Help! Happy Hour spot for large group

Hi y’all, My husband’s birthday is tomorrow. He wants to do a happy hour mini shindig since it’s a random Monday after a holiday weekend. Meet at a spot, have 1-2 drinks, have a small bite, and be on your way. He made reservations at a spot downtown. They were very accommodating, nothing was an issue af far as group size etc. He has a group of 11 people.

Now he just got a text from the restaurant saying that there’s a $40 minimum per person for big groups. What? If your drinks are $5, no one is going to be able to drive home!!

Does anyone know of halfway decent spots where 11 people can gather and chill without being upcharged an arm and a leg for happy hour?

Appreciate all tips!