLUS maduros, house-made whipped cream and warm maple syrup ). Not to be missed is the Three Golpes platter, which consists of eggs your way, queso frito, fried onions, Dominican salami and mangu.

The restaurant offers several weekly specials, as well, for your dining and drinking pleasure. Mofongo Mondays features a steaming, large plate of that delectable Latin staple, Mofongo, which is mashed fried green plantains mixed with garlic, olive oil, and chicharron (pork cracklings). Tostones Tuesdays gets you two tostones sliders or tacos for just ten bucks. Thursdays are Ladies Night with $10 frozen drinks. Cheers!

The soon-to-be-famous BAD HOUR runs from Monday through Friday, four to seven PM. During Happy Hour, excuse us, BAD HOUR, every appetizer on the menu is half-off and empanadas (beef, chicken, Hawaiian, or guava) are available at the bargain price of 2 for $8. Frozen drinks are priced at a 50% discount. That includes Bad Habit's best-selling frozen concoction Bebesita, which is made with tequila, pineapple juice and ginger. You will also enjoy a similar discount for the bar's fusion cocktails, such as the Kumquat Mojito, a heady blend of Cruzan rum, kumquat, mint, agave and lime juice. The same goes for their signature libations, including the outstanding Dragon Berry Sangria, a delicious blend of Zinfandel, Bacardi, Dragon Berry and fresh fruit.

Most of the a la carte entrees on the menu are very reasonably priced, so even if they are not technically a "deal," the dish won't break your budget. Sure to become one of your go-to orders at Bad Habits is the Salma Hayek, which consists of a perfectly-cooked salmon fillet paired with seasoned spinach, garlic-infused mashed yucca and asparagus.  Taking the spice factor to a whole other level is Diablo Mami Que Pinazo, which features garlic shrimp and a spicy tuna steak as the stars of the show with a mound of healthy seaweed, guacamole, spicy mayo and a bed of pineapple fried rice as the supporting cast.

Location & Hours:
32-03 Broadway
Astoria N.Y. 11106
(347) 738-5989
www.badhabitsastoria.com

Hours:
Monday to Thursday                     4 PM - 2 AM
Friday                                               4 PM - 3 AM
Saturday                                          1 PM - 3 AM
Sunday                                             1 PM - 2 AM

Oliver's  -  Astoria, Queens

   A long-time mainstay in the neighborhood, Oliver's keeps the positive energy and the good vibes flowing by constantly reinventing its cocktail list and menu. The chefs and mixologists here are never, ever content to rest on their laurels. The decor is second to none, creating a charming modern gastropub atmosphere. During the Spring, Summer and early Fall, Oliver's offers a very nice outdoor cafe. But wherever you may choose to dine, be assured that your experience will be second to none. By the way, if you have a birthday celebration, bridal shower, or Holiday office gathering in your future, come by and check out Oliver's Landmark Lounge, which is a beautifully appointed downstairs space just below the main dining room and bar area.

Oliver's has always been known for having one of the best Happy Hours in Astoria and that hasn't changed. In fact, it has now exceeded any and all expectations. At Oliver's, Happy Hour is pided into two parts: weekdays from 4 PM until 7 PM and every night from ten PM till closing.   A bevy of incredible appetizers is available for just ten dollars, including their much-talked-about wings, Bavarian pretzel sticks, chicken empanadas, truffle fries and humongous Broadway mozzarella sticks.  Quench your thirst with a frosty glass of Miller High Life for only four bucks while select cocktails such as a Smokey Old Fashioned, Relaxed Collins, Sangria and a spicy Ginger Margarita come in at a quite reasonable ten bucks.

Weekend Brunch runs all day up until 4 PM. If you are a fan of that classic brunch beverage, the Mimosa, then you have to order their $45 Mimosa Tree. You will receive five Mimosas with your choice of flavors, including orange, pomegranate, pineapple, mango and hibiscus-ginger. Additionally, look forward to specially priced brunch beverages. The $12 Bloody Mary is one of the best in town and a whole pickle wedge accompanies the cocktail. Another fantastic value is the $12 glass of Sangria, made with red wine, orange juice, brandy, sliced apples and the fresh fruit of the day. The $25 Bottomless Brunch option is available with the purchase of one of their dazzling brunch entrees and you receive ninety minutes of endless libations. 

The only problem that you'll have is deciding what entree to go with. Will it be the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or the Greek Egg White Omelet with feta cheese, spinach and ripe, juicy tomatoes, or perhaps the superb Avocado Toast that comes with a couple of sunny-side up eggs, smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and pepitas? To up the ante, this healthy feast is served on sourdough bread and your side is a mixed green salad. If you and your buddies meet at Oliver's for Happy Hour, do please stay for dinner. Menu temptations abound, including the Salmon Rice Bowl, which consists of basmati rice, green peas, scallions, sesame seeds, Pico de Gallo and sliced avocados. The Four-Cheese, Garlic and Herb Breadcrumbs Mac and Cheese isn't bad, either.

