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Olive Garden Happy Hour 2026

Welcome to the Olive Garden Happy Hour, where you can enjoy a drink or a small plate at a better price while relaxing after your day. Each location may offer slightly different specials, so it’s worth checking what’s available. These deals let you enjoy your favorite flavors without spending too much.

What is Olive Garden Happy Hour

When you visit Olive Garden during happy hour, you’ll find drinks and small plates offered at lower prices for a limited time in the afternoon. You can enjoy discounted drinks and a few shareable appetizers without paying full menu prices. Not every location runs the same specials, so it’s good to check what’s available at your nearest restaurant before you go.

At happy hour, you usually start with a drink and then move on to a few small plates. This gives you a relaxed way to settle in and enjoy the flavors without rushing. If you take your time, you can try several drinks or appetizers, making it feel more like a casual dinner rather than just a quick snack.

Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu

The Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu offers drinks and small plates at lower prices so you can enjoy more without paying full menu costs. You’ll usually find discounts on house wines, cocktails, and domestic beers. For example, a cocktail that normally costs $8 might be available for around $5 during happy hour.

In the Olive Garden happy hour, some of our favorites include crispy risotto bites, chicken meatballs, and small pasta dishes. These portions are smaller than regular menu items, but they still let you enjoy Olive Garden’s flavors in a lower price. By comparing regular prices with happy hour specials, you can save a few dollars per item—perfect if you want to try a few drinks and appetizers without spending too much.

Olive Garden Happy Hour Time

Happy hour usually runs in the late afternoon on weekdays, typically from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Some locations may start or end slightly earlier or later, depending on local demand and regulations. Weekends generally do not include happy hour specials, so calling your restaurant ahead of time is the best way to plan your visit.

DayHappy Hour Time 
Monday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
SaturdayNot Available
SundayNot Available

Popular Items On Olive Garden Happy Hour

Many people go for the drinks, but there are also some small favorites worth trying on the Olive Garden Happy Hour menu. These options often pair well together and make it easy to enjoy a casual afternoon without spending too much

  • House Wine by the Glass – A chilled glass of red or white wine at a reduced cost can be an easy way to start your visit.
  • Domestic Bottled Beer – Classic beer options like Miller Lite or Bud Light usually appear at lower prices in the bar area.
  • Mango Martini – A fruity cocktail that’s often cheaper during happy hour than at regular dinner times.
  • Crispy Risotto Bites – A small plate that’s easy to share and lighter than a full meal.
  • Chicken Meatballs – Flavorful and filling, these are a solid pairing with your drink.
  • Porta Vita Rosso or Bianco – Wine options under special pricing that still capture Italian character.

Trying these items makes the Olive Garden Happy Hour more than just discounted drinks—it’s an experience worth enjoying.

Olive Garden Specials Offers & Deals

Beyond happy hour, Olive Garden also offers deals that add value to your visit. These promotions aren’t always the same as happy hour and do have a specific time to avail, but can still save some of your money.

  • Never Ending Classics
    This deal lets you enjoy unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks with a qualifying meal. It’s perfect if you love starting with fresh flavors and want a light, satisfying option before your main course.
  • Buy One, Take One
    At some locations, when you buy an entrée, you can take another home for free or at a discounted price. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal in the restaurant and have a ready-to-eat dinner for later as well.
  • $6 Take Home Entrées
    Selected entrées are available at a lower price when you take them home. If you don’t have time to dine in but still want Olive Garden’s flavors, this deal gives you a convenient and affordable option.
  • Special 2 for $25
    Occasionally, Olive Garden bundles select items into a combined deal for $25. This is ideal if you want to try more than one entrée or share a meal with a friend.

Tips & Tricks To Avail Most of the Happy Hour Time

  • Start with a drink you enjoy: Choose a house wine, cocktail, or domestic beer that you like. This sets the tone for your visit and helps you pace yourself.
  • Pick shareable appetizers: Items like crispy risotto bites or chicken meatballs are perfect for tasting a few flavors without filling up too quickly.
  • Don’t over-order early: Start with one or two small plates. You can always add more once you see what you like.
  • Ask about seasonal specials: Some locations rotate appetizers or drinks. Asking your server ensures you don’t miss a limited-time favorite.
  • Avoid heavy entrees too soon: Happy hour is meant for sampling. Save full meals for later so you can enjoy a variety of drinks and small bites.
  • Balance flavors: Pair a lighter appetizer with a stronger cocktail or wine, so your tasting experience stays enjoyable without feeling overwhelming.
  • Use the bar area if possible: Some specials are only available at the bar, so sitting there gives you the full happy hour experience.

