The happy hour scene is a way of life in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the options for where to gather for everything from a simple ice-cold draught to gourmet-in-a-glass are many and varied. We can’t begin to name all of the fantastic independent places to try, but this list of a few crowd favorites spans every taste or mood—from casual to upscale. (Can you say time for an epic pub crawl??)

Big Box Karaoke

This local hotspot is not your wild Uncle Vern’s lounge karaoke—this is the full entertainment package deal for people who love to rally a group of two to 25 and go out for some fun. Offering reserved private suites for singers, Big Box Karaoke has a well-stocked bar and lounge with a nice selection of wine, sake, beer and cocktail options—whether you have any intention of singing or not. Look for drink specials Tuesday through Friday, and be sure to try some of the delicious options from the creative Asian-inspired food menu.

115 N Block Avenue
bigboxkaraoke.com

Bordinos

If an elegant, bustling bar with a bit of an urban vibe is your style, Bordinos has a happy hour sure to please you. Bordinos is well known for its fine dining menu and award-winning wine list, but when small plates and liquid refreshment are specifically what you’re seeking, don’t miss this Fayetteville institution. Happy hour specials are 4:30 - 6:00 PM (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) + ALL DAY on Wednesdays and include $6 red, white and sparkling wines as well as an enticing list of martinis and other classic cocktails.

310 W Dickson Street
bordinos.com

East Side Grill

With a very local neighborhood restaurant and bar feel, East Side Grill is host to a lively bar that is typically hopping every day of the week. The staff makes new guests feel right at home, just like they do the many regulars. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday, 4p-6p, with good drink specials to accompany a tasty menu of appetizers and entrees for any size of appetite. On warm evenings, the ESG outdoor patio is great place to unwind.

1838 N Crossover Road
esgfayetteville.com

Guisinger

Situated in the 1886 building that was home to the Guisinger Music House, Guisinger serves impeccable cocktails and small plates. According to the Arkansas Times, Guisinger is "like an expensive pair of sweatpants: somewhat upscale but comfortable nonetheless." Grab a booth in the front window or a cozy semi-private room. The small plates are decadent - we love the pork belly bao alongside a New York Sour.

1 E. Mountain
theguisinger.com

Lambeth Lounge

There’s no other place in Fayetteville quite like Lambeth Lounge, where Southern hospitality meets laid-back sophistication. Find a spot on one of comfortable leather sofas or gaze through the plantation shutters onto the beautiful lawn leading up to iconic Old Main. Locals and hotel guests staying at the stately Inn at Carnall Hall love to unwind with a fine selection of scotch, excellent wine and signature cocktails. If your timing is lucky, you may catch live music from a rocking chair on the veranda.

465 N Arkansas Avenue
innatcarnallhall.com/drinks-and-dining

Theo's

Grabbing a spot on the outdoor patio at Theo’s is practically a local rite of passage each spring, and the location found just off Dickson stays busy until the fall chill sends patrons indoors to Theo’s beautiful bar or fine dining area. The cocktail menu is long and delicious, as is the list of fine spirits.  We guarantee you’ll feel very rewarded if you happen to visit during happy hour, and you will want to try several of their discounted small plates to accompany your adult beverages.

318 Campbell Avenue
theosfayetteville.com 

Vault

You’re not likely to just stumble across Vault even though it’s located downtown, but believe us when we say it’s well worth taking a closer look at the back entrance of the EJ Ball building basement and making a visit. Nestled neatly into a former bank vault, this small but mighty bar is modern in a refreshingly minimalist way. Bourbon collecting is Vault’s passion, but if cocktails are your preference, you will have an exceptionally memorable tasting experience that melds top-shelf spirits with unique ingredients and garnishes. Special prices can be found during traditional happy hours.          

112 W Center Street, Suite B-001
vault.bar

Wood Stone Pizza + Bar

Whether you’ve landed yourself in Fayetteville’s uptown or downtown, you can easily find one of Wood Stone’s beautiful venues. If ever there’s a wait for their delicious gourmet pizza, the bar at either location will not disappoint. Consider a beer flight or one of their specialty or classic cocktails—and keep an eye out for what appears on the seasonal bar menu. Happy hour falls generously between 2 – 6 p.m. with discounted drafts, wine and classic mixed drinks.

Downtown – 557 S School Avenue
Uptown – 3619 N Mall Avenue
woodstonecraftpizza.com