Best Happy Hour Hotspots Restaurants in Walnut Creek
14 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Vanessa's Bistro 2
Vietnamese-French fusion tapas with late-night happy hour
Notable Picks
8.4
Chef Vanessa Dang brings 25+ years of culinary expertise to Vietnamese tapas with French influences. The art-filled space features an extensive wine list with 150+ bottles and a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 9pm until close, making it a favorite for post-dinner drinks and small bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Ahi Tuna Carpaccio
What makes it special: Vietnamese-French fusion tapas with late-night happy hour
8.4
Downtown taquería pairing handmade tortillas with rotating regional taco styles and a solid beer list. Weekday happy hour keeps prices friendly without sacrificing scratch execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Taco Gobernador (shrimp), Al pastor street tacos
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas and a beer program built for taco pairing.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Second-floor Spanish spot with a lively room, fast tapas pacing, and reliable paellas for sharing. It handles groups smoothly and keeps lunch moving without feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croquetas de jamón, Paella Valenciana, Gambas al ajillo
What makes it special: Shareable tapas and paellas that scale perfectly for teams.
#4
Havana
8.3
The East Bay's destination for California-Cuban cuisine features over a dozen flavored mojitos and South Beach Miami-inspired decor. Mojito Mondays offer half-price cocktails all day, while weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas and mojitos alongside Cuban breakfast favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella, Chimichurri Skirt Steak, Plantain Crusted Pacific Cod
What makes it special: Over a dozen mojito flavors and authentic Cuban atmosphere
#5
LITA
8.3
Modern Latin-Caribbean restaurant brings Miami's diverse art scene to downtown Walnut Creek with vibrant interiors and bold flavors. The oxtail tacos and jerk chicken showcase Caribbean traditions while the cocktail program features tropical creations like the Chica-LITA flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Tacos, Jerk Chicken, Ceviche Trio
What makes it special: Miami-inspired Caribbean vibes in downtown Walnut Creek
8.2
High-energy Chinese spot known for late-night hours, all-day happy hour, and shareable plates. Bartenders move fast and the patio stays lively well past dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy wontons, Honey walnut prawns, Mongolian beef
What makes it special: Late-night Chinese with an all-day happy hour and patio energy.
8.1
This gastropub traces roots to 1893 and delivers elevated American comfort food with creative burgers, boozy shakes, and craft beers. The vintage Walnut Creek photos and intimate booth seating create nostalgic ambiance, while happy hour from 2:30-5:30pm weekdays draws the after-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Johnny Cash Burger, Gold Rush Burger, Boozy Shake
What makes it special: Heritage gastropub with creative burgers and boozy milkshakes
8.1
Family-run kitchen a block off Locust with scratch sauces, birria, and a weekday happy hour. The room is intimate enough for relaxed catch-ups while tacos and cocktails stay front and center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Enchiladas tinga (as a taco add-on night), Fresh guacamole with warm chips
What makes it special: Scratch-made moles and birria anchor a true taco-friendly HH.
8.0
Lively downtown spot balancing classic rolls, chirashi, and approachable omakase with a comfortable bar. Good energy without being chaotic keeps conversation easy for date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase (reservations recommended), Chirashi bowl, Hamachi kama
What makes it special: Flexible menu with chirashi, omakase, and a solid sake set.
#10
Bar Camino
8.0
Modern Latin restaurant puts fresh twists on Mexican-Latin favorites with California influences, from skirt steak ranchero to refined king salmon with plantains. The reverse happy hour Thursday through Saturday from 8pm until close extends the evening with discounted drinks and snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso Fundido, Quesabirria Tacos, Enchiladas Suiza
What makes it special: Reverse happy hour extends late-night dining with deals
Worthy Picks
7.9
Polished cantina with a spirited bar, patio seating, and weekday happy hour focused on margaritas and snackable plates. Tacos land with reliable flavor and sit-down comfort near the Broadway corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio (mix and match), Chicharrón bites with salsa, Arroz a la Ezkina side with tacos
What makes it special: Lively bar energy with weekday happy hour and patio seating.
7.8
Lively smokehouse with big tables, TVs, and a menu built for sharing. Families mix platters and sides while the atmosphere stays upbeat and casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sliced Brisket Plate, St. Louis Ribs, Mac & Cheese
What makes it special: Big-format BBQ with kid-friendly portions and plenty of TVs.
7.7
Modern Irish pub with a legit smash burger alongside pints, whiskey, and comfort plates. Expect a lively room, TVs, and a menu that blends pub standards with a few California touches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash Burger, Reuben Sandwich, Irish Egg Rolls
What makes it special: Pub-made smash burger with proper sear and soft bun.
#14
Stadium Pub
7.7
Walnut Creek’s oldest sports bar (since 1992) with a full “World Famous Fries” section—garlic, chili, cheese, and combos fly out fast on game days. It’s a classic, no-frills stop for pitchers and baskets of hot fries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Garlic Cheese Fries
What makes it special: Long-running fries program with multiple classic and loaded options.