Dinner for Free: Happy Hours With Complimentary Food

By Nicole Crosbie

Happy hour is great for discounted food and drinks, but if you're trying to dine on a budget, nothing beats free. Here are your best bets for free food at local bars, pubs and restaurants.

Bunny's Bar and Grill

5916 Excelsior Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Hours: Mon to Thurs 8am-1am; Fri to Sat 8am-2am; Sun 10am-1am
(952) 922-9515
Website & Reviews

With a free happy hour and free late night food, Bunny's Bar and Grill is a great option for the budget friendly. Bunny's offers a free happy hour buffet Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. The menu changes daily, with popular items including with chicken wings, pizza rolls, hot dogs and hamburgers. For night owls, there is a free late night taco buffet Monday through Saturday from 10:00-11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00-10:00 p.m.

La Casita

La Casita Mexican Restaurant
1925 Perimeter Road
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 287-4055
Website & Reviews

La Casita offers a free appetizer bar Monday through Friday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. This sit-down Mexican restaurant changes its appetizer menu daily, with chips and salsa, chili con queso and chips, enchiladas and potatoes with cheese frequently at the bar. A minimum purchase of $5.00 is required to enjoy the free food, but diners enjoy happy hour specials like $1.00 off all house margaritas, tap beers, house wines and rail drinks.

Throwbacks Grille & Bar

1690 Woodlane Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Hours: Daily 11am-12am
(651) 379-9211
www.throwbacksbar.com

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are popular nights at Throwbacks Grille and Bar with a free taco bar from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Karaoke is also Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m., so aspiring singers can stay to show off their vocals. Wednesday is team trivia night starting at 8:00 p.m. with a late night DJ after trivia.

McKracken's

3120 West Hwy 13
Burnsville, MN 5533
(952) 277-0197
www.mckrackenspub.com

Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., McKracken's Pub offers free food with the purchase of any drink, including soda. The menu changes daily, with French fries, pizza, chicken wings, onion chips and pasta as a few of the free food options. Pool tables, darts and TVs with sports games make for a relaxed, fun environment.

Free Late Night Food

If you're looking for late night munchies, visit the Triple Rock Social Club on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 p.m. for free bacon with the purchase of a drink. Receive eight to ten strips of bacon to enjoy with a beer. The Lyndale Tap House also offers a late night snack with a free taco bar on Mondays from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Hours: Mon to Fri 4pm-2am; Sat to Sun 10am-2am
(612) 333-7399
Website & Reviews

The Lyndale Tap House
2937 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Hours: Mon to Fri 4pm-2am; Sat to Sun 11am-2am
(612) 825-6150
Website & Reviews