14 Carlsbad Happy Hour Specials Frugal Foodies Love

Want to know where to find the best happy hour in Carlsbad, CA? Right here!

I’m not just talking about places with cheap drinks. Since we are foodies first, every restaurant and bar on our Top 14 Carlsbad Happy Hour List also offers delicious discounted food.

We sipped and tasted our way through a bevy of bar menus and a heap of happy hours in Carlsbad, and we narrowed down the humongous list to a much more manageable 14 favorites. Seriously, this town has so many great eateries and drinkeries! Luckily, we live less than 30 minutes away—and Carlsbad is one of our favorite San Diego staycations!

Determining which of the 14 has the best happy hour will be left to your discretion. For me, it can change nightly. Do I want wine or cocktails? Am I in the mood for Mediterranean, seafood, or Italian cuisine? Even the weather can play a role!

Most of the Carlsbad restaurants limit their happy hour specials to the bar area. Sometimes that means just the bar and a few tables nearby, but sometimes the bars have a whole separate dining room of their own.

Carlsbad Happy Hour Specials

1. Vigilucci’s Cucina

Vigilucci’s Cucina always ranks as one of the best Italian restaurants in Carlsbad Village. So, you can expect some pretty tasty Italian dishes on special during happy hour.

Each discounted dish has the exceptional quality that the restaurant is known for. From Polpette di Carne (meatballs on crostini) to Patatine al Tartufo (truffle fries) to Insalata alla Vigilucci’s (house salad‍), you can’t go wrong.

But what I love Vigilucci’s most for is that it’s my favorite place for Calamari Fritti (fried calamari). It’s the most tender, delicious calamari I’ve tasted outside of Venice, Italy. The dish comes with a wonderful marinara sauce, but the calamari don’t even need it. We sometimes visit Carlsbad just so we have a good excuse to eat another heaping plateful. They pair perfectly with a dirtied Robertini (a vodka martini with olive juice and blue cheese olives).

Happy Hour: Daily: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $8 wine specials; $5–$7 draft beer selection; $7 well drinks; $12 mixed drinks & martinis

Address: 2943 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

The best Carlsbad happy hour for Fried Calamari, Vigilucci's Cucina

2. Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse

The Vigilucci group operates another terrific restaurant with a great happy hour in Carlsbad: Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse. Located across from the Pacific Ocean, even the bar area is a perfect spot for date night.

Although this restaurant leans towards seafood and steak, it still has an Italian flare. And like their Italian Cucina, this location offers some of the best happy hour deals in Carlsbad. They even have some of the same menu items: Spiedini alla Griglia (chicken skewers), Polpette di Carne, and my favorite, Calamari Fritti, to name a few.

So, when at this location, order some of their unique items, like Ahi Sashimi Bruschetta and Polpetta di Granchio (crab cake on arugula).

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $10 house wines; $6 beer selection; $9 well drinks; $12 drink specials

Address: 3878 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse, a great place for happy hour in Carlsbad — Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse, a great place for Happy Hour in Carlsbad

3. Dini’s Bistro

The first time I saw Dini’s happy hour menu, I knew it was a winner. Pair that with the fact that the restaurant is located right across the street from the ocean, and it’s a slam dunk!

With seafood dishes like Shrimp Ceviche, Ahi Poke Tostadas, and Crab Cakes, and bar fare like flatbreads, Buffalo Wings, and their famous Dini Dog, you’ll enjoy great food at a great price.

It’s the perfect place to grab an appetizer and bevy and stay to watch the sunset. For the best experience, get there early to snag one of the bar stools that faces the ocean.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday: 4:00 pm–7:00 pm

Drink Specials: $2 off bottles, cans, and draft beers, $4 off pitchers; $2 off wines by the glass; $6 well drinks; $6.50 juice well drinks; $7 House Margarita; $7.50 Bloody Mary; $8 Infused Margarita; $8 Moscow Mule

Address: 3290 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Ocean views from the bar at Dini's Bistro

4. Bluewater Grill

Bluewater Grill is the happy hour Carlsbad oyster lovers flock to. Oysters are a very popular food in California, and the bar seats fill up fast. So, it’s best to arrive as close to the start of happy hour as possible.

In addition to fresh oysters, there’s plenty of other delicious food, and even a tasty bar burger or BBQ ribs for those that don’t eat seafood.

The 3 hearty blackened fish tacos always beckon to me. They are among the healthier discounted choices. But then again, I have been known to order the mud pie afterwards. And yes—the mud pie is worth it!

