Discovering Los Angeles’ Ultimate Happy Hour Experiences
Los Angeles is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and its happy hour offerings are no exception. While the city boasts countless options, finding those truly exceptional deals on food and drinks can be a game-changer for locals and visitors alike. This guide, informed by years of exploring LA’s vibrant dining landscape, highlights the must-visit spots where value meets atmosphere for an unforgettable happy hour.
Exploring Los Angeles’ Premier Happy Hour Destinations
From cozy West Hollywood courtyards to historic downtown establishments, LA’s happy hour scene is as varied as its neighborhoods. We’ve handpicked locations that stand out for their unique ambiance, impressive menus, and unbeatable specials, ensuring your next outing is both enjoyable and easy on the wallet.
La Boheme: West Hollywood’s Elegant Escape
Nestled in West Hollywood, La Boheme offers a beautiful courtyard with antique red couches and fire pits, setting a luxurious tone for happy hour. Weekends boast an incredible all-night happy hour starting at 4 p.m., featuring $9 glasses of wine and $10 cocktails like their sweet lychee martini. Don’t miss their house specialty crostinis or the hearty short rib corn tortilla tacos and spicy fried chicken sliders. It’s the perfect spot for a group to sample a bit of everything.
Electric Owl: Hollywood’s Historic Gem
A cozy Hollywood neighborhood restaurant, Electric Owl, once a railcar station, offers an ever-changing happy hour menu daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Favorites include the refreshing Hibiscus Margarita and the neon orange Tequila Tang. For food, the iconic $4.20 smash daddy burger, on the menu since their 2017 opening, is a must-try. This spot is a local secret for consistent quality and unique offerings.
Mercado: A Taste of Trendy Mexican
With multiple locations across the city, Mercado is a go-to for Mexican cuisine lovers. Their happy hour runs Monday-Thursday (5-7 p.m.) and Friday-Sunday (4-6 p.m.), offering Tecate and Pacifico beers for $5 and draft beers for $7. The special $10 Mercado Margarita is a tart delight. For food, the mushroom choriqueso is a decadent, bubbly cheese dish, perfectly paired with taquitos de papa. The jícama shrimp tacos are also highly recommended.
The Black Cat: Silverlake’s Moody & Historic Spot
Located in Silverlake, The Black Cat is an historic California restaurant with a moody, old-school interior. Their weekday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. features playful, feline-themed menu items. Sink your teeth into the $10 Kitty Burger with fries or snack on the Cat Snack (marinated olives, pickles, spiced nuts). Pair your bites with a Wallflower cocktail or a delightful Chenin blanc.
Melrose Umbrella Co.: Inventive Sips on Melrose Avenue
Melrose Umbrella Co. offers an intimate, dimly lit post-Prohibition era ambiance. Happy hour runs nightly from 10 p.m. to close, and Tuesdays-Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. While the food menu is simple with various tacos and “potatoes your way,” the drinks truly shine. Creative concoctions like the frozen tequila-based Cactus Prick and the blood orange-infused Melrose Mule are highlights.
Escala K-Town: Korean-Colombian Fusion Deals
In the heart of Koreatown, Escala serves up an intriguing Colombian and Korean fusion. Despite its fancy appearance with a working fountain, it’s a casual happy hour haven, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Remarkably, beers are still $6, and a large pitcher can be had for $22. Their empanadas, especially the vegetarian kimchi fried rice version, are a unique and delicious steal at $3 apiece.
Library Bar: Downtown LA’s Literary Lounge
True to its name, Library Bar in downtown Los Angeles is adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, offering a sophisticated yet comfortable happy hour setting every day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Their “The Classics” drink menu features $12 cocktails like the bee’s knees and French 75. Pair your drink with “Edible Foreshadowing” snacks such as fried pickles, Buffalo cauliflower, or the house-made french onion dip and kettle chips.