How To Order Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu

  1. When you arrive, ask your server or bartender to show you the current happy hour menu. This ensures you know exactly which drinks and appetizers are on special.
  2. Some happy hour deals only apply if you sit at the bar. If you want the full selection, choose a bar seat.
  3. Start with one or two beverages. This helps you pace yourself and sets the tone for your visit.
  4. Choose a few shareable items, like crispy risotto bites or chicken meatballs, and order them after your drinks.
  5. Since happy hour portions are smaller, plan your order in stages. You can always add more if you get hungry or want to try something new.
  6. Ask about any limits, restrictions, or items that may not be included in the happy hour deals. This prevents surprises on your bill.
  7. Once everything arrives, take your time. Happy hour is about sampling, relaxing, and enjoying flavors without rushing.

Olive Garden – Operational Hours

Day Opening HourClosing Hour
Monday11:00 AM11:00 AM
Tuesday11:00 AM11:00 AM
Wednesday11:00 AM11:00 AM
Thursday11:00 AM11:00 AM
Friday11:00 AM11:00 AM
Saturday11:00 AM11:00 AM
Sunday11:00 AM10:00 PM

Olive Garden Holiday Hours In United States

HolidayDateDayOpen/ClosedHours
New Year’s DayJanuary 1WednesdayOpenRegular Hours
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 20MondayOpenRegular Hours
Valentine’s DayFebruary 14FridayOpenRegular Hours
President’s DayFebruary 17MondayOpenRegular Hours
St. Patrick’s DayMarch 17MondayOpenRegular Hours
Good FridayApril 18FridayOpenRegular Hours
Easter SundayApril 20SundayClosed—
Mother’s Day11 MaySundayOpenRegular Hours
Memorial Day26 MayMondayOpenRegular Hours
Father’s DayJune 15SundayOpenRegular Hours
Independence DayJuly 04FridayOpenRegular Hours
Labor DaySeptember 01MondayOpenRegular Hours
HalloweenOctober 31FridayOpenRegular Hours
Veterans DayNovember 11TuesdayOpenRegular Hours
Thanksgiving DayNovember 27ThursdayClosed5:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Black FridayNovember 28FridayOpen5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Christmas EveDecember 24WednesdayOpen5:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Christmas DayDecember 25ThursdayClosed—
New Year’s EveDecember 31WednesdayOpenReduced Hours

Olive Garden – Customer Service

Contact Number: : +1 (407) 245-4500

Olive Garden Store Near Me

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many Olive Garden locations offer happy hour. It usually includes discounted drinks and small plates. Keep in mind, it depends on the restaurant you visit.

Happy hour is usually offered on weekdays during the late afternoon. Most locations run it between mid afternoon and early evening. You should always check your local restaurant to confirm exact times.

In most cases, no. Happy hour is typically a weekday deal. Some locations may offer limited specials, but weekends are not guaranteed.

You’ll mostly find discounted drinks like w*ne, cocktails, and b**r. Some locations also offer smaller appetizers or bar snacks at lower prices. The menu can change by location.

Prices vary, but happy hour items usually cost less than regular menu prices. Drinks are often a few dollars cheaper, which helps you save if you order more than one.

At many locations, happy hour deals apply only in the bar area. Sitting there gives you better access to specials.

Happy hour deals are usually dine in only. Takeout orders often don’t qualify for discounted pricing.

Most locations don’t allow happy hour prices with other promotions. It’s best to ask before ordering.

Yes. Most Olive Garden restaurants have a full bar. This is where happy hour deals are commonly offered.

DCL isn’t a happy hour term. It’s usually an internal code used on receipts or systems. If you see it, ask your server for clarification.

Conclusion

If you like a relaxed atmosphere and want to enjoy drinks and appetizers without paying full price, Olive Garden Happy Hour is worth checking out. The key is knowing when it runs at your local restaurant and what each location offers, because menus and hours vary. When you time it right, you’ll walk in, grab a seat, enjoy your drink, and leave feeling like you got more for your money.