Happy Hour: Sunday–Thursday: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $6 domestic bottled beers; $8 draft beers, mixed well drinks, and house wine & champagne

Address: 417 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Happy hour Fish Tacos at Bluewater Grill — Happy Hour Fish Tacos at Bluewater Grill

5. 264 Fresco

264 Fresco was my first of many happy hours in Carlsbad, CA. We stopped in for a drink to wait out the rain one day, and it happened to be happy hour time.

Of course, we’re always hungry, so before we knew it, we had devoured a wood-fired sausage pizza, meatballs, and ravioli. We cancelled our dinner plans.

The Caesar salad, fettuccini, and heirloom tomato caprese are also top notch.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday: 3:00 pm–5:00 pm

Drink Specials: $6 house beer; $9 house wine, $9 house cocktail

Address: 264 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

I've had many wood-fired pizza happy hours in Carlsbad at 264 Fresco.

6. Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana

I like Cicciotti's Carlsbad happy hour because it reminds me of where I grew up in New York. This is not swanky Italian; it feels like authentic home cooking, and you can’t beat their happy hour food prices.

For example, Cicciotti's square pizzas are not just a small personal cheese pizza. They can serve two and come with either pepperoni or Gorgonzola and onions. The restaurant also has Italian staples like Mozzarella Fritta (mozzarella sticks) as well as creative appetizers like stuffed artichoke hearts.

Wine choices are more varied than on most happy hour menus. Cicciotti’s offers Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Muscato.

Happy Hour: Daily: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $7.50 draft beers; $7.50 house wines; $9 specialty cocktails

Address: 595 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Stuffed Artichoke Hearts at Cicciotti's Carlsbad happy hour — Stuffed Artichoke Hearts at Cicciotti's Carlsbad Happy Hour

7. Same Same

Same Same is definitely a go-to happy hour spot for anyone interested in creative cocktails, great Asian food, friendly bartenders—and saving serious coin.

The guys who opened this place are all local bartenders who wanted a greater say in how to practice the craft they’re all passionate about: making amazing cocktails. Cheers to their success!

But the inventive house cocktails are just part of the appeal. Everything on the happy hour food menu is also great. Order the generously portioned fried rice and any other item, and you’ll have enough deliciousness to feed 2 people without any need for dinner later. And you’re going to love the prices too!

Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $5 draft beers and well drinks, $10 house cocktails and wines

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, #213, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Happy hour in Carlsbad at Same Same — You can expect creative drinks, tasty food, and low prices at Same Same’s happy hour.

8. The Compass

If you’re looking for inventive happy hour specials in Carlsbad, CA, try The Compass, located in Village Faire. You’ll find menu items you definitely will not see elsewhere.

I’m still waiting for them to add their house Lamb Burger to happy hour, but until then, there are choices like Bacon-Wrapped Corn Dogs, Roasted Eggplant with Pomegranate Molasses, and my #1 pick, Shawarma Tacos.

Come on Thursday for Mystery Wine Night. Where else can you blind select a bottle of red or white wine for $18?

Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm; Friday–Sunday: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $2 off craft beers, well cocktails, & wine by the glass

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, #202, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Shawarma Tacos on happy hour special at The Compass — Shawarma Tacos on Happy Hour special at The Compass

9. Casa de Bandini

Located in the Forum Shopping Center, Casa de Bandini, or Bandini’s as the locals call it, is one of the good happy hour places away from the tourist areas.

But that doesn’t mean it’s less crowded—on the contrary. As one of the best Mexican restaurants in Carlsbad, the bar area is often packed by 4:00 pm.

Their food specials are smaller versions of their regular menu items. Start with a Happy Guacamole and follow with “Muchos” Taquitos, a taco, or the Quesadilla de la Cantina. A word of caution on the house margaritas—if you don’t handle citrus well, choose something else.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday: 3:00 pm–5:00 pm

Drink Specials: $7.95 small house margaritas & Hornitos Ranch Waters

Address: 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Small house margaritas and Happy Guacamole at Bandini's

10. Le Papagayo Carlsbad

At Le Papagayo, happy hour lasts all night Tuesdays! Whether you come for a late night snack, or our preference, Round 2 of food and happy hour drinks, those in the know show up at Papagayo on Tuesdays.

The long list of food specials includes select appetizers, soups, flatbreads, and salads. This menu is a real fusion of flavors. Everything from Chicken Satay to Lamb Chops. I think this is the only happy hour in Carlsbad that offers Lobster Bisque.

