Life’s most joyous moments are fleeting. Case in point: Happy hour. So get out there, make the most of discounted drinks and eats, and (for once) get to bed at a reasonable time.
Happy Hours in University Heights
Hundred Proof
When: Monday-Friday until 6 p.m.
Deals: $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 draft beers, $4-$6 bites
Go here for: Understated interior design and because one happy hour drink can lead to more drinks and dinner, Japanese whisky and Chef Brad Wise’s menu of burgers, steak, poke, and bao.
Park & Rec
When: Monday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close.
Deals: $6 blood orange margaritas, Old Fashioneds, mules (with choice of booze), wine, and Tecates.
Go here for: The comfy, heater-equipped patio, dual Ping Pong tables, and strong cocktail game.
Cellar Hand
When: Wednesday-Sunday, 4-5 p.m.
Deals: 50 percent off all wine by the glass, beers, and sangrias, along with discounted bar snacks and pitas
Go here for: Hyper-local ingredients and a respectable selection of wines
Photo Credit: Nate Madlem
Madison
When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Deals: $7 signature cocktails and wine; happy hour food menu featuring $10 mussels and toast; $10 burger-and-beer combos, and small bites.
Go here for: The feeling of being inside a giant guitar and smokin’ deals on high-caliber cocktails.
Kairoa Brewing Company
When: All day Monday and 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
Deals: $5 pints of all 10 house beers; $6 wine, $5 bites like sausage rolls, shrimp butties (whatever they are), and lamb tacos.
Go here for: Sunsets on the expansive second-floor patio overlooking the University Heights neighborhood sign.
Pro Tip: Wine bottles are discounted 30 percent on Tuesdays.
Wormwood
When: Wed., Thurs., and Sun., 5-7 p.m.
Deals: Absinthe, cocktails, wine, and bites
Go here for: San Diego’s largest selection of absinthe paired with authentic French cuisine
Happy Hours in North Park
Louisiana Purchase
When: Wednesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. and weekends from 3-5 p.m.
Deals: $7 cocktails, and a few appetizers, including $7 three-cheese mac with crawfish tails.
Go here for: To get all the burrs outta your saddle (as they say in the South).
Seven Grand
When: Monday-Saturday until 8 p.m.
Deals: $5 beers, $6 bourbon mules, and $6 whiskies including Evan Williams, Wild Turkey 81 Rye, Black Grouse
Go here for: Whisky, taxidermy, low lighting.
Tamarindo Latin Kitchen and Bar
When: Tuesdays.
Deals: $7 tequila shots, $4 tacos, sopes, and tostadas
Go here for: Sustainably-sourced tequila, the dog-friendly patio, and tempura avocado.
Working Class
When: Monday-Friday, 4-7 p.m.
Deals: $4 draft beer and wine, $5 starters including Buffalo wings, onion rings, and meatballs
Go here for: The doggo-approved “Puppy Chow menu” and umbrella-shaded patio.
Splash Wine Lounge and Bistro
When: Daily until 6:30 p.m.
Deals: $6 wine, $5 beers
Go here for: The conversation-spurring effects of wine-by-the-ounce dispensers.
Coin-Op Game Room
When: Weekdays, 4-7 p.m.
Deals: $4 well drinks, $6 cocktails, $1 off beers, $3 fries and other bites
Go here for: Obliterating your co-workers in Skee-Ball.
Pro Tip: Games are free all day on the last Sunday of every month.
Finca
When: Tues.-Fri., 5-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 3-6 p.m.
Deals: $10 glasses of wine and sangria, along with $10 tapas
Go here for: Bone marrow, caviar, and a never-ending wine list
Happy Hours in South Park
Fernside Bar and Kitchen
When: Weekdays, 3-6 p.m.
Deals: $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beers, and $5 menu items including chicken liver toast, chicken wings, and burgers.
Go here for: Come for happy hour, stay until midnight, when the kitchen closes on weekdays.
Kindred
When: Always.
Deals: $5 well drinks, $5 herb puffs, $6 popcorn
Go here for: Though not technically a happy hour, you’ll want to let that minor point slide seeing as this vegan fave with an outstanding bar always offers a few easy-on-the-pocketbook options.
The Rose
When: Daily, 2-4 p.m.
Deals: $8 house rosé, $9 amaro spritz, and baker’s half-dozen oysters
Go here for: Anything you could want—a glass of wine, brunch cocktails, freshly baked pastries, and a comprehensive lunch and dinner menu
Happy Hours in Normal Heights
Rabbit Hole
When: Weekdays, 5-7 p.m.
Deals: $5 draft beers, $6 wine, $6 specialty cocktails, half-off appetizers
Go here for: Bring the dog, bring the baby, bring your sharpest pals for Wednesday night trivia, at 7:15 p.m.
Abnormal Heights
When: Thurs., 3-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 3-5 p.m.
Deals: $10 house cocktails, $5 craft beer, $7 wine, $7 cocktails, and $5 off all food plates
Go here for: An under-the-radar rooftop bar offering killer flat-top steaks and cocktails.
Happy Hours in Pacific Beach
The Grass Skirt
When: All day Monday, and Tuesday-Thursday, 5-6 p.m.
Deals: $6 cocktails, $5 well drinks and wine; $10 discounts on punch bowls, $6 okinomiyaki fries, $6 garlic edamame, $6 Korean chicken wings, and other bites
Go here for: Volcanic eruptions, flaming cocktails, and shameless levels of tiki-ness.
Mavericks Beach Club
When: Weekdays 3-8 p.m.
Deals: $4 beers, wine, and well cocktails, and $6 margaritas and Mai Tais
Go here for: Plenty of outdoor space to for corn hole and ocean breezes.
Pro Tip: Taco Tuesdays (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) offer the dangerous proposition of $4 house margaritas.
Hideaway
When: Mon.-Fri., 3-6:30 p.m.
Deals: Half-off shots, bottles, and canned beer; food specials; and discounted glasses of wine
Go here for: Lobster mac, churro beignets, and a surfer’s dream interior
Happy Hours in the Gaslamp and East Village
Blind Burro
When: Weekdays, 3-6 p.m.
Deals: $4.50 beer bottles, $6 margaritas, $5 well drinks, $4.50 fish tacos, and $4.50 TJ dogs with fries.
Go here for: Elote, ceviche, carne asada nachos and Baja-style ramen.
The Smoking Gun
When: Monday-Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
Deals: $5 for draft beer, house wines, well drinks, and select plates; $10 specialty cocktails
Go here for: The photo booth, Frito pie, and housemade corn nuts.
Pro Tip: The entire bar is half-off Fridays 3-7 p.m.
The Nolen
When: Every day, 4-6 p.m.
Deals: $7 cocktails and wine, and $6 appetizers like tater tots with chile mezcal salt and chile glazed meatballs.
Go here for: Views of the waterfront, fire pits, and getting far above the fray of the Gaslamp.
Happy Hours in Little Italy
Ironside
When: Weekdays, 3-6 p.m.
Deals: $8 cocktails, $5 beers, and small bites like $1 oysters and $6 chowder fries
Go here for: Did we mention the $1 oysters?
