If you’re looking to score some great deals and tasty bites at Olive Garden, you’re in the right place. I’ve visited Olive Garden multiple times both for full meals and for those early-evening specials at the bar and I want to share everything I’ve learned about their happy hour time and menu in 2025. From what deals you’ll find, to how the vibe feels, to which drinks pair best with which appetizers, I’ll walk you through it like a regular diner who knows the ropes.

 Olive Garden Happy Hour Times (2025 Update)

Here’s a clear breakdown of when you can usually catch happy hour at Olive Garden. Note: times may vary by location, so always check your specific restaurant.

So, if you want a reliable happy hour visit, aim for Monday to Friday between about 3 PM and 6 PM. On weekends, you may find shorter or different windows.

Happy Hour Menu Highlights

During Olive Garden’s happy hour, you’ll typically find a selection of appetizers, small plates, drink specials, and sometimes mini-entrée options. From my visits, here are the highlights worth knowing.

Appetizers / Small Plates

• Crispy Risotto Bites: Golden, perfectly crunchy on the outside; excellent for sharing.

• Tortellini al Forno: A mini version of the baked tortellini dish, often offered at a discount.

• Roasted Parmesan Asparagus: Lighter fare, good if you don’t want something heavy.

• Chicken & Cheese Piadina or Breadstick Sandwich variations: More specialty items that show up in some locations.

Drinks & Cocktails

• Mango Martini: A fun, tropical-twist cocktail that tends to drop significantly in price during happy hour.

• Strawberry Margarita: Another flavored cocktail that shows up on the specials.

• House wines (glass): Red or white; often a reduced-price option.

• Bottled or draft beers: Budget-friendly during happy hour.

Prices & Deals

Let’s compare what you might pay during happy hour versus regular menu pricing. These numbers are based on reported 2025 pricing in various locations actual local prices may vary.

What this tells me: the drop isn’t always 50 % but you’re definitely getting somewhere between 15 to 40 % off, and sometimes more, especially when you consider you also get the ambiance and bar seating.

Best Items to Try During Happy Hour

Here are my personal favourites things I’ve ordered and enjoyed and why they shine during happy hour.

• Crispy Risotto Bites: These are my go-to for casual happy hour because they’re crunchy, shareable, and pair beautifully with a lighter drink like a white wine or bottled beer.

• Tortellini al Forno: If you want a small “mini-entrée” feel without the full entrées’ price or volume, this is perfect.

• Mango Martini: The sweetness and fruit-forward flavors make it a fun contrast to the savory bites. Great if you’re in a good mood and not just after a glass of wine.

• Roasted Parmesan Asparagus + House Wine: If you’re keeping it somewhat lighter, the asparagus is a crisp and fresh start, and the wine makes it feel elevated.

• Mini Pasta Bowl (if available during happy hour in your location): I’ve seen some locations offer smaller portion pasta bowls for the same good deal. If you’re hungry, this hits the sweet spot between appetizer and full entrée. Olive Garden Menu

If I were to pick one perfect pairing: Shrimp Scampi Mini Pasta + Mango Martini, the garlic-buttery shrimp pasta (mini size) with the tropical martini pure win.

Availability: Where & How It Works

• Dine-in only (bar or lounge area recommended): From my experiences and reported sources, happy hour deals are mostly available when seated at the bar or lounge, not necessarily for full dining room service.

• Location-based differences: Some Olive Garden restaurants may tweak the hours, items available, or even prices. Always check with your local store.

• Take-out / delivery: In general, most happy-hour deals are not valid for take-out or delivery. They are designed to drive bar/lounging traffic. One source notes this limitation.

 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Olive Garden Happy Hour

Here are some insider tips from my visits:

• Arrive early (around 3:00 PM): Seating at the bar gets busy quickly since happy-hour deals attract a crowd.

• Ask specifically for the happy hour menu: Some locations don’t advertise every item visibly.

• Combine rewards or eClub offers: If you’re part of Olive Garden’s eClub or loyalty program, sometimes you can stack coupons with happy hour (ask your server).

• Choose the bar lounge zone: It usually has faster service and your drinks come sooner.

• Check for local variations: Some spots may offer weekend happy hour windows or slightly different prices.

• Focus on sharing: Order a couple of appetizers + drinks, maybe a mini pasta. It’s more fun and cost-effective.

• Use the time to test new dishes: Happy hour is a great chance to sample something you might not normally try during a full entré visit.

Drinks & Cocktails Menu (Happy Hour Specials)

Here are drink types you’ll likely find during Olive Garden’s happy hour again subject to local variation.

• Mango Martini: ~$5 during happy hour.

• Strawberry Margarita: ~$7 during happy hour.

• House Wine (Glass, Red or White): ~$6.50 during happy hour.

• Bottled Beer (e.g., Bud Light): ~$4 during happy hour.

• Draft Beer (select locations): Some reduced pricing.

Food Pairings — What to Pair With What

Here’s a mini table pairing drink and food choices for the best happy hour experience:

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Q1. What time does Olive Garden Happy Hour start and end?

Typically Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Some locations may start earlier or have shorter windows.

Q2. Does Olive Garden have happy hour on weekends?

Weekend happy hour is less consistent. Some restaurants may have limited windows (e.g., 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) or none at all. Always check your local location.

Q3. What are Olive Garden’s best happy hour drinks?

Mango Martini, Strawberry Margarita, house wines, and bottled beers are among the most popular.

Q4. Can I use Olive Garden coupons during happy hour?

Often yes as long as the coupon doesn’t explicitly exclude happy hour items. Combine carefully and ask your server.

Q5. Is Olive Garden Happy Hour available for takeout?

Generally no. Happy hour deals are optimized for dine-in bar/lounge seating. For takeout or delivery you’ll be paying regular menu prices.

Q6. Do all Olive Garden locations offer the same happy hour menu and pricing?

No. There are regional and location-specific variations in hours, pricing, and offerings. Always call ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to enjoy high-value eats and drinks with a comfortable Italian-American vibe, Olive Garden’s happy hour is an under-the-radar gem. Whether you’re unwinding after work, catching up with friends, or just want a casual bar-side meal, the deals, the ambience, and the food all come together nicely.