What’s the happy hour at Dolly’s (formerly Dolly Varden)?
Dolly’s, the Hell’s Kitchen bar that opened as Dolly Varden and still trades on the name, is a bi-level Art Deco spot on West 51st Street a block off the Theater District. The room nods to the Prohibition era with named private nooks, but the current menu leans Southern-comfort, with fried chicken, shrimp and grits and cornbread alongside a big, playful cocktail list. Its calling card out front is a vintage railcar-shaped outdoor seating area that’s become a local photo spot.
Part of the Hell’s Kitchen Hospitality group, it’s built for pre- and post-Broadway crowds, group hangs and bottomless brunch. Prices land at a comfortable $$, and the all-day weekday happy hour makes it an easy default before a show. The vibe is flirty, festive and laid-back rather than precious.
The Happy Hour
The “Yappy Hour” happy hour runs Monday through Friday, all day from open to close. Deals include $11 Boot ‘Ritas (flavors +$1), $11 City Girl Cosmos, $11 beer-and-shot combos, $7 Montauk Surf pilsners, and $8-$9 seltzers, ciders and peach-tea Surfsides, plus $35 group buckets. The bar also runs rotating specials like $11 Martini Thursdays and a bottomless-bubbly brunch.
The Room
A bi-level, Art Deco Prohibition-themed space with named private rooms and a striking railcar-shaped seating area built out front on the sidewalk. It reads festive and theatrical, fitting for its spot steps from Broadway.
Who Dolly’s (formerly Dolly Varden) Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pre-theater drinks | A block from Broadway with an all-day happy hour, it’s an easy pre-show stop for a quick round and a bite. |
| Group hangs | The bi-level layout, private nooks and $35 booze buckets make it comfortable for a crowd. |
| Bottomless brunch | Weekend brunch offers bottomless-bubbly options for a leisurely late morning. |
| Weekday after-work | The Monday-Friday all-day deal on ‘Ritas and beers suits an unhurried post-work drink. |
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Dolly’s (formerly Dolly Varden) FAQ
Does Dolly’s have a happy hour?
Yes. Its “Yappy Hour” runs Monday through Friday, all day, with deals like $11 Boot ‘Ritas and Cosmos and $7 pilsners.
Is Dolly’s the same as Dolly Varden?
Yes. The bar opened as Dolly Varden and now operates as Dolly’s at the same 302 W 51st St address; both names still appear online.
What kind of food does Dolly’s serve?
The menu leans Southern comfort, with dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits and cornbread, plus a large cocktail list.
Is Dolly’s near Broadway?
Yes. It’s on West 51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen, about a block from the Theater District, making it a handy pre- or post-show spot.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Dolly’s (formerly Dolly Varden) before visiting for a specific deal.