Our favourite happy hour deals in Cairns
We love 'happy hour' here at Tropic Now, and we especially love our local pubs and bars that treat us to something special.
Due to some really – really – strict liquor licensing laws in Queensland, the bars and pubs themselves can't promote their Happy Hour deals to the public. Bummer, right?
But after some extensive (and practical) research, we've independently compiled a list of the best. Happy days!
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Riley Resort
OUR PICK | Wild Crane: Absolut raspberry vodka, marshmallow liquor, lemon juice and fresh raspberries
Cairns' newest five star hotel has plenty of choices in a luxury setting.
Paper Crane restaurant and bar has happy hour from 4pm-6pm Sundays through to Thursdays with $5 spirits, beer and wine.
For cocktail deals, head to the city's highest rooftop bar, Rocco, where you can get $15 signature and classic cocktails between 4pm and 6pm and 8pm and 10pm Mondays to Thursdays.
Plus, grab a Sunday bloody Mary or espresso martini for $15.
Miss Chief
OUR PICK | Blushing Geisha: Watermelon juice, peach schnapps, 42 Below vodka, coconut, lime
The happiest of hours (plus some) can be found at Miss Chief Bar & Eatery, from 4:30 to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Choose from $6 house wines, basic spirits and selected beers, or if you're feeling a little fancy, there's also $12 selected cocktails including Aperol spritz, espresso martinis, and 'Not Another Bloody Lychee Martini'.
GO THERE: Level 1/39-49 Lake St, Cairns City
Gin Social
OUR PICK | Gin Negroni
This cocktail bar at Hilton Cairns has a list of specials that is truly in-cred-ible.
The Gin Social Happy Hour runs from 5pm to 7pm every day of the week and has an extensive list of cocktails.
The Wright Brothers: Mt Uncle Distillery Navy Strength Gin, Maraschino, Crème de Violette, lemon, garnished with thyme
The Socialite: Ketel One Vodka, Pimms, lime, apple & blackcurrent juice, orange syrup, garnished with flamed orange peel
Don’t Ask: Espolon Tequila, Cointreau, espresso shot, raspberry jam, garnished with edible flower
GO THERE: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City
Hemingway's Brewery
OUR PICK | 7th Heaven Tropical Ale: Secret recipe with aromas of pineapple and juicy citrus
There's nothing better than a locally brewed beer. Except for a locally brewed beer that can be purchased during happy hour.
Hemingways has incredible offers every week day from 5pm-6pm. Perfect for a post-work unwind.
GO THERE: Wharf St, Cairns City
Pier Bar
OUR PICK | Classic Mojito: bacardi carta blanca rum, mint, lime, sugar, soda
This local institution is always buzzing with a mix of backpackers, local go-getters and people like us who love the Pier Bar's happy hour.
It happens every day of the week (except public holidays) from 5 to 7pm.
There's an extensive beer and wine list plus cocktails.
GO THERE: The Pier Shopping Centre, 1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
Three Wolves
OUR PICK | Davidson Plum Gin and soda
Head down the red brick laneway off Abbott St and discover one of the city's favourite haunts.
The team at Three Wolves offer happy hour from 4 to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
We highly recommend sampling some of their cocktails such as Clockwork Orange, Smoke on the Water and Chakra Sour.
Plus, sign up for a locals card to get even more great deals.
GO THERE: 32 Abbott St, Cairns City
The Backyard
OUR PICK | Espresso Martini
Located in a great spot with views over the marina in Pier Point Road, The Backyard does happy hour from 5 to 7pm and again from 9 to 10pm with amazing deals on spirits, house wines and beers.
You can choose to pull up a seat on the deck, in the public bar or in the garden and grill.
There's a constantly changing menu of discounted food deals, too.
GO THERE: 312 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt
The Chambers
OUR PICK | Classic Negroni
Located in a beautifully restored former 1920s NAB Bank, this place exudes old-world charm.
There are two happy hours a night – from 3 to 6pm and 9 to 11pm – during which you can buy tap beer and house wines for $5 each and two cocktails for the price of one.
Cult classics include espresso martinis, margaritas and daiquiris.
Plus, Thursdays is ladies night with a super special on sparkling wine and platters between 5 and 7pm.
GO THERE: 21 Spence St, Cairns City
NOA
OUR PICK | Strawberry Fields: seedlip, cranberry, lemon, salty strawberry syrup
The Edge Hill locals favourite has happy hour drink specials from 4 to 6pm plus $10 share plates!
Famous for drool-worthy tapas, NOA also regularly gets props for its service and wine list plus its casual yet refined ambience.
GO THERE: 1 Pyne St, Edge Hill
Hopscotch
OUR PICK | Hopscotch Daiquiri: bacardi carta blanca, lime, blended mango
4 to 6pm happy hour with great drink specials plus Nonna's share plates for just $10! (Yes, Nonna lives here and you can tell by the amazing Italian food.)
The laid-back (dogs allowed on the deck!) trattoria, chop house and bar is located at Barr St Markets on the southside.
GO THERE: 532 Mulgrave Rd, Earlville
Flamingos Tiki Bar
OUR PICK | Pina Colada: coconut, pineapple, puerto rican blanca rum
Where you get a show with your drink!
It's all about the heavenly rum-based cocktails made with flair at this Esplanade establishment.
Happy hour is from 4 to 6pm plus there are special deals for people with a locals card.
Try the Pineapple Sexpress: Captain Morgan spiced rum, peach puree, coconut rum, pineapple juice, cherry bitters, coconut sorbet.
GO THERE: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City
Salt House
OUR PICK | Ricky Bobby: woodford reserve, lychee, passionfruit, mint, freshly pressed citrus
The epitome of tropical trendiness, this bar has happy hour from 4 to 6pm Monday to Friday with $5 schooners and $6 house wines.
After 8pm Monday nights you can get spirits and beers for less than $5, along with $11 Mojitos!
The Cotton Club
OUR PICK | Espresso Martini 17: kettle one vodka, kahlua, vanilla sugar syrup, boston black cold drip coffee, chocolate dusting
This is where you can drink, dine and dance in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Happy hour runs every day from 5 to 7pm, while from 9 to 11pm, it's cocktail hour at the back bar.
You really get your money's worth on Tuesdays, with a two-for-one dinner deal!
Plus there's live music seven days a week.
GO THERE: 24 Shields St, Cairns City
