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Sometimes it's the inventive nibbles. Sometimes it's the spreadsheet-erasing cocktails. Sometimes it's the jovial atmosphere, the cutie on the next stool or the astoundingly low price tag. Each of these spots has its own special reason for making the best-happy-hour cut. We'll see you at 6:02pm. (Earlier if we can sneak past the boss.) —Lonny Pugh 
 Santa Monica and VeniceBecause Westside wunderkind execs need an evening cooldown just as much as pastel soccer moms and boho beach babes.
1.
VioletSeven is the key word (or number) to remember during chef Jared Simons' rollicking happy hour: Seven menu items are $7, as are several wines by the glass. Chips and salsa, no; Idaho trout with brown butter balsamic sauce, or braised beef short ribs with shallot puree, yes. When does it end? 7pm, of course.
2.
BiteWhere Washington Boulevard ends, Bite's happy hour begins. In the cluster of beach-adjacent restaurants is this bi-leveled and red-dipped "Asian street food" scene. During deal time, a salt-and-pepper prawn salad is $4, flash-fried chili calamari is $3.50, a tuna roll is $3 and the chef's roll is $5. Try the Oil Slick. Really.
3.
Border Grill"Border bites" like plantain empanadas, beef brisket taquitos and poblano quesadillas are $3 for those who time their visits properly. Mojitos, margaritas, sangrias and beers on tap are $3-$3.50. The best part: Visits can be properly timed every day of the week.
4.
Chaya VeniceSushi rolls, fried calamari, miso soup and other assorted bites are $3-$4 during happy hour at one of the nabe's most consistently popular happy hours.
5.
Il MoroThe dining room is good, the food better and the garden patio even better at this Westside classic.
West Hollywood and Beverly HillsEven in one of the nation's most famously money-choked cities, a bargain is a bargain. But in this case, the bargains are often enjoyed in the presence of designer power suits and oceans of cleavage.
1.
Nic's Beverly HillsThe martini of the day is sometimes classic and sometimes fruity—but it's always $5. So are menu items like the shrimp cocktail and chicken quesadilla. But bigger bills are required to impress the young lovelies who keep the joint perpetually hoppin'.
2.
Chaya BrasserieOnly in the 90210 is it feasible for a restaurant to dub a bargain bonanza "Industry Hour" without being laughable. The ties are loosened a notch—well, no they're not, not literally anyway—during this power schmoozefest. Cocktails are $5.75, beers are $3, and apps run from $4 (edamame) to $7 (popcorn shrimp).
3.
Blowfish Sushi to Die ForDesign-your-own rolls: $5. Sake cocktails: $5. Deals such as these: Priceless.
4.
O-BarThe food menu isn't discounted, but it is good. Those who don't have reservations, or just feel like being closer those luminescent rods exploding from atop the bar, sample mozzarella crostini, ahi two ways or a burger from the lounge menu. Drinks-wise, though, O-Bar seems to always be in happy-hour mode. We recently ordered a mojito, which came in a shaker with several pours, for just $10—half the regular price.
5.
Nirvana Restaurant & LoungeOne of the best deals from Bev Hills to Bollywood, this sex-obsessed Indian restaurant offers diners the challenge of looking hot while sitting on a bed nibbling lamb strips. Tapas plates are $6; drinks like "Buddha's Embrace" (watch those hands, mister) are $5.
Hollywood and Miracle Mile"Welcome to happy hour" may not have the same ring to it, but nobody seems to mind the chance to save a few bucks below the big sign known 'round the world.
1.
L'ScorpionThis tequila bar, not much larger than a shot glass, offers a nice side of intimacy with its servings of un-Hollywood bargains. (The walls are covered in cowhide, the mirrors covered in lace.) The food menu includes chips and guacamole, chiles rellenos, enchiladas and gorditas; exotic margarita flavors include cucumber and prickly pear. Everything's half-off.
2.
Luna ParkNothing on the snack menu—spicy hummus and flatbread, wild mushroom quesadilla with radish salsa, homemade bar nuts—is more than $4.50. Drinks—mojitos, sangria, a "Singapore Sling" made of gin, brandy and pineapple juice—are $5. The restaurant's inherent casual charm comes at no extra charge.
3.
The Cat & Fiddle Restaurant & PubThe large patio sees its share of party animals, tourists, sports fans and the occasional celeb, but the happy hour here is only inside at the bar. Complimentary snacks might be shepherd's pie or cheese and crackers; the house wine, well drinks and draft beers are $3.50.
4.
Pig 'n WhistleThis Hollywood classic is a popular meeting spot for folks heading to the Egyptian or one of a million other nearby attractions. The term "no frills" applies to the décor, service and food in equal measure. During happy hour, appetizers at the bar are discounted, and beer and well drinks are $3.
Eastside and DowntownSome may prefer power chords to power suits, but all can appreciate a free buffet or cheap cosmolito.
1.
MaloLike Luna Park, Malo is an LA.com favorite beyond reason. Like, one that might cause us to break up with anyone who didn't like it. During the low-key happy hour, the inventive, already-cheap Mexican(ish) food isn't discounted, but well liquors are $3; cosmolitos, margaritas, or a tequila shot served with a Tecate are $5.
2.
Red Lion TavernAll beverages are 25 percent off at this German chalet. The food at the buffet isn't five-star, but it's free.
3.
TangierAt this versatile restaurant, lounge and performance venue's daily happy hour, food items are five bucks; cosmos, beer and wine are three bucks. Everything else is two dollars off.
4.
CiudadSuper-sizing is less offensive when it comes from this Latin institution: "Baby Bites" are $2, and "Big Bites" are $4 during happy hour. (Grilled fish tacos, goat-cheese fritters and spicy chicken quesadillas are among the samplings.) The $4 drink menu includes mojitos, margaritas, beer, white or red sangria, and wines by the glass. The colorful décor (and personalities) keep this scene lively even on the nights when there's not
5.
Zip Fusion Sushi--DowntownAppetizers are 50 percent off and house soju cocktails and draft beers are $3 during during this kitschy pleasure's weeknight happy hour, while dance music pulses through the two dining rooms, lounge and tree-lined patio.
Burbank and PasadenaThe ultimate Val parties get started before sundown, when sunny suburbanites and ready-to-pop studio drones need a break—now.
1.
Sushi Roku--PasadenaAn LA institution among Innovative Dining Group siblings including BOA Steakhouse and Katana, this Pasadena outpost was renovated in 2005 to include a front lounge that has become one of the neighborhood's better happy-hour options.
2.
French 75 Bistro--BurbankNamed after a popular and strong cognac-and-champagne cocktail—itself named after a WWI gun with a fiery kick—this bistro is the first of several outposts planned for the LA area.
3.
The CrepeVine Bistro & Wine BarIs Colorado Boulevard the new Seine? Probably not, but we welcome the effort put forth by this quaint, bustling alley bistro.
4.
La Maschera Ristorante & EnotecaWe've always thought that many of the best Colorado Boulevard dining options aren't actually on Colorado Boulevard. This charming Italian restaurant and wine bar offers stirring evidence to bolster our case.
 THIS IS WHY I LOVE L.A. We dont have this kind of stuff up here in San Francisco Bay Area. Miss it ~ Down & Out in S.F. (br-r-r-r-r) There are no great Happy Hours up here ~ :( Posted 04/30/08 10:53AM PDT by A. M.
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 "What is given by the gods more desirable than a happy hour?"
--Catallus
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