In bars and restaurants throughout the country, happy hour has become almost as American a tradition as baseball. This discount window is a favorite time to relax after work and spend time with friends, and it’s become so ubiquitous that most people don’t even wonder where the term came from. Here’s a closer look at its unique roots in world culture.

Where Did Happy Hour Come From?

Shakespearean Originals

Many historians mark the first mention of the term in the works of William Shakespeare. The play Henry V, which was written in 1599, includes the following line: “Therefore, my lords, omit no happy hour / That may give furtherance to our expedition.” Scholars interpret “happy hour” as being used to designate a specific time for people to relax and enjoy entertainment, similar to the modern tradition.

Socialization in the Navy

Modern origins date back to the U.S. Navy. Crew members aboard the USS Arkansas established the Happy Hour Social in 1913 as a time for crew members to unwind and perform entertainment. The practice caught on and by the end of World War I became a regular event throughout the U.S. military.

The practice would later be adopted by bar and restaurant owners wanting to attract military personnel on shore-leave and to separate themselves from competing establishments in the area.

Origins in Restaurants & Bars

Most restaurants begin happy hour at 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. This time frame, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a dedicated drinking time before dinner, often attributed to Prohibition-era speakeasies. As more and more bars began to serve appetizers—and even dinner dishes—the tradition was frequently extended to 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for a popular happy hour destination in the Chattanooga, TN, area, stop by Bud’s Sports Bar. Their rendition features five continuous hours between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. every day of the week where you can enjoy two drinks for the price of one. Stop by to enjoy an evening of karaoke or watch the big game on one of their 75 wall-to-wall televisions. Explore their delicious lunch and dinner plates online. Call (423) 499-9878 to place an order and connect on Facebook for news about upcoming events.