Location & Hours:
37-19 Broadway
Astoria N.Y. 11103
(718) 806-1476
www.oliversastoria.com

Hours:
Monday to Thursday                  11 AM to 1 AM
Friday                                            11 AM to 2 AM
Saturday                                       10 AM to 2 AM
Sunday                                         10 AM to 1 AM

Tootles & French  -  Astoria, Queens

  The ambiance here is, at once, elegant and cozy.  A distinct warm and welcoming vibe can be found throughout the premises, from the contemporary Parisian bistro/wine bar decor to the outstanding service. Rest assured that the time you spend at Tootles & French with your significant other will be extra special. The business was created by long-time Astoria residents who know exactly what their neighbors are looking for when it comes to a great night out. Having said that, you can look forward to a terrific line-up of pop-up events throughout the Autumn. These events are a great way to do something different and connect with fellow Astorians. Upcoming pop-ups include a tasting workshop about wines from Chile, Musical Theater Open Mic Night, the Classy Vibes comedy show, the Flavors of Mexico: An introduction to the cuisine and wine from the Oaxacan region and A Night in Piemonte: An Italian Wine Dinner. Be sure to make those reservations NOW! And, let's not forget about a rather spooky Tarot Happy Hour hosted by paranormal and psychic medium Chuck Bauer.

You were probably wondering just when we were going to get to Happy Hour at Tootles & French? Well, here it is. The joy takes place weekdays from 4 PM until 6 PM, Saturdays, 10 PM to closing and Sundays, four until closing. Select beers go for only $6 while a mere $8 will get you a refreshing glass of red, white, rosé, or sparkling wine. Some very nifty craft gin & tonics are available for ten bucks as are a variety of spritzes. Twelve dollars entitles you to that classic Italian cocktail, the Negroni. If you are celebrating with a small group of friends or family, take advantage of their $30 dollar a bottle offers of select wines.

Unlike some places, Tootles & French presents a wide variety of Happy Hour snacks, shares and appetizers.  Six-dollar snacks range from hand-cut fries and a plate of Shishito peppers to fried olives accompanied by a pine pear puree dipping sauce. Nine-dollar appetizers include fried calamari and the best chicken bites you will ever have ( battered thighs with Brussels sprouts and an addictive ranch aioli ), and cheese nachos.  Elevate your Happy Hour game with $12 shares for you and your love, like the shrimp cocktail in a tomato broth with sliced avocado, red onions and celery or the tuna tartare with guacamole, pickled onions and corn tostadas.

Brunch is kind of a big deal at Tootles & French.  The a la carte menu is to die for, with standouts such as the B.E.C. Croissant, which contains maple chili bacon, eggs, smoked gouda cheese, served up with home fries and a salad. The Brunch Smashburger consists of a juicy and flavorful ribeye blend, topped with a fried, runny egg, cheddar cheese and two strips of bacon. The Mushroom Omelet lives up to its name as it contains a ton of earthy mushrooms as well as onions and cheddar cheese. The absolute highlight when we're talking about brunch deals is the Bubbles Flight. Pick one flavor for just $10 or three for the still very reasonable price of $28. Choose from cranberry, elderflower, pear, nectarine, black currant, or white peach.  Specially-priced brunch cocktails include the $8 mimosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice and an Aperitivo Spritz for only ten dollars.

Location & Hours:
36-15 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria N.Y. 11105
(347) 642-3012
www.tootlesandfrench.com

Hours:
Monday to Thursday                12 PM to 10 PM
Friday                                          12 PM to 12 AM
Saturday                                     11 AM to 12 AM
Sunday                                        11 AM to 10 PM    

Sala  -  Astoria, Queens

     Since its beginnings in Lower Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood in 1999,  Sala's mission has been to introduce its customers to an authentic Spanish dining experience.  The Astoria location is spacious, with a chic and snazzy, vibrant vibe going for it.  The restaurant is located within walking distance of both the Broadway and 36th Avenue N and W train stations. In point of fact, Sala is literally located in the shadow of the elevated tracks. It's so convenient from just about anywhere. At Sala, casual sophistication and warm Iberian hospitality meet seamlessly.

Every Saturday and Sunday look forward to enjoying their Bottomless Brunch from noon to four PM. $29, together with the purchase of a brunch item from the menu, gets you ninety glorious minutes of unlimited draft beers, mimosas, Bellinis, or sangria. You cannot beat that.  Two of the fabulous brunch entrees that you definitely will want to try are the Pisto Manchego, a Spanish type of Ratatouille with fried organic eggs, truffle carpaccio and a baguette, or the Huevos Al Gusto, which is two eggs any style, seared, seasoned chorizo that has to be tasted to be believed and roasted potatoes.

There is live flamenco dancing on select Tuesdays as well as an incredible Happy Hour, 5 to 7 PM on weekdays and  12 to 4 PM, weekends.  Glasses of their thirst-quenching sangria are available for $8, while draft beers go for just five dollars. Get this: imported Spanish wine can be had for a mere $8 and select artisanal cocktails will run you $12 while mocktails come in at ten bucks. Sierra Fresca is one of the bar's signature creations with a blend of Teremana Blanco, pineapple juice, cucumber juice, spicy syrup and lime juice. Malaga Nights mixes a nice pour of premium rum with pineapple juice and a Patxaran & Bonanto aperitivo.  Their standout mocktail is Por La Tarde, a real fruit juice blast with orange juice, lime juice, grenadine and a Serrano Chili punch. 

As you might expect, Sala offers a nice variety of delicious paella, including a seafood version, a meat-centric arroz platter and squid ink Paella Negra with octopus and calamari. Thursdays celebrate the Festival De Paella with a specially priced paella of the day. Check it out. The cost for two people is just $15 per person.

Location & Hours:
34-39 31st Street
Astoria N.Y. 11106
(929)  556-3038
www.salarestaurants.com

Hours:
Monday to Thursday              5 PM to 10 PM
Friday                                        4 PM to 11 PM
Saturday                                   12 PM to 11 PM
Sunday                                      12 PM to 9:30 PM