Happy Hour. There's a reason for the name. While at most bars and pubs across the world, this means discounted beverages at rather unsuitable drinking hours, Colombo hosts its deals at highly suitable ones. No need to slip out of the office for two-for-one cocktails at noon, the good island's offers tend to coincide with that blissful post 5 PM period – when work's legitimately over and you could actually use a drink. 7-10 PM every Friday at Breeze Bar, 6-8 at Casa, half five to half seven at the Loft – these are great times with good deals.
But with so many offers and so many bars, what's happening where? Don't worry, we've made another list – and a table.
UPDATE: We've also ordered things by time so you can follow happy hour around as a sort of crawl. However, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. It's bad for other people and you will get copped. Just hire a Nano for the night and keep it waiting.
Happy Hours (Monday – Friday)
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- Skky Bar has happy hour all day Mondays.
- Breeze Bar happy hour is 7-10 PM on Fridays.
- Zaza happy hour is 6-9 PM on Thursdays.
Many of these places have weekend happy hours though, check out the write-ups below.
1. Colombo Fort Cafe
If you're doing this at a crawl, start at Dutch Hospital, home of Harpo's Colombo Fort Cafe.
Hours: 4-7 PM (Monday – Friday), 11-2 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
The Deal:
- Carlsberg tower + appetizer = Rs. 1600
- 3 Sol beers = Rs. 700
- 19" pizza + pitcher of beer + Rs. 3500
- Lamprais + pitcher of beer = Rs. 1500 (only on Sat/Sun)
2. Work In Progress (Dutch Hospital)
WiP is also in Dutch Hospital, just across from Fort Cafe. So just mosey over around 4:30.
Hours: 4.30-6.30 PM (every day)
The Deal: 50% off on selected beverages
3. 7 Degrees North
Leaving Dutch Hospital, you can head to Cinnamon Lakeside by doing a bit of a loop past Lake House and down towards Slave Island. This is the home of 7 Degrees, at the back on the hotel.
Hours: 5-7 PM (Monday to Friday), 3-5 PM (Sunday)
The Deal: They have four deals.
- Spicy 1: One tower of Carlsberg + four bites = Rs. 3600
- Spicy 2: One pitcher of Carlsberg + three bites = Rs. 1500
- Spicy 3: One pitcher of cocktail + four bites + Rs. 3300
- Spicy 4: Two cocktails + two bites + Rs. 1550
4. In On The Green
Leaving Cinnamon Lakeside, head down the Slave Island road to In On The Green, attached to the Galle Face Hotel.
Hours: 5.30-7.30 PM (every day)
The Deal: 50% off on local spirits and beers
5. Cheers Pub
From In you can head to the other Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Grand. Go down Galle Road. Cheers is downstairs in the bowels of the hotel.
Hours: 5-7.30 PM (Monday – Friday)
The Deal: 50% off on draught beer and certain spirits
6. Breeze Bar
Breeze Bar is also in the Cinnamon Grand. At 6 o'clock you can walk through Tao to the outdoor, poolside bar.
Hours: 6-8 PM (every day except Friday), 7-10 PM (Friday)
The Deal: 50% off on 32 different cocktails (Friday), 30% off selected spirits (every day except Friday)
7. The Loft Bar (Colombo Courtyard)
From Breeze you can head down Duplication Road to Colombo Courtyard (just before the Bambalapitiya Junction).
Hours: 5.30-7.30 PM (every day)
The Deal: 50% off on shots, cocktails and mocktails
Zaza Bar (Casa Colombo)
Then head down Duplication Road past House Of Fashions, turning back onto Galle Road. Next to a bike shop you'll find Casa Colombo.
Hours: 6-8 PM (every day), 6-9 PM (Thursday)
The Deal: 50% of an all drinks (except bottles)
Echelon Pub
If you want to go all the way back to the Hilton there's Echelon, but otherwise we'd go there independent of a crawl.
Hours: 6.30-8 PM (every day)
The Deal: 50% off on all beverages
Skky Bar
Hours: All day/night Monday
The Deal: Buy one get one free on selected cocktails
Note that this isn't an exhaustive list. If you've discovered any more happy hour deals, please let us know in the comments. Thanks.
