Iowa & Wisconsin Love to ‘Tie One On’ After Work

When the clock strikes quitting time, Americans from coast to coast look for ways to unwind and celebrate another day of work done. For many, that means grabbing a friend, heading to a favorite bar or restaurant, and enjoying happy hour. From 2 to 6 PM on any given weekday, bars and restaurants across the nation offer deals on drinks (and snacks), creating the perfect opportunity to sip and socialize, usually without breaking the bank. But some states take this tradition a little more seriously than others — and in the Midwest, states like Iowa and Wisconsin are leading that boozy charge.

Using data from Statista, BetVirginia.com recently ranked states by average happy hour spending, and it turns out that residents of Iowa and Wisconsin are particularly invested in their after-work "relaxation rituals". Not only does Iowa rank very highly, but Wisconsin has also cracked the top ten, showing that folks in these states are willing to spend for a good time after a hard day. Let’s take a closer look at why Iowans and Wisconsinites are so committed to their happy hour traditions in honor of National Happy Hour Day coming up on November 12th.

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Now, before we dive into the Midwest happy hour culture, let’s take a look at the full list of top-spending states when it comes to the average during happy hour:

• #10 Florida: $37.60
• #9 Louisiana: $38.82
• #8 Wisconsin: $39.07
• #7 Maryland: $40.61
• #6 New Hampshire: $41.13
• #5 Mississippi: $41.31
• #4 Virginia: $44.35
• #3 New York: $44.94
• #2 South Carolina: $49.64
• #1 Iowa: $51.23

That’s right! Iowa claims the #1 spot with a crazy $51.23 spent, on average, by patrons indulging in happy hour. Meanwhile, Wisconsin also shows some strong liquid-libation enthusiasm after work, coming in at #8 with an average of $39.07.

So Why Does Iowa Lead the Nation in Happy Hour Spending?

Iowans might surprise some by topping the happy hour spending list, but the numbers don’t lie: with an average tab over $50, residents of the Hawkeye State are committed to their post-work gatherings. So, what’s behind their impressive dedication to happy hour?

One possibility is that, in a state where social gatherings play a key role in local culture, happy hour has become an ideal way for Iowans to unwind and grow relationships with co-workers and friends. Many Iowa towns and cities boast strong communities of locally-owned bars, breweries, and pubs that offer rotating drink specials and classic bar bites. As the #1 happy hour spender, Iowa’s social scene proves that you don’t need to be in a big city to enjoy top-notch happy hour experiences. It's just crazy to think that in a state where prices are relatively low, we spend the most. I guess Iowa-nice really DOES mean buying the bar a round.

Wisconsin: Where “Happy Hour” is Practically a State of Mind

Are you really surprised here? Coming in at #8, Wisconsin averages $39.07 per happy hour tab — a number that could likely be higher, given the state’s well-known love for social drinking & BEER. From craft breweries to sports bars, Wisconsin has a well-established bar culture, especially in cities like Milwaukee and Madison. Wisconsinites love a good deal on local brews and hearty appetizers, and during happy hour, it’s common to see gatherings of friends, coworkers, and even some families making the most of heavily discounted drinks and snacks.

Yes, Wisconsin’s love of beer is legendary. With such a strong hops culture, it’s no surprise that happy hour spending here is high, as locals support their favorite breweries, taprooms, and pubs. Many Wisconsin bars offer long-standing traditions, like “fish fry Fridays” paired with discounted drinks, which have also helped to solidify Wisconsin as a destination for after-work fun. It may be that Wisconsin actually out-drinks Iowa during happy hour, but their prices are just that much better.

The Midwest Happy Hour Impact

The tradition of happy hour creates opportunities for people to unwind, connect, and enjoy their local scene — and that’s something Americans everywhere can toast to. So, if you’re in Iowa or Wisconsin spending your hard-earned cash on a round of drinks and appetizers with friends, one thing’s clear: happy hour is more than just a time slot. It’s a way to make memories, bond with coworkers, and celebrate the little wins after a day at the office. Just make sure to do it smart and, as always, cheers to that!