Truth: There’s no shortage of happy hours in Los Angeles. The real question is, which discounted eats and delicious deals stand apart from by-the-numbers wings, fries and domestic beer?
Discerning chefs transition their menus with the seasons. They choose fresh and they choose smart. The result is a happy hour that’s tailored to our tastebuds like a perfectly fitted suit, not to mention easy on the wallet.
Looking for unique seafood dishes? How about drool-worthy meatball sandwiches, crab mac ‘n cheese or glazed Brussel sprouts? Expansive international beer selections? This fall, the city of angels offers that and a whole lot more.
Your happy hour game is about to change for the better, starting below (list numbered only for reference, arranged in no particular order).
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1. Gratitude (Beverly Hills)
Healthy options that taste like guilty pleasures is what you’ll find at Gratitude. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. During that time frame you’ll find a selection of specialty cocktails made with fresh juices and even activated charcoal. Pair your libation with small bites such as vegan nachos, a Mediterranean tapas plate, Bollywood Fries or Korean collard spring rolls. –> More information
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2. Broken Spanish (Downtown Los Angeles)
Chef Ray Garcia’s La Hora Especial is offered Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the bar and corral of his elevated latin restaurant. Down $8 Mezcal cocktails and bold inventive small plates such as rabbit albondigas, lentil nopal tostadas and chili-lime chicken necks for $6 to $8. –> More information
3. Momed (Atwater Village)
Start happy hour early at Momed in Atwater Village every Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 3-5 p.m. Eight mighty food selections make up the happy hour menu including a fig and arugula Turkish flat bread, grass fed burger with halloumi cheese and a selection of delicious mezzes like avocado hummus, eggplant ikra and pickled vegetables. Personal favorites include the mezze trio served with warm doughy bread and lightly charred Brussel sprouts dressed with pomegranate molasses. The cocktail list features $4 mediterranean beers, wine and specialty cocktails like the Med.Mule, a mediterranean take on a classic drink made of fig vodka, ginger beer and lime. –> More information
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4. Bone Kettle (Pasadena)
Southeast Asian-inspired Bone Kettle hosts happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with two dollars off craft brews and house wines, alongside a selection of bold bites. Options include tartare seasoned with lemongrass and garlic, Mapo Tofu Fries (a twist on Poutin), and Sambal Chicken Wings. The tartare goes for $9, and is a must-try. –> More information
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5. Tsubaki (Echo Park)
Happy hour at Tsubkai is available Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The menu offers a $10 Japanese “Dodger Dog” made of chicken sausage topped with yuzu slaw, shishito relish and onion rings. Other notables include a Tonkatsu Sando (a fried pork cutlet sandwich) and fried anchovies with yuzu kosho tartar sauce. –> More information
6. Kettle Black (Silver Lake)
This rustic Italian restaurant offers a happy hour daily from 5 to 7 p.m. Specials include a saucy $7 meatball sandwich and a $15 charcuterie plate. Looking for a more complete dinner? The Pizza & Pop Deal combines a margherita pizza with your choice of a Peroni or glass of red/white wine for $15. –> More Information
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7. The Wallace (Culver City)
The Wallace’s “Happy AF” menu is offered daily at the bar from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sip on wacky named cocktails like the “Dad Bod” made of bourbon, honey and lemon and choose from a food menu made up of guilty pleasures like the tacos de caja payaso inspired by Jack in the Box and bucket o’ chicken a nod to KFC. It might be fast food prices during this happy hour, but they don’t skimp on quality, using local and sustainable ingredients in all their dishes. –> More information
8. Tallula’s (Santa Monica)
Talulla’s happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m in the bar, lounge and patio. This coastal style Mexican cantina offers specials on organic chicken tacos, grass fed ground beef tacos, yellowtail ceviche and more. Vegetarians can pick from spicy pickled vegetables, veggie tacos and nachos “sencillo” topped with cotija & fontina cheese, spicy giardiniera, buttermilk crema, and salsa. You’ll’ also find select cocktails, latin beers and wines are all specially priced. –> More information
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9. Bourbon Steak House (Glendale)
This Michael Mina establishment hosts a Come On, Get Happy! menu Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 2:30 p.m. Available in the spacious lounge area, all “snacks” are half priced, burgers are $14 and specialty cocktails are $7. Don’t expect the snack menu to be limited to small bites, you’ll find elevated options like a crab mac n cheese, duck fat fries, lamb lollipops and Thai beef skewers. –> More information
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10. Bottlefish (Brentwood)
Brentwood’s sustainable seafood restaurant Bottlefish recently launched a “First Call” menu. Available Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., the menu offers a of selection bites from the raw bar including $2 oysters, smoked salmon deviled eggs and sea bass ceviche tostada. Break the seafood dishes up with kimchi chicken wings and cheeseburger sliders. Everything on the happy hour menu is priced just under $10. Craft cocktails are $8 across the board, including the Jalisco 75, a tequila-based libation made with fresh-pressed lime juice, agave and cava –> More information
Bonus Item: Friends & Family Ice Cream O’Clock ( East Hollywood)
“Ice Cream O’clock” is Friends & Family’s version of happy hour. Stop by Monday through Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. for $3 scoops of rotating flavors created by Pastry Chef, Roxana Jullapat. Seasonal concoctions include Compartes Chocolate, Pumpkin and Mint Chip, all available on house-made waffle cones and topped with fixings such as pecan sticky sauce and granola. –> More information
Story courtesy of We Like LA.