If you've been to Lost Forty Brewing even once, you already know: this is not your average taproom. Tucked into the industrial-chic stretch of East 2nd Street in Little Rock's East Village, Lost Forty has become a cornerstone of Arkansas craft beer culture — and their happy hour is the single best deal in the city for beer lovers.
The Deal That Started It All
Every weekday from 3–6 PM, Lost Forty knocks a dollar off every single draft on their board. That's not a gimmick limited to one or two house lagers — it's the full lineup. Their flagship Love Honey Bock, the crisp Double Forty lager, seasonal IPAs, experimental small-batch brews — all of it, a buck cheaper. When you're already talking about some of the best craft beer in the South, that's a steal that's hard to beat.
On a typical Thursday afternoon, the taproom hums with energy. Coworkers shedding their work personas, couples starting date night early, groups of friends claiming their favorite picnic table on the patio. It feels less like a bar and more like a community gathering — which is exactly what the Lost Forty team intended when they built this place.
The Patio Is the Main Event
Let's talk about that patio. It's massive — easily one of the largest outdoor drinking spaces in Central Arkansas. Picnic tables, string lights, shade structures for summer afternoons, and enough room that you never feel crammed. On a spring evening when the temperature hovers around 75 and the sun starts its slow golden descent, there is genuinely no better place to be in Little Rock.
The patio connects to a grassy area where kids can run around (yes, Lost Forty is family-friendly during the day), dogs are welcome on leashes, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed in a way that most bars can only dream of.
Food Trucks Change Everything
One of Lost Forty's smartest moves is their rotating food truck schedule. Instead of building a full kitchen, they partner with Little Rock's best mobile food operations. On any given happy hour, you might find gourmet tacos from Taco Mama, wood-fired pizza, Vietnamese bánh mì, or southern BBQ pulled right from the smoker. Check their Instagram or website for the weekly truck schedule — it's updated every Monday and can genuinely influence which day you choose to visit.
This setup means happy hour at Lost Forty isn't just drinks — it's a full evening. Grab a flight of four beers, order a couple of tacos, settle into the patio, and you've got a two-hour experience that costs less than a single entrée at most downtown restaurants.
What to Order
Start with whatever's seasonal. Lost Forty's brewers are constantly experimenting, and the limited releases are where the magic happens. If you're new to craft beer, the Love Honey Bock is approachable and delicious — a honey-kissed bock that's won awards nationally. For hop heads, ask the bartender what's newest on the IPA front. The staff is genuinely knowledgeable and happy to pour samples before you commit.
The Vibe
Lost Forty walks a fine line between casual neighborhood hangout and destination brewery, and they nail it. The interior features exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and a long bar with a view of the brewing operation. It's industrial without being cold, trendy without being pretentious. The crowd skews young professional but honestly spans all ages — especially during happy hour when the after-work crowd blends with early-evening visitors.
Music is usually playing but never too loud. Conversations flow easily. There's something about the combination of great beer, good food, and that patio energy that makes people linger longer than they planned — in the best possible way.
Who It's Perfect For
Lost Forty's happy hour is ideal for groups of friends who want flexibility without formality. It's great for first dates (low pressure, great conversation setting), work team outings, or solo visits when you just want to sit at the bar and try something new. It's also one of the few happy hours in town that's genuinely family-friendly, making it perfect for parents who want a craft beer without hiring a sitter.
Why It Beats Dinner and a Movie
For the price of two movie tickets and a bucket of popcorn, you and a friend can share a flight of award-winning craft beer, split a meal from a food truck, and spend two hours on one of the best patios in the state. The experience is interactive, social, and memorable in a way that sitting silently in a dark theater simply isn't.
