Stamford’s Best Watering Holes

Whether you’re trying to loosen up with co-workers, shake off the corporate chill with friends or just get out of the house for a mid-week cocktail, Patch Picks is here to present the perfect places for those post nine-to-five drinks.  Reward yourself for a job well done at any of these local spots.

The Cove

With picturesque views of the harbor and a nice open layout, on Harbor Drive provides a relaxing yet social atmosphere for young professionals. Interested in something a bit more fast-paced? Saltwater Grille also currently features Freshwater Friday Happy Hours from 5-8 with $4 drink specials, a live DJ and a free hot buffet.

All great Happy Hours need one thing, and no not just drink specials; I’m talking about great bar food. on Cove Road has a menu featuring such Happy Hour favorites as sliders, wings, nachos and, a guilty pleasure of mine, fried mac and cheese bites. It’s the perfect bar fair to pair with your favorite beer or cocktail, and with $1 off drinks and $2 wine for ladies during their Monday through Friday 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Happy Hour specials, it’s sure to satisfy without breaking the bank.

Downtown

BUtterfield8

Well known for their happy hour raffles, BUtterfield8 on Bedford Street has become the go-to spot for young professionals in the downtown area. With an impressive wine list, variety of beer and liquor and creative cocktail menu, (I suggest Winter in the City for those who like something sweet,) BUtterfield8 knows how to draw a crowd. Voted Best Singles Scene in Best of Fairfield Weekly 2010, this is the perfect spot to grab an après-work drink and mingle with some like-minded locals. 

Looking for a little playful distraction? , also on Bedford Street in downtown, provides patrons with just that. With several screens featuring the season’s big games and sporting events, darts and even a few arcade games, Bradford's has a lot to offer those looking to escape their workweek. Looking to blow off a little vocal steam? They even offer Karaoke every Thursdays and, although we can’t promise the singers will grace the stage like American Idol wannabes, we can promise you’ll have a great time.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor to the Stamford Town Center, or simply pop in and out on occasions when you run out of socks, you’ve probably visited one of the many attached restaurants. One of those attachments, , is a prime choice for Stamfordites working in the downtown area. Regardless of the time of year, Kona offers an inside-out atmosphere with a bar that opens not only to the patrons inside, but also features outdoor seating with direct access to the bar. With great Happy Hour specials daily from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Kona’s usually packed with people from all walks of life.

Turn of River

Looking for something a bit more laid back? The mahogany bar, leather upholstered seating and casual atmosphere makes  on High Ridge Road an ideal spot for an after-work beer. With Happy Hour specials beginning at 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as an extensive late-night menu on Fridays and Saturdays, MacKenzies is a great local spot anytime you are looking for a little escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.