Top Happy Hours In Washington Square West

Happy Hour may have originated in the early 1900s because of prohibition; many speakeasies would have "happy hours". The name also may have originated from the "Happy Hour Social Club" that was created in the Navy from a group of Navy wives.  Presently, it is the standard time frame where you can get discounted alcohol and even free or discounted appetizers. The type of happy hour desired from a bar or restaurant is going to vary from person to person, as people are different. So whether you are searching for a low-key happy hour, or something more refined, here are the top five places in the city to go find your happy.

Graffiti Bar In Sampan Restaurant
124 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19107
(215) 732-3501
www.sampanphilly.com

Graffiti Bar has an exceptional happy hour, and is the only one on this list that is all week long. You can stop by anytime from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and enjoy the benefits of happy hour. The Graffiti Bar also has one of the most interesting atmospheres because you have to find a secret alley to get to the bar, which is within the Sampan Restaurant. Customers love the great food and music, mostly an Asian fusion with creative drinks, consider the "Scorpion Bowl." The atmosphere here is typically young professionals and can get very crowded. There is an oversized long table that sits in the middle of the room to encourage you get to know your fellow patrons, but there is also an open air patio.

Tria Café Wash West
1137 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 639-9200
www.triacafe.com

Tria Café Wash West was established in 2004 and is a very popular wine & cheese bar. The food here is classy, natural, and delicious. You won't find any TVs or electronics in this establishment, you are the entertainment. The food and booze served here are frequently changing. The menu is small. In milder weather people love the outdoor seating. Happy hour is Sunday-Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Most offerings are $5 each for samplings of wine, cheese, or beer.

1 Tipping Place
2006 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA.19103
(215) 665-0456
www.1tpl.com

Tipping Place is a more refined and upscale atmosphere that truly embodies the origination of a happy hour with their speakeasy atmosphere. It is sophisticated yet laid back, but the drinks are taken seriously. You can enjoy comfortable couches after a hard day for lounging. You can find plenty of classic cocktails, an appetizer menu, and an outstanding selection of wine and beer. Happy Hour happens Tuesday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. and on Sunday nights from 10-midnight. Tipping Place is a more expensive option but happy hour drinks are $5 if you want to give them a try. Some of their most popular drinks are the Lavender 75 and the Moscow Mule.

Related: Best Sports Bars In Philadelphia

Charlie Was A Sinner
131 S.13th St.
Philadelphia, PA. 1910
(267) 758-5372
www.charliewasasinner.com

Charlie Was a Sinner serves up small plates and strong drinks. They also have a solid vegetarian menu. Some popular dishes include the potato croquettes, Maryland crab sliders and chick pea fries. The cocktails made here are upscale with top shelf liquor and not too much syrup so you enjoy the true taste of the liquor. A popular drink to try is "The Bramble." Happy hour is from Monday-Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Fridays 4-6 p.m. As far as atmosphere goes the interior is as swanky as the drinks so this is a nice option for a special occasion.

Prohibition Tap Room
501 N.13th St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(215) 238-1818
www.theprohibitiontaproom.com

For beer lovers, you want to stop by Prohibition Tap Room for their happy hour. This is one of the largest tap micro brews in the city. Much of what they serve comes from local Yards Brewery. Happy Hour is from 5-7 p.m. Monday–Friday and again late night 10-midnight. For food they offer up a daily grilled cheese special. The building has served as a pub since the 1800s. If you want a particular beer, chances are they have it.

Related: Top Happy Hours In Old City

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.