It’s the first day of spring and we’re one week into daylight saving time, which was created so people could make better use of daylight hours. Can you think of a more productive usage of that extra hour than sipping on discounted drinks as the sun slides into the Pacific? Not likely. To kick off spring the proper way, we’ve rounded up a few spots that would make William Willett (to whom we owe this clock-changing tradition) proud. When you’ve sampled all of these, you can start working through our exhaustive guide to San Diego’s very best happy hours, for any time of year.
Pisco Rotisserie and Cevicheria
Ceviche fans will want to try Pisco’s Peruvian varieties that tend to be smoother and richer than the tangy, spicy Mexican styles familiar in California. Why not start with the salmon ceviche, which is among the half-off menu items at Pisco’s new al fresco happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m. at its Point Loma location? Cocktails, wine, and beer are $2 off, too.
2401 Truxtun Rd Ste 102, San Diego
Starlite
The beloved Middletown cocktail lounge has an open air back patio that is a fine place to enjoy their daily happy hour, featuring reduced price bites like kale Caesar and pulled pork toast, plus draft beer, well drinks, and specialty cocktails. Happy Hour is 5 to 7 p.m. every day except Friday, when it starts at 4 p.m. instead.
3175 India St, San Diego
Hello Betty Fish House
What’s not to like about $5 frozen margaritas, $6 daily cocktails, $3 short rib sliders, and much more in the seafood, taco, and adult beverage categories, all with a view of the Oceanside Pier? Happy hour extends from Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. But Monday is your best bet, as happy hour prices continue from 3 p.m. until closing time. With those hours, you could squeeze in a golden hour surf session and still have time for grilled mahi mahi tacos, ceviche tostadas, and oyster shooters here.
211 Mission Ave, Oceanside
Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar
Tucked away on a second-floor patio of the Hotel Republic, Topside offers a respite from the busy downtown surroundings. The many cabanas and lounge chairs make for a good spot to indulge in $6 craft beer, $7 well cocktails, $8 wine, plus pork steam buns, roasted bone marrow and other nibbles from 3 to 6 p.m.
421 W B St, San Diego
Fairweather
You could hardly get more San Diego than sipping a tiki cocktail within cheering distance of Petco Park under fair skies. Park-adjacent Fairweather is the kind of open-air bar not afraid to serve mai tais alongside higher-brow cocktails such as the Mezcal Mule. Daily happy hours from 4 to 6 p.m. are made all the more delicious with menu items from Rare Form, the restaurant downstairs.
795 J St, San Diego
Celebrate Spring With These 5 Outdoor Happy Hours
The outdoor digs at Topside. | Photo: Justin McChesney-Wachs