One of the most popular Carlsbad Village bars, Papagayo attracts a local following with nightly music that usually starts just after happy hour. So stick around and check it out.

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Monday: 3:30 pm–5:30 pm; Tuesdays: 3:30 pm–Close

Drink Specials: $2 off draft beers & house wines; $11 Papagayo margaritas & house-made sangria

Address: 660 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Happy hour discounts apply throughout the entire restaurant of Le Papagayo — Happy Hour discounts apply throughout the entire restaurant at Le Papagayo

11. Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi

If you want a great deal on Japanese food, head to Blue Ocean. Although the list of discounted items is small, they offer all of the biggest hits: tempura, sashimi, and sushi.

I tend to order the 9pc Nigiri Plate. It comes with 2 pieces each of albacore, escolar, salmon, and tuna and adds a slice of tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelet), which I think of as dessert.

Drink specials vary by the day, so click on the link to the restaurant above to decide which is the best night for you to go and hook up with a great deal on your drinks of choice!

Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $6 draft beers, sake, & house wines, plus daily drink specials

Address: 2958 Madison St, #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Even sushi is on happy hour in Carlsbad — Enjoy great deals on Sushi at Blue Ocean.

12. Green Dragon Tavern

The Green Dragon Tavern and Museum was inspired by the original 18th-century tavern of the same name in Boston, MA. If you choose, you can take advantage of the free museum and partake in a historic learning experience. Or, you can make a beeline for the bar dining room and order some of the famous New England and Boston food specialties.

Their entire long list of appetizers is on special. Opt for the Wagyu Beef Sliders, Famous New England Chowder, or the Mussels (my fave). I am not a fan of their buffalo wings, but everything else I’ve had there was fabulous, including the specialty cocktails.

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $2 off all draft beers, wines by the glass, & signature cocktails

Address: 6115 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Mussels, my favorite Happy Hour menu item at Green Dragon Tavern

13. Tortilla Mia

For Mexican cuisine in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Tortilla Mia is the ticket. Sure, you can just eat chips and salsa all night and nurse a margarita. But I recommend sharing reduced-price appetizers like Seafood Ceviche, Queso Blanco Dip, or Steak Nachos. Then follow up with a $5 taco.

When you’re comparing taco prices across eateries, all tacos are not created equal. The minimalist taco is usually called a street taco. Resembling the Mexico City street food, these will usually only contain meat, onions, and cilantro.

Tortilla Mia’s tacos are a good bit more fancy. Depending on your selection, they can have added cabbage, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and different sauces. The result—a yummy taco that’s pretty filling too.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm

Drink Specials: $5 draft beers, $2 off wines by the glass & margaritas

Address: 2939 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Happy hour tacos at Tortilla Mia — Tortilla Mia tacos during Happy Hour in Carlsbad Village

14. Bushfire Kitchen

Created by two cousins on a mission to provide customers healthy choices at affordable prices, Bushfire Kitchen boasts comfort food made slow and served fast. They strive for quality, and that includes locally sourced produce, antibiotic-free meat, and just about everything made from scratch.

Sounds posh? Not even close. At this casual eatery, you order at the counter and your order gets delivered to your table. In my opinion, the Empanada Trio (beef, chicken, or veggie) is their best deal. But, I am also always up for their roasted Brussels sprouts. They make me feel like happy hour is healthy.

Happy Hour: Daily: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm

Drink Specials: 50% off all beer and wine

Address: 3433 Via Montebello suite 166, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Make happy hour healthy at Bushfire Kitchen — Make Happy Hour healthy at Bushfire Kitchen.

More on Happy Hour in Carlsbad

If you’re visiting Carlsbad or live in coastal San Diego, you’ve probably realized San Diego dining can be a little expensive. Well, happy hour is the answer!

We’ve found that happy hours can be a fun way to cut the costs of dinner meals, and sometimes we even get to dine at a restaurant that otherwise would be out of our price range. And we usually get to sample more dishes, or eat at more than one restaurant in one night.

With this in mind, for our Carlsbad Happy Hour List, we focused on food-centric establishments. We did leave off two local favorites that are more drink-centric happy hours.

The outdoorsyness of Park 101 feels like you’re at a friend’s BBQ. It’s a great vibe, but there are only drink specials during happy hour, no discounts on eats. And while Hennessey’s Tavern does have 4 food items on special, they are not special enough to make our cut.

I’d love to hear what you think makes a great happy hour. Let me know in the comments!

And if you’re curious about the best breakfast places in Carlsbad, be sure to read our Best Breakfast in Carlsbad, CA article.