The History and Evolution of Happy Hour in The U.S.

“It’s 5 PM somewhere in the world.” Familiar with that phrase? That’s how central happy hour has become in our customs and iconic traditions. After a long workday, heading to a bar for a well-deserved cocktail and discounted bites is almost a ritual. But who do we thank for this cherished time of day? Turns out, happy hour’s history is a bit more layered than we might expect.

The Naval Beginnings of Happy Hour

The origins of happy hour go back to the early 19th century when it didn’t even involve alcohol. The U.S. Navy introduced a practice known as “happy hour” to boost morale aboard ships. Sailors, confined at sea for long periods, would get a break filled with entertainment, boxing matches, and social activities. This “happy hour” was a refreshing pause from the monotonous routine and even had health benefits: tonics with quinine—an early malaria remedy—were commonly enjoyed during this time. This naval tradition of camaraderie and celebration, though non-alcoholic, laid the groundwork for the happy hour we know today.

Cheers to Prohibition (As Weird as That Sounds)

When Prohibition hit in 1920, Americans weren’t ready to give up their social drinking. Bars and speakeasies still flourished under the radar, and “happy hour” took on a new life. Since drinking in public bars was illegal, people would gather for pre-dinner drinks in private homes or at hidden bars. These “happy hours” became code for secret meet-ups with bootlegged liquor—a way to unwind before heading to ‘dry’ public establishments for a meal. The term stuck, and as Prohibition ended in 1933, happy hour moved back into bars, adding that touch of mystique that had kept it alive during the dry years.

Did TGI Fridays Invent Modern Happy Hour?

One of the most common myths is that TGI Fridays invented happy hour as we know it. While the chain certainly popularized the concept in the 1970s, it didn’t create it. TGI Fridays did, however, help shape the happy hour vibe we recognize today: casual, accessible, and packed with drink specials and appetizers. The chain turned happy hour into a social scene, especially in cities, and helped drive its association with affordable cocktails and bar snacks—a shift that resonated across America.

Today, happy hour is not just an American custom—it’s a global one. From tapas bars in Spain to izakayas in Japan, happy hour has taken on a life of its own, adapted to local traditions and tastes. In the U.S., happy hour has grown to include craft cocktails, specialty appetizers, and even brunch specials in some places.

The Happy Hour Bans

Though happy hour is a staple in most states, not everyone is on board. Massachusetts, for instance, has banned happy hour since the 1980s, citing safety concerns related to drunk driving. Illinois and Alaska also have varying restrictions on happy hour deals, mainly focused on preventing excessive drinking in short timeframes. These laws were a reaction to studies showing a link between discounted drinks and spikes in alcohol-related accidents. So while you may love a good deal, in these states, happy hour might be a bit more elusive.

When is Happy Hour, Really?

Curious why happy hour usually starts around 4 or 5 PM? It’s simple: it’s the bridge between the end of work and the start of the evening. Most bars aim to catch people as they leave the office, giving them a chance to unwind before heading home or out to dinner. Happy hour is, in many ways, an extended invitation to relax without committing to a full meal. And while it can technically happen at any time of day, bars stick with late afternoon hours because it perfectly matches their target crowd.