Bar Amá: Downtown’s “Super Nacho Hour”
For Tex-Mex with a twist, head to Bar Amá downtown for their “super nacho hour,” available every day but Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Naturally, loaded nachos are a star, featuring queso, salmorejo, crema, and fresh guacamole. Other delights include mole tacos dorados and vegetarian squash blossom quesadillas. Enjoy a $7 draft Pacifico or an $11 classic margarita.
The Belmont: Dog-Friendly Patio in La Cienega
On La Cienega Boulevard, The Belmont offers a lively outdoor patio perfect for warm Californian afternoons. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m., focusing on drinks with $7 wines and well spirits, plus discounted select beers. Their food menu boasts some of the best Brussels sprouts in LA, topped with bacon, balsamic, and goat cheese. Uniquely, they even have a menu for dogs, ensuring the whole family can join the fun.
Hill Street Bar & Restaurant: Downtown’s Executive Deals
Hill Street Bar & Restaurant caters to the downtown financial district crowd, making its happy hour (Tuesday-Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) a coveted window. Though concise, the menu is stellar, featuring one of the city’s best burgers with red pepper aioli, and a delicious chicken sandwich. Their happy hour house wines are $9, and specialty cocktails like a margarita or mai tai are just $10—an excellent value if you can catch it.
LA Happy Hour Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Vibe | Standout Deal |
|---|---|---|
| La Boheme | Elegant, Outdoor Courtyard | All-night happy hour on weekends |
| Electric Owl | Cozy, Historic | $4.20 Smash Daddy Burger |
| Mercado | Trendy Mexican | Mushroom Choriqueso, $10 Mercado Margarita |
| The Black Cat | Moody, Historic Dive | $10 Kitty Burger with fries |
| Melrose Umbrella Co. | Intimate, Post-Prohibition | Inventive cocktails like Cactus Prick |
| Escala K-Town | Vibrant, Colombian/Korean fusion | $6 Beers, Unique Kimchi Fried Rice Empanadas |
| Library Bar | Sophisticated, Literary | $12 “The Classics” Cocktails |
| Bar Amá | Lively Tex-Mex | “Super Nacho Hour” with homemade guacamole |
| The Belmont | Casual, Dog-Friendly Patio | $7 Wines & Well Spirits, Dog Menu |
| Hill Street Bar & Restaurant | Upscale Business Casual | One of the city’s best burgers |
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Happy Hours
- What are the most common happy hour times in LA?
Happy hour times vary widely. Many spots offer specials in the late afternoon, typically from 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Some places, like La Boheme on weekends or Melrose Umbrella Co. nightly, extend into late-night hours. - Are there any happy hour spots open on weekends in Los Angeles?
Yes! Several establishments offer weekend happy hours. La Boheme has an all-night happy hour on weekends, Mercado offers specials on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and Electric Owl and Library Bar have daily happy hour. - Can I find good food deals during happy hour in LA?
Absolutely. Many places offer discounted appetizers and small plates that can even serve as a light meal. Highlights include Electric Owl’s $4.20 smash daddy burger, The Black Cat’s $10 Kitty Burger, Mercado’s mushroom choriqueso, and Escala K-Town’s $3 empanadas. - Are there dog-friendly happy hour options in Los Angeles?
Yes, The Belmont on La Cienega Boulevard is notably dog-friendly, featuring a spacious outdoor patio and even a special menu for canine companions. - What kind of drinks can I expect to find on LA happy hour menus?
You’ll typically find discounted domestic and draft beers, house wines, and well spirits. Many establishments also offer specialty happy hour cocktails, ranging from classic margaritas and Moscow mules to unique creations like Electric Owl’s Hibiscus Margarita or Melrose Umbrella Co.’s Cactus Prick.
Whether you’re after a sophisticated cocktail, a hearty burger, or unique fusion dishes, Los Angeles’ happy hour scene has something to satisfy every craving. Grab your friends, explore these fantastic spots, and make the most of the city’s incredible deals!
Discover LAs Top Happy Hours
