Chuy’s Happy Hour Menu, Times & Specials – Updated 2026
The free nacho bar alone could justify the trip. Chuy’s runs its happy hour from 3 to 6 PM on weekdays. The spread includes $5 queso, $5 house margaritas, and dollar-off deals across the bar. Every margarita is made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, never from a mix. This guide covers the full Chuy’s Happy Hour menu with 2026 prices. You’ll get real hours by city, the drink discounts, and what varies by location.
Chuy’s Happy Hour
When Happy Hour Runs: 3–6 PM Weekdays
Chuy’s runs its deals in a tight weekday-afternoon window. Most locations pour from 3 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. A few reported locations stretch the window to 7 PM. These times are typical reported schedules, so confirm locally before you go.
| City, State | Happy Hour (reported) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | 3–6 PM, Mon–Fri | Most locations |
| Dallas, TX | 3–6 PM, Mon–Fri | Most locations |
| Orlando, FL | 3–6 PM, Mon–Fri | Most locations |
| Phoenix, AZ | 3–6 PM, Mon–Fri | Most locations |
| Austin, TX | 4–7 PM, Mon–Fri (reported) | Some locations |
Chuy’s Happy Hour Menu: $5 Queso & $5 Margaritas
The Chuy’s Happy Hour menu runs on simple, round numbers. Queso and dips land at $5, house margaritas at $5, and beers and wine get dollar-off discounts. Chuy’s margarita specials change by location, so ask your server for today’s lineup. Your exact prices follow your location’s bar card, which the bartender knows best.
$5 Chips & Dips
| Dip | Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| Signature Queso | ~$5 |
| Compuesto (queso, beef, guac, pico) | ~$5 |
| Lil’ Chuy Gooey | ~$5 |
| Boom-Boom Pow | ~$5 |
| Queso add-ons (beef, guac, pico) | +$1.50 |
Margaritas
| Drink | Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| House Margarita (rocks or frozen) | ~$5 |
| Frozen Swirl Margarita | ~$6 |
| Sangria Swirl Margarita | ~$6.50 |
| Texas Martini | ~$7 |
Beer & Wine
| Drink | Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer | ~$3 |
| Imported Beer | ~$4 |
| House Wine (red or white) | ~$4 |
Price note: These are typical reported ranges. They are not fixed nationwide prices. Each location sets its own happy hour lineup, so ask your server for the current card.
The Nacho Bar: What to Know
Chuy’s nacho bar is the chain’s most famous perk. It is a complimentary, self-serve spread that comes with any happy hour drink. Load up on chips, salsa, queso, and fresh toppings at no extra cost.
- Order a happy hour drink first. The nacho bar comes with a happy hour drink purchase, so grab your margarita before you graze.
- Go early in the window. The bar is freshest right at 3 PM and gets picked over by the dinner rush.
- It replaces an appetizer. A full trip through the nacho bar eats like a $5 appetizer, so skip the dips if you are on a budget.
Chuy’s Happy Hour 2026: Tex-Mex Deals Ranked
Some deals beat others by a mile. These picks rank the best Tex-Mex deals for 2026 by pure value.
- Free nacho bar: A self-serve spread with any happy hour drink. Nothing else on this list costs literally zero dollars.
- House margarita (~$5): Fresh-squeezed lime juice, rocks or frozen, at half the usual cocktail price. The signature pour.
- $5 queso: The signature dip at appetizer prices. Add seasoned beef, guac, and pico for $1.50.
- Texas Martini (~$7): Premium tequila and Cointreau with fresh lime. The best top-shelf deal on the card.
- Taco Tuesday ($1 tacos): All-day $1 crispy or soft beef tacos on Tuesdays. Stack it with happy hour drinks for the cheapest night out.
How to Find Your Chuy’s
- Open the official Chuy’s restaurant locator. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code.
- Call the restaurant to confirm the happy hour window and the nacho bar.
- Ask about Taco Tuesday. Many locations run $1 tacos all day on Tuesdays.
Tips for Queso Lovers
These moves get more from the three-hour window.
More Happy Hour Guides
Compare these Tex-Mex deals with more afternoon specials.
Happy HourCheesecake Factory Happy Hour$10.95 appetizers and $8.50 cocktails, 4–6 PM weekdays→
Happy HourTGI Fridays Happy Hour$5 cocktails, beers, wine and bites→
Happy HourApplebee’s Happy HourHalf-price apps and $3–$5 drinks, two sessions daily→
FAQs
What time is Chuy’s happy hour in 2026?
Chuy’s Happy Hour typically runs 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some reported locations stretch it to 7:00 PM. Weekends are typically excluded, so confirm with your local restaurant.
Which margarita should you order first?
The house margarita at about $5 is the best first order. It is made with fresh-squeezed lime juice and comes frozen or on the rocks. Chuy’s margarita specials rotate by location, so ask about the flavored ritas next.
How does Taco Tuesday work?
Taco Tuesday runs all day at participating locations. Crispy or soft beef tacos cost about $1 each. Pair them with happy hour drinks from 3 to 6 PM for the cheapest night out.
Does Chuy’s have happy hour on weekends?
Chuy’s Happy Hour is typically weekdays only. Weekends pay regular menu prices. The full Tex-Mex menu still runs all weekend.
Can you get happy hour prices on takeout?
Happy hour pricing is built for dine-in visits. Most locations do not extend it to takeout or delivery orders. You will pay regular menu prices on to-go orders.
