The phrase happy hour started around 1914 when the United States Navy would have a weekly “happy hour” for sailors. These original happy hours weren’t about libations and half-price apps. They were a way for Navy sailors to relieve the boredom of their postings. Now, more than 100 years later you may be hard-pressed to find half-price apps, but if you go to The Cliff Restaurant you can get just that and a view of the beautiful coastline in Laguna Beach. The appetizers are half off Monday – Friday from 3pm – 6pm. And the drinks are $2 off.
What makes a good Happy Hour today? Well, it starts with timing. Happy Hours are usually from 3pm to 5pm, generally after lunch and before dinner to entice the business. If Happy Hour goes until 6pm that’s a good thing. Next is the prices. Half price apps or plates are rare and extraordinary. Next it is the food, the quantity, the quality and something you really want to eat.
Kevin’s picks for Happy Hour – Downtown and Southbound:
Finney’s Crafthouse
Thanks to Finney’s Crafthouse for a very good selection of delicious appetizers, entrees, and 30 craft beers on tap! Their Happy Hour is no doubt one of the happiest in town. Monday through Friday from 3pm to 5pm you can drink any beer for $5. The eats start at $7, $8, $9 and The Combo is your choice of the Finney Burger or Peggy’s crispy chicken, fries and choice of beer or soda for $15.
Bodega Laguna
At Bodega Laguna you get $5 bottled beer & $10 margaritas + a tasty selection of $10 plates from 3pm to 5pm everyday! I like their seafood nachos with shrimp, lobster, black beans mozzarella, Pico de Gallo and guacamole. The plates continue with skirt steak taquitos, shrimp or chicken quesadilla, halibut ceviche, taco duo, papas Locas (add carnitas+$3) and a Cabo Ensalada! A few small bites are on the menu too!
The Cliff Restaurant
The Cliff Restaurant Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 6pm! Half-off all appetizers and $2 off alcoholic beverages is a reason to be happy. For $10 you can get calamari steak, scallops wasabi or blackened ahi tuna. Coconut shrimp or shrimp cocktail $9.50, Hav-A-Chips and hummus combined for $14.50 and ahi poke for $11. All this happens in the bar or fire pit area where the live music sounds good for Happy Hour, Monday – Thursday 5-8pm. Live music starts at 6pm on Friday and Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. In addition to The Cliff Happy Hour, It’s even happier every Tuesday from 4-8pm because it’s Taco Tuesday (in bar and firepits only). The delicious options include chicken, carnitas, steak, calamari, shrimp and mahi-mahi.
Wine Gallery Laguna
Southbound to the Wine Gallery you can get dessert. The chocolate brownie with homemade vanilla ice cream is $14, creme brulee with seasonal mixed berries $12 and Chef Josh’s homemade ice cream and cookies. The Happy Hour menu is from 4:30-5:30, Tuesday – Saturday. The $10 Margherita pizza is a specialty and the oven roasted meatballs are $10, the pizza of the day is ½ off. Wine by the glass $2 off, House wine $9 and a draft Pilsner for $5.
Starfish Laguna
As we continue south there is the Opium Hour at Starfish Laguna. Across the street from the Montage and near La Sirena Grill. Opium Hour is 3-6pm every day and they offer half-off libations, beer/sake/wine $4 – $8 and the “bites” from $9. Choose from over 30 small plates & rolls.
Coyote Grill
And further South at Nyes Place there is Coyote Grill. The delicioso tacos and much more are either $5.50 or $6.50. That includes calamari, ceviche, chicken tostado and mini buffalo tacos. The domestic beers are $5.50, Mexican beers $6.50, margaritas and weekly shots of tequila $7. These prices are for the bar only and since it is a small bar, they offer a dining room Happy Hour. Drink deals stay the same in the dining room, but they do deals on taco and enchilada plates! All plates come with a side of rice and beans for $13 & $15. No substitutions. No happy hour to go!
