Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu – Full 2025 Guide with Best Deals & Tips

If you're a fan of delicious Italian food on a budget, then Olive Garden’s Happy Hour Menu might just become your new favorite go-to. Known for their warm breadsticks, hearty pastas, and flavorful entrées, Olive Garden also offers unbeatable deals during select hours of the day—if you know when and where to look.

In this complete 1000-word guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Olive Garden’s Happy Hour in 2025, including menu options, times, pricing, and tips for making the most of it.

What Is Olive Garden’s Happy Hour?

Happy Hour at Olive Garden is a special time slot during weekdays when you can enjoy discounted appetizers, drinks, and select entrees. It’s available at participating locations only, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. This deal is designed to attract diners during off-peak hours and give loyal customers more value for their money.

Olive Garden Happy Hour Times (2025)

While exact hours may vary by location, the most common Olive Garden Happy Hour times are:

Day	Time
Monday	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday	3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

These times are valid for dine-in only and often not available on weekends or holidays.

Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu Items

Here’s a breakdown of the most Top Best items typically featured on the Olive Garden Happy Hour menu:

Appetizers (Starting at $4–$6)

Fried Mozzarella – Golden fried cheese sticks served with marinara sauce.
Spicy Calamari – Lightly breaded squid with spicy ranch and marinara.
Lasagna Fritta – Fried lasagna topped with creamy Alfredo and marinara.
Crispy Risotto Bites – Cheesy risotto balls with a zesty dipping sauce.
Stuffed Ziti Fritta – Pasta filled with a blend of cheeses and fried to perfection.

Drinks (Starting at $5)

House Wines – Red, white, or rosé by the glass.
Domestic Beer – Bud Light, Coors Light, and other common selections.
Italian Margarita – Classic margarita with a twist of Amaretto.
Strawberry Bellini – Bubbly, sweet, and refreshing.
Long Island Limoncello – A zesty twist on the classic cocktail.

Light Bites (Select Locations)

Some Olive Garden locations also offer small entrée plates like:

Mini Chicken Alfredo
Half-size Fettuccine Alfredo
Mini Meatball Sandwich Sliders

These are perfect for those who want a taste without a full meal commitment.

Olive Garden Happy Hour Prices Table (Estimated 2025)

Item Type	Menu Item	Happy Hour Price	Regular Price
Appetizer	Lasagna Fritta	$6	$9.79
Appetizer	Fried Mozzarella	$5	$7.99
Appetizer	Stuffed Ziti Fritta	$4	$6.99
Drink	House Wine	$5	$7.50
Drink	Italian Margarita	$6	$8.99
Drink	Domestic Beer	$4	$6.00
Light Entrée	Mini Chicken Alfredo	$7	$12.99
Light Entrée	Meatball Sliders	$6	$9.50

Prices may vary slightly by location, but these are accurate for most U.S. branches in 2025.

Does Every Olive Garden Offer Happy Hour?

No, not all locations participate. Most standalone Olive Garden restaurants in suburban or city areas do offer Happy Hour, but mall-based or smaller franchise locations may not.

Tip: Always call ahead or check the official Olive Garden website or mobile app to confirm Happy Hour availability at your local restaurant.

Why Is Olive Garden’s Happy Hour Worth It?

There are three main reasons customers love the Olive Garden Happy Hour:

Significant Savings – You can enjoy appetizers and drinks for 30–50% less than regular menu prices.
Crowd-Free Dining – Happy Hour usually falls between the lunch and dinner rush, giving you a more relaxed experience.
Great Variety – From fried favorites to lighter bites and cocktails, the menu has something for everyone.

Best Combos to Order During Happy Hour

If you're looking to build a meal out of Happy Hour items, here are a few great combinations:

Fried Mozzarella + Italian Margarita = $11
Stuffed Ziti Fritta + House Wine = $9
Mini Chicken Alfredo + Bellini = $12
Calamari + Domestic Beer = $10

These pairings are ideal for a quick meal or pre-dinner snack without stretching your budget.

Expert Tips for Olive Garden Happy Hour

1. Ask for Happy Hour Menus

Some locations don’t hand these out unless requested. Always ask your server if the Happy Hour menu is available.

2. Go in Groups

Sharing multiple appetizers is a smart way to try more items and split the cost.

3. Join Olive Garden eClub

Sign up for exclusive offers, including notifications about limited-time Happy Hour deals and new menu additions.

4. Combine with Other Offers

If you’re savvy, you may be able to pair Happy Hour with rewards points or coupons—though some restrictions may apply.

Limited-Time Happy Hour Specials (2025 Updates)

Olive Garden occasionally introduces seasonal Happy Hour items like:

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites (Fall Only)
Shrimp Scampi Flatbread (Spring Special)
Frozen Lemoncello Mojito (Summer Drink Promo)

These items usually rotate every few months and are only available for a short time, so keep an eye on Olive Garden’s social media or sign up for updates.

How Does Olive Garden’s Happy Hour Compare to Competitors?

Here’s how Olive Garden’s Happy Hour stacks up:

Restaurant	Avg Appetizer Price	Avg Drink Price	Happy Hour Time
Olive Garden	$4–$6	$4–$6	3 PM – 6 PM (Weekdays)
Chili’s	$5–$7	$4–$7	3 PM – 6 PM, 9 PM–Close
Applebee’s	$5–$8	$4–$6	3 PM – 6 PM, 9 PM–Close
Red Lobster	$6–$9	$5–$7	3 PM – 6 PM (Weekdays)

Olive Garden’s menu might be smaller but offers more Italian-style dishes and some of the best value-to-quality ratios in casual dining.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu is one of the best-kept secrets for Italian food lovers who don’t want to overspend. With generous portions, flavorful dishes, and discounted drinks, it’s a win for both solo diners and groups.

Just make sure to check your location’s participation, go during the designated hours, and don’t be shy about asking for the Happy Hour menu. Whether you're craving mozzarella sticks or sipping on a Limoncello cocktail, there’s something on the Olive Garden Happy Hour menu waiting for you.

FAQs – Olive Garden Happy Hour Menu (2025)

Q1: Is Happy Hour available on weekends at Olive Garden?
A: Generally no, Happy Hour is only available Monday through Friday at participating locations.

Q2: Can I order Happy Hour items for takeout or delivery?
A: Most Happy Hour deals are dine-in only, but some drinks or apps may be available for pickup depending on location.

Q3: Are Olive Garden Happy Hour drinks refillable?
A: No, alcoholic drinks are not refillable. However, soft drinks and teas may be.

Q4: Does the Happy Hour menu change?
A: Yes, Olive Garden occasionally rotates or adds seasonal items, so check often.

Q5: Do I need to make a reservation for Happy Hour?
A: Reservations are not required, but showing up early is wise since tables can fill quickly during Happy Hour.