Spring is finally here, and Summer Fridays aren’t too far behind - after a long year indoors (thanks COVID), we are all anxious and excited to go out and safely enjoy our favorite bars and restaurants again. Couple that with the fact that more and more people are headed back to the office that can only mean one thing - you and your coworkers are overdue for a happy hour. Happy hour usually starts around 4:00 PM, but planning on where to go can take all day. If you’ve been tasked with picking the location to host you and your coworkers make sure you don’t drop the ball and consider venues in your area from our suggestions below!
Rooftop Bar
We love a view. Hosting your next happy hour at a rooftop bar will be a sure-fire way to get even the most stubborn of your coworkers to stop by for a drink. Rooftops provide great views of the cityscape for photos - so you’ll be sure to get some great photos of yourself and your team. There’s also just something about a rooftop bar that screams good vibes.
Outdoor Patio
Afraid of heights? Skip the rooftop bar and opt for an outdoor patio instead. You’ll still get the added benefit of being outside and that’s all that matters. Lots of restaurants and bars have outdoor patios, try finding one that is running trivia or happy hour specials for you and your coworkers - added bonus if you are in an area where you can be on the water as well!.
Local Brewery or Brewery Pop Up
Breweries are a nice, lowkey vibe and will be sure to help everyone relax after a long week. Lots of breweries in the summer do pop-up locations - these are great for happy hour. Keep an eye out in the town/city of your favorite breweries and see what kinds of events and things they are doing and plan your outing with coworkers around it. Lots of times there will be food trucks too and everyone will get to enjoy small bites!
Need 6 reasons why breweries make great venues? We got them for you!
Hotel Bar
Want to feel like a tourist in your own city? Find a cool, local hotel and go enjoy some drinks in the hotel bar! It’s a classic coworker meetup spot - and a fun change of pace. It’s also a place you’re likely never going to visit with friends, and getting to experience it with your coworkers is just as good - plus next time someone needs a hotel rec for your area - you’ll have one!
If you pick a hotel for your happy hour check out our tips for How to plan a corporate event at a hotel!
Virtually
Even though the world may feel like it is slowly getting back to normal - some of us are still remotely working for the time being (or maybe even from now on!) Even though you’re no together in person doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to enjoy happy hour with your coworkers. Try hosting a virtual happy hour on zoom, but with new twists. Have everyone set their zoom background to their favorite bar or restaurant and choose a drink theme (IPAs/Local Beers/Favorite Drinks, etc), and set up some fun games to get everyone interacting with one another.
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