Family-Friendly Happy Hours in New Jersey

8/4/15 - By Stephanie Forton

If you have children, you know the hours between 4pm and 6pm are particularly difficult. Referred to as "the witching hours" by many parents, this stretch of time (after naptime, but before dinner and bath time) can be hard to fill, leading to bored, whiny kids and grouchy moms and dads. If you're tired of wracking your brain for late afternoon activities, it might be time to take advantage of your local eateries Happy Hour specials. Enjoy a cocktail and some kid-friendly appetizers with a few friends. The kids will love the change of scenery and parents will enjoy the discounted treats and time to socialize. We've put together a great list of family-friendly restaurants where you can turn the "witching hour" into a happy hour for the entire family.

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Green Knoll Grill, Bridgewater
This great restaurant features an outdoor tiki bar, complete with a playground for the kids. Enjoy discounted drinks and $5.99 kid-friendly appetizers, including pizza and pretzel bites, during happy hour, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm Monday thru Friday. Additional weekly specials include Mexican Mondaze and 2 for Tuesdays.

Pilsner Haus, Hoboken
On Tuesday afternoons head to Hoboken's family-friendly Pilsner Haus for (Almost) On the House Tuesdays. The restaurant offers 50% off of 90% of its menu, including food, beer, wine and spirits (kids will love their Bavarian Soft Pretzels). Other weekly Happy Hour specials include $10 for a beer and bratwurst. Be sure to check their Events Calendar for Sunday Brunch performances by one of our favorite kids rock bands, The Fuzzy Lemons.

Harpoon Henry's, Cape May
Situated on the Delaware Bay with views to die for, Harpoon Henry's is a great place to hang out with the kids. With more than 250 frozen drinks on the menu, the restaurant has a great tropical vibe. Harpoon Henry's is also known for its great food and family-friendly atmosphere. They even have a giant sand box for the kids. An added bonus, you can bring along the family dog to sit with you at one of the outdoor umbrella tables. Happy hour is from 3pm to 5:30pm Monday thru Friday. Food and drink specials include discounted beer and $5 appetizers including onion rings and chicken fingers. 

Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille, Cape May
Stroll into Harry's in beautiful Cape May, the perfect place to unwind with a few friends. Featuring some of the best food in Cape May County, spectacular ocean views and an extensive collection of wine and beer, Harry's is the perfect place to kill a few afternoon hours. Happy Hour is from 4pm to 8pm and features live entertainment and daily food specials. Harry's is open seasonally from late spring to early fall.

The Court Jester, Locations in Freehold and Aberdeen
The Court Jester is known for its delicious food, family-friendly atmosphere and large selection of craft beer. Happy Hour Specials are available inside from Monday thru Friday from 4pm to 7pm. Drink and food specials are offered including a $1.99 hot dog and $4.99 sliders.

Tavern on the Lake, Hightstown
Tavern on the Lake, a local favorite, is a great place to catch up with friends. Relax on their outdoor patio, which features great landscaping and views of Peddie Lake. Happy Hour is from 3pm to 6pm and features $1 off drinks and $5 appetizer specials.

Jack Baker's American Bar and Grill, Monroe
It's hard to beat the food and drink prices at this casual bar and grill. Kids meals are only $6 and include ice cream. Hang out in a booth between the hours of 3pm and 7pm during the week (1pm to 5pm on weekends) and take advantage of their great Happy Hour specials, including discounted pizzas, chicken fingers and sliders. 

Uproot, Warren Twp
Located in the heart of Warren, Uproot is a kid-friendly restaurant with a chic vibe. Happy Hour is from 3pm to 7pm in the lounge and features drink specials and discounted appetizers including $6 bar pies. Kids will also love the restaurants Ice Cream Bar, featuring fun ice cream flavors like S'mores and Captain Crunchberry along with a great assortment of toppings.

Moore's Tavern and Sports Bar, Freehold
Dating back to the 1700's, Moore's has been a Monmouth county favorite for over two centuries. The restaurant has been recently restored. While it still has tons of old-world charm, Moore's has been completely modernized with flat screen TV's, great acoustics and free wi-fi. Stop in during Happy Hour from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays and 1pm to 5pm on the weekends. Happy Hour specials include $5 pizzas and discounted drinks.

Stage House Tavern, Locations in Scotch Plains and Somerset
The Stage House offers some great options during Happy Hour times. On Wednesdays kids eat free from the kids menu from 4pm to close. During the summer months the Stage House offers a free outdoor barbecue. During the week, the bbq doesn't start until 5pm, but on Sundays you can enjoy it an hour earlier, beginning at 4pm. BBQ items are served family style, outside on the patio. Guests pay whatever they want, and will receive that amount back in a gift certificate that will be valid inside during the fall months. Daily Happy Hour specials also include discounted drinks and appetizers.

Zeppelin Hall Restaurant & Biergarten, Jersey City
Zeppelin Hall is a great place to spend an afternoon with kids in tow. There is a large, fenced outdoor space with 30-foot community tables. The spacious interior features the same community tables. Best of all, they refer to themselves as "kid-friendly until 9pm". The menu features kid favorites like hot dogs with fries and big Bavarian pretzels. Happy hour, from 4pm to 6pm, is a great time to stop in, as the restaurant doesn't usually get busy until later in the evening. Happy hour specials include discounted drinks and cocktails.

YO! Sushi, Paramus
Check out the family-friendly Harajuka Happy Hour at YO! Sushi, located in the Garden State Plaza mall. From 4pm to 7pm, Monday thru Thursday, customers get a choice of two plates, Miso Soup and green tea or soda for only $10--perfect for a family of four. The restaurant features a conveyor belt that floats brightly colored dishes filled with delicious sushi, making it an interactive and fun experience for kids and teens. 

 

 

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