Happy Hour at Tessa on the Upper West Side
Tessa is a modern Mediterranean restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue between 76th and 77th, a polished neighborhood room a short walk from the Beacon Theatre. The seasonal menu leans on Italian, French, and Spanish flavors, running from house-made pastas and shareable starters to roasted fish and grilled meats.
The bar is the reason to come early. A deep wine program with more than 120 labels, twenty-odd by the glass, sits alongside craft cocktails and ten beers on tap, which makes Tessa an easy landing spot for an unhurried weekday drink before the theater crowd fills in.
The Happy Hour
Tessa’s happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm, one of the widest windows in the neighborhood. Deals cover $10 cocktails and small plates and $5 beers, and the kitchen’s signature Blood Orange Martini stays on the happy hour list throughout. It is a bar-and-lounge deal, so grab a stool or a high-top rather than a dining table.
The Room
A bright, comfortable dining room with a long, buzzy bar up front and additional seating for larger groups toward the back.
Who Tessa Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pre-theater drink | A five-minute walk from the Beacon Theatre with an early-starting happy hour |
| Afternoon wine | 120-plus labels and twenty by the glass make it a proper wine-bar stop |
| Casual date | Craft cocktails and small plates in a room that is lively but not loud |
| Group gathering | Roomy back seating and a full menu handle bigger parties well |
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Tessa FAQ
Does Tessa have a happy hour?
Yes. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm at the bar, with $10 cocktails and small plates and $5 beers.
Where is Tessa located?
Tessa is at 349 Amsterdam Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets on the Upper West Side, near the 1 train at 79th Street.
What kind of food does Tessa serve?
Modern Mediterranean with Italian, French, and Spanish influences, including house-made pastas, roasted fish, and grilled meats on a seasonal menu.
Is Tessa good for groups?
Yes. Beyond the bar there is a sizable dining room, and the kitchen regularly handles larger parties and events.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Tessa before visiting for a specific deal.