Happy Hour is once again filling seats in the bars and lounges of area restaurants. As the hospitality industry struggled amid pandemic restrictions in 2020, the once-popular social event was forced to go on hiatus. Five years later, it’s made a comeback, and nowhere is its newfound popularity more evident than at 401 Prime in Lancaster.

A sampling of Happy Hour beverages includes (clockwise from left): Maker’s Manhattan (made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Dolin Sweet Vermouth and Angostura Bitters); Bubbles (Roederer Estate Brut); a Belgian draft beer; and a Bulleit Old Fashioned (made with Bulleit Bourbon, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters).

What is Happy Hour and what are its origins?  An article on Toast.com says, “Happy Hour is a popular social event typically held in bars and restaurants, where drinks and appetizers are offered at discounted prices during specific hours. Originating from the idea of providing a cheerful and affordable gathering time, Happy Hour has become a staple in the hospitality industry, attracting patrons looking to unwind after work or catch up with friends.”

Truffled Deviled Eggs are made with white truffle oil and parmesan tuile, and are topped with crabmeat.

Britannica.com explains that the origins of Happy Hour date to the late 19th century, “when it began as a name of community social clubs, especially those hosted by and for women. Activities that were enjoyed during these clubs’ get-togethers ranged from lectures on temperance to dancing, dining, quilting, games, and even scenic travel.”

However, the modern concept of Happy Hour has been traced to the U.S. Navy. Circa 1913, a group of sailors who called themselves the “Happy Hour Social” started hosting twice-weekly events aboard the battleship USS Arkansas. These events weren’t about imbibing alcohol, however. Instead, the focus was on entertainment and building crew morale. Eventually, the event became known as Happy Hour, and the custom was adopted on other Navy ships.

Small round tables make it easy to share food and conversation.

It wasn’t until Prohibition that Happy Hour began to refer primarily to the consumption and sale of alcoholic spirits. Over time, it also came to be associated with gatherings held at restaurants, bars and clubs.

Happy Hour 2025

Although pandemic restrictions are behind us, many people continue to work remotely from home. Justin Ang, a partner (along with Dean Oberholtzer, Daniel LeBoon and John Costanzo) in the Vescor Hospitality Group, which owns and operates four Downtown Lancaster restaurants – 401 Prime, The Belvedere Inn, C’est La Vie and Josephine’s – holds the opinion that work-from-home is part of what’s fueled the resurgence of Happy Hour. “401 Prime opened two years ago, and Happy Hour there started off with a bang; we’ve been busy with Happy Hour ever since,” he says. “I think people are ready to close their laptops at the end of the workday and come downtown. They want to connect with friends and co-workers.” 401 Prime’s Happy Hour also provides guests with the opportunity to relax and enjoy a drink and lite fare before heading to the theatre, a special event or even dinner.    

On Fridays, bar seating is at a premium!

For those who are working in downtown offices, Happy Hour provides a way to unwind at the end of the day. “There are several co-working spaces within walking distance of the restaurant, and I think some people come from there,” Justin says. The lounge, with its 15-seat bar and comfortable seating areas, provides a “prime” place to socialize.

At 401 Prime, Happy Hour is held from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is centralized in the bar and lounge, which Justin points out is a contained space separate from the dining room. It has a separate entrance, as well. Although reservations are suggested for dining at 401 Prime, bar and lounge seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to Justin, the pandemic also altered dining-out habits. “We’re seeing people come for Happy Hour earlier than they had in the past. There’s often a line waiting at the door when we open, especially later in the week,” Justin shares, adding that he and his partners have taken note that “dinner reservations have shifted about an hour earlier, too. I think that’s due to people working from home, as well.”

Sloppy Joe Sliders are served on Hawaiian rolls.

401 Prime has a special Happy Hour menu that includes items such as Buffalo Chicken Dip, Sloppy Joe Sliders, Wasabi Caesar Salad, Short Rib Horseradish Dip, and Truffled Deviled Eggs. Happy Hour libations include $5 local drafts, a $12 glass of “bubbles” (Roederer Estate Brut) and a sprinkling of specialty cocktails.

The Wasabi Caesar Salad is composed of Romaine spears, Japanese crispy rice, crushed wasabi peas, kim chi, pickled daikon, soft-boiled eggs, purple nori and wasabi Caesar dressing.

The group’s other properties also offer Happy Hour (although at Josephine’s it’s referred to as “Glamour Hour”). Check their respective websites for details such as hours, menu and drink specials.

Prime Time

401 Prime opened in November 2022 in the space that was previously the restaurant, Amorette. Justin says the design of the space was already set, so all Vescor Hospitality had to do was address behind-the-scenes items such as adding a new HVAC system and updating the electrical system. The name is derived from the restaurant’s address – 401 North Prince Street – and the fact that it’s a steakhouse (prime is the USDA’s highest grade of beef). As for the ambiance, “401 Prime has a modern, big-city feel. It’s opulent and chic,” Justin says.

Dave and Carole Simons like to frequent Happy Hour at 401 Prime if they want to make it an early evening.

In addition to the bar/lounge area, there’s a main dining room, as well as a private dining room that seats up to 18 and can also be divided into two smaller rooms. A recent renovation added another private dining area that seats up to 30. Justin says part of the new dining space uses an area that had previously been used for a chef’s table dining experience, which has been discontinued. “Our private dining areas are great for rehearsal dinners, celebrations of any kind or small company gatherings,” he points out.

Jeff and Tracy Sturla treated their son, Jeff, who was visiting from Chicago in late February, to Happy Hour at 401 Prime.

401 Prime’s dining menu features A5 Wagyu beef. “A5 Wagyu beef is something you can’t find everywhere; it’s high-end Japanese beef,” Justin explains. (A5 is the highest grade of Wagyu beef.)

The menu, which was created by executive chef and Vescor partner, Daniel LeBoon, changes seasonally; steaks and proteins stay the same, but the way they’re prepared is altered. In addition to steak and beef selections, which include 6 or 9 oz. filet and dry aged ribeye, other popular items include its signature Chef Daniel’s crabcake, jumbo scallops and salmon, all of which are gluten-free.

The Prime Beef Chili Dog features a Wagyu hot dog, chili, cheddar cheese and a hot pepper.

Desserts include blueberry cheesecake, chocolate chip cookie skillet and vanilla bean crème brûlée (which is also gluten-free). There’s also a variety of wines, local craft and Belgian drafts and cocktails.

A bar menu, which is only available in the bar/lounge area, includes 401 smash burgers, lobster roll and triple cut miso bacon.

401 Prime, 401 North Prince Street, Lancaster. Hours are Monday-Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight. The lounge menu is available to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday. Reservations for dining can be made via the website. 717-606-1515, 401primelancaster.com, Facebook and Instagram.

There’s More!

It seems other business and organizations are realizing the draw of Happy Hour!

Luxe Salon & Spa

Luxe offers Happy Hour promotions for an abbreviated menu of massage and facial services. Happy Hour is held 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Cider-based mimosas are served. Both Lancaster and Lititz locations participate. Information: LuxeLancaster.com

W Donuts

The Akron location offers DUB Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday. Hours are 4:30-6:30 p.m. Promotions are offered on coffee, donuts, etc.
Information: Wdonuts.com

History Happy Hour

LancasterHistory has been conducting a series of Happy Hours that are accompanied by a history lesson. Past topics have included Lancaster’s brewing tradition, brothels and the history of the Stahr Armory. History Happy Hour has been held at Our Town Brewery, Zoetropolis and Decades. All have been sell-outs. Information: LancasterHistory.org