Ask George: Why are fewer places in St. Louis offering happy hour deals?

In response to the pandemic, some restaurant owners changed their policies for discounted food and drink.

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Why are fewer places in St. Louis offering happy hour deals? —Hannah W., St. Louis

One of the biggest challenges that restaurant owners face is how to drive additional sales during non-peak hours. In the middle of the afternoon, the "Open" sign is lit, yet there are no “butts in the seats.”

The concept of happy hour—discounted drinks and/or food for a few specified hours—is one solution to the problem and an effective one, especially when the deals are tempting. In the '70s, restaurants wanting to attract a happy hour crowd would put out a complimentary buffet, often filled with fried salty foods. (Vegetables and T-ravs were staples.) Gratis eats morphed into the discounted food-and-drink programs that have become more common.

See Also: When tipping at happy hour, should one tip on the discounted total or what the meal would have cost?

A year ago, when restaurants reopened, after being closed for several months during the pandemic, most happy hour deals were suspended, as owners grasped for every lost dollar possible. As restaurants continue to recover, the situation is now mixed, with some establishments offering some sort of discount during happy hour and others offering none.

There are restaurant owners who subscribe to the theory that a “fast nickel is better than a slow dime” and those who feel the extra wear and tear (on the staff, furniture, and kitchen) isn’t worth it. Regardless, there are reasons for the different policies.

1. Discount Options: Over the years, establishments have transitioned from free food to half-price food to “dollars off regular price” food.

2. Pressing the Mute Button: For reasons unknown to us, there are establishments that offer happy hour deals, but neither publicize them nor list the menus on their websites. Go figure.

3. Liability: Happy hours potentially open the door for more intoxication, which potentially increases a restaurant's liability.

4. Lost Revenue: Some establishments choose to stay clear of the policy altogether due to lack of interest, competition with early-arriving dinner customers who are willing to pay full price, or lack of staff.

That said, there are many places in St. Louis that still offer enticing happy hour deals. Among them:

  • 801 Fish and 801 Chop: Both Clayton restaurants offer the colossal cold shrimp at a discount, and all wines by the glass are half price (and the list is long).
  • Edgewild Restaurant & Winery: The Chesterfield restaurant offers half price discounts (on select food, bottled wine and beer) in the bar and on the patio.
  • Pan D'Olive: In our opinion, the best happy hour deal in town is found here from  4–7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with glasses of wine for $3–$5, martinis for $5, and appetizers for $3–$7, including a breaded and char-grilled scampi that can’t be beat. 

And the following establishments also offer better-than-average happy hour deals in appealing surroundings:

Yes, there are many other noteworthy options. Please note your favorites in the comments section below.

Follow George on Twitter and Instagram, or send him an "Ask George" email at gmahe@stlmag.com. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram.

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