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Happy Hour By the Numbers: How Much Are You Saving?

How much are you really pocketing during those pre-dinner hours? We did the math at nine local restaurants and lounges to find out the savings.
Baja Betty's

By Archana Ram

A Casual Eatery

 

Baja Betty’s

Weekdays 2–6 p.m., Hillcrest

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$4.75 Cucumber salad $5.25

$4.75 Montejo lager $6.25

$4.75 Mexican pizza $9.75

$4.75 Casa margarita $8.75

$19 vs. $30

Shanghai Saloon

Tuesday–Friday 4–6 p.m. in the bar and lounge only*, Kearny Mesa

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$5 Pork and shrimp wontons $8

$6 Pepper fried wings $9

$5 Jalapeño tuna tostada $10

$5 House sake $8

$21 vs. $35

*Drink specials run from 4 p.m.–close on Tuesdays and 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on weekends

Tribute Pizza

Tuesday–Friday 4–6 p.m., North Park

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$3 Wood-fired focaccia $5

$7 Margherita pizza $13

$10 Pabst Blue Ribbon pitcher $15

$20 Gragnano bottle $30

$40 vs. $63


For Something in the Middle of the Road

Davanti Enoteca

Daily 3–6 p.m., Carmel Valley and Little Italy

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$8 Cacio e pepe $14

$5 Ricotta vasi $8

$7 Red sangria $11

$6 Davanti Spritz cocktail $13

$26 vs. $46

Ignite Bistro & Wine Spot

Daily, 3–6:30 p.m. in the lounge and walkway, or on the patio starting at 4 p.m., Carlsbad

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$7.50 Crispy broccoli $9.25

$9.50 Classic double burger $12.25

$5.50 Mother Earth Cali Creamin’ $6.50

$4.50 Glass of Mondavi Wildcreek Canyon Cabernet $7.50

$27 vs. $35.50

Happy Hour By the Numbers: How Much Are You Saving?

Happy Hour By the Numbers: How Much Are You Saving?

Bali Hai

Weekdays 3–6 p.m. in bar area and cocktail lounge, Shelter Island

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$9 Coconut shrimp $15

$7 Flash-fried shishito peppers $10

$5 Fall Brewing Co. Magical and Delicious Pale Ale $6

$6.25 Mai tai* $9.25

$27.25 vs. $40.25

*Their mai tai special starts with $3 off at 3 p.m., then reduces by a dollar each hour (so, $2 off at 4 p.m., etc.)


If You’re Feeling Fancy

Happy Hour By the Numbers: How Much Are You Saving?

Happy Hour By the Numbers: How Much Are You Saving?

The Pony Room

Sunday–Thursday 3–6 p.m., Rancho Santa Fe

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$4.20 AleSmith San Diego Pale Ale .394 $7

$12 Margherita flatbread $20

$11.40 Three carne asada tacos $19

$6.60 Glass of Rancho Valencia Cabernet $11

$34.20 vs. $57

The Land & Water Co.

Daily 3–5:30 p.m., Carlsbad

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$5 House-pickled vegetables $6

$6 Pub-style crispy chicken $8

$5 Carlsbad Sunset cocktail $10

$5 Moscow mule $10

$21 vs. $34

Coasterra

Weekdays 3:30–5:30 p.m. in the Tequila Lounge on the patio*, Harbor Island

Happy Hour vs. Dinner

$7 Guacamole $10**

$7 Queso fundido $15

$5 Ballast Point pale ale $7

$7 Deb’s Coconut Margarita $12

$26 vs. $44

*Except for the queso fundido, happy hour portions here are roughly 20 percent smaller

**$10 during lunch. At dinner, the specialty guacamole made table-side is $15.


For all selected restaurants and lounges, portion sizes are the same at happy hour and dinner, unless otherwise noted

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