dave and buster's happy hour menu

2026 Dave & Buster’s Happy Hour Menu: Times, Prices & Deals

Finding a spot that caters to sports fans, cocktail lovers, and arcade gamers all at once is no easy task. Dave & Buster’s built its entire reputation on solving this problem, famously adopting the philosophy to “Work Hard, Play Hard, Happy Hour Harder.”

Quick Facts

FeatureDetails
Standard Happy HourMon–Fri, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Late Night Happy HourSun–Thu, 10:00 PM – Close (Times vary)
Signature Drink Deal“Five Bucks, Bottoms Up”
Top Combo DealEat & Play Combo (Starting at $19.99)
Best Day to VisitWednesday (Overlaps with 1/2 Price Games)

When Is Dave & Buster’s Happy Hour? (Timings by Day)

Dave & Buster’s typically splits its drink and food specials into two distinct windows: an after-work session and a late-night session. While local managers have the final say based on regional liquor laws, the typical 2026 schedule looks like this:

  • Monday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM – Close
  • Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM – Close
  • Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM – Close
  • Thursday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM – Close
  • Friday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (No late-night deals)
  • Saturday: No happy hour
  • Sunday: 10:00 PM – Close (No afternoon deals)

What Drinks Are Included? (“Five Bucks, Bottoms Up”)

Dave & Buster’s 2026 happy hour revolves around their “Five Bucks, Bottoms Up” promotion. Why settle for an ordinary afternoon when you can sip something legendary for just $5?

This aggressive pricing strategy includes:

22oz Domestic Drafts

You get a massive 22-ounce pour of favorites like Miller Lite, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Coors Light.

House Wines

Select glasses of house red or white wine drop down to the $5 mark.

Classic Cocktails

Fan favorites like the Tres Tequila Rita, Backwoods Blueberry Lemonade, and the D&B Long Island Tea are frequently included in this base tier.

Are There Deals on Specialty Cocktails?

If you want to upgrade your drink, several locations offer tiered happy hour pricing on premium specialty cocktails. Based on recent regional menus, you can often find deals on:

Watermelon Rita ($6)

A fruity blend of Espolón Blanco Tequila, triple sec, watermelon, and strawberry.

Moonshine LIT ($7)

A potent mix featuring Jameson, Absolut, Bacardí, Cointreau, and peach flavors.

Dangerous Waters Island Punch ($7)

A tropical escape made with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and passion fruit.

Million Dollar ‘Rita

While rarely $5, this top-shelf margarita featuring Ultra Premium Tequila and Grand Marnier occasionally sees promotional discounts.

What About Discounted Appetizers?

Food discounts vary heavily by location, but the happy hour menu traditionally highlights shareable bar classics. If your local venue participates in the “$5 Bites” or similar food promotions, you can expect deals on:

  • Pretzel Dogs: Soft, warm pretzel dough wrapped around savory mini hot dogs.
  • Cheesy Spinach Dip: A warm, creamy blend served with a massive pile of tortilla chips.
  • Buffalo Wings: Traditional or boneless wings tossed in classic Buffalo sauce, served with ranch or blue cheese.

How Does the Eat & Play Combo Work?

The smartest way to stretch your dining budget outside of the traditional 4-7 PM window is the Eat & Play Combo. Starting at $19.99, this promotion bundles your meal and entertainment into one seamless package.

What you get:

  • Your choice of an entrée (options often include the All-American Smashed Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Boneless Wings, or Fish & Chips).
  • A $10 Power Card.

Why It’s Worth It

You are not just paying for discounted beer; you are paying for the atmosphere. A 22-ounce draft beer for five dollars is practically unheard of at modern entertainment venues.

The D&B Experience: Beyond the Menu

Dave & Buster’s recently rolled out major upgrades to their venues. You can now pair your discounted happy hour drinks with an entirely new level of play.

The WOW Wall

Catch every major sporting event on massive 40-foot screens with booming stadium sound.

Social Bays

Reserve high-tech suites to play interactive games like High-Tech Darts and Social Shuffle with your friends.

The Arena

An immersive, revolutionary gaming space designed for up to seven players.

How Do You Plan Group Events?

If you are planning a birthday party, corporate gathering, or team-building event, you do not have to rely on standard happy hour times to save money. Dave & Buster’s offers dedicated Party Planners who handle the heavy lifting.

Location Availability & Exclusions

This is the biggest gap left by most online dining guides: deals are not universal. Franchise laws, high-rent districts, and local liquor regulations dictate what a specific store can offer.

For example, the popular “$5 Bites” appetizer promotion is explicitly not available at the following locations:
Orange, CA • Tulsa, OK • Columbus, OH • Oklahoma City, OK • Fresno, CA • Little Rock, AZ • Tucson, AZ • Rogers, AR • Louisville, KY • Corpus Christi, TX • Winston-Salem, NC • Wichita, KS • Port St. Lucie, FL • Lafayette, LA • Chattanooga, TN • Bakersfield, CA • Augusta, GA • Cary, NC • Lubbock, TX • Scranton, PA • Folsom, CA.

Money-Saving Tips

Download the D&B Rewards App

New users often get signup bonuses, and you can earn status tiers that unlock free gameplay and appetizers.

Look for Wing Days

Mondays and Thursdays frequently feature $10 for 10 wings (must be ordered in increments of 10).

Skip the Weekend

The Eat & Play Combo is strictly invalid on Fridays and Saturdays after 5:00 PM. Plan your visit for a weekday instead.

Common Problems (And How to Solve Them)

Problem: You arrive at 8:00 PM on a Tuesday and drinks are full price.
Solution: You missed the 4–7 PM window, and the late-night session does not start until 10:00 PM. Grab an Eat & Play Combo to bridge the gap until the late-night drink specials begin.

Problem: You try to take your happy hour leftovers and a discounted drink home.
Solution: Happy hour specials are strictly for dine-in only. You cannot order $5 drinks or promotional bites to-go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ounces are included in the $5 domestic draft special?

You receive a massive 22-ounce pour for just $5 during the promotional windows.

What is the starting price for the Eat & Play Combo?

The Eat & Play Combo starts at $19.99, though prices can slightly vary depending on your local market.

How much value is loaded onto the Power Card in the Eat & Play Combo?

Every base-level combo includes a $10 Power Card to use in the arcade.

Is there a ticket limit if I upgrade to Unlimited Game Play?

Yes. Tickets earned on redemption games are strictly capped at 1,500 during the unlimited play period.

Is there a lag time between swipes for unlimited games?

Yes. The system enforces a mandatory 30-second lag between each gameplay swipe to prevent card sharing.

What is the mandatory gratuity for large groups?

A suggested gratuity of 20% is automatically included on all guest checks for parties of seven or more.

Can I use the Eat & Play Combo on a Saturday night?

No. The Eat & Play combo is not valid on Fridays or Saturdays after 5:00 PM.

What times does the Late-Night Happy Hour typically run?

While it varies by store, late-night specials usually run from 10:00 PM to midnight (or 1:00 AM) from Sunday through Thursday.

Are $5 Happy Hour appetizers available nationwide?

No. Dave & Buster’s explicitly excludes 21 locations from the “$5 Bites” promotion, including venues in Orange, CA, Tulsa, OK, and Columbus, OH.

Can I order happy hour drinks or food to-go?

No. All Dave & Buster’s happy hour pricing is valid for dine-in customers only.

Disclaimer

Prices, times, and participation vary by location. Alcohol specials are subject to local and state liquor laws. This guide reflects 2026 menu structures, but local managers reserve the right to alter pricing and availability. Always call your local Dave & Buster’s or check their official website before your visit.

Plan Your Next Outing

Dave & Buster’s provides an unmatched blend of scratch-made food, creative cocktails, and high-energy entertainment. By leveraging their specific promotional windows, you can treat your friends to a memorable night out without draining your bank account.

Are you ready to experience the all-new Dave & Buster’s? Find your nearest location, grab your crew, and book a table today!

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