Work is STRESSFUL! You deserve a break that is filled with half priced fries, drinks, and loads of fun!  No matter if you stop close to your place of employment or near your home, here is a fun list of eight fantastic places to melt that stress off your body while you suck down a delightful old fashioned without your boss asking for all those business money dollar reports.

Tesse – West Hollywood – @tesserestaurant

Truly outstanding in every way, Tesse in West Hollywood is vastly overlooked for its “Sunset Hour”.  From the house made charcuterie/cheese boards for $18+ to the ever delicious cauliflower, the knowledgeable staff is there just in time for when your “Sun Also Sets”, a delightful passion fruit cocktail is almost done.  Be sure to order the burger and hands down some of the best onion rings that the city has to offer!  Don’t forget to stop by their fantastic wine store, Boutellier, which showcases wines by private collectors.  “Sunset Hour” runs Tuesday – Friday from 5-7, and 12-7 on Saturdays and Sundays.

The High Low – Atwater Village – @thehighlowbar

The High Low is effortlessly cool and I cannot overhype their baked chickpeas enough.  For only $2, this magnificent bowl of happiness is best paired with any of their $8 well drinks, and the standouts are the old fashioned and Poppy cabernet!  The Truffle Mac & Cheese is a must-have that pairs great with any of their appropriately priced tacos.   Snag your spot early and hole up with your crew as you prepare for whatever fantastic events are happening that night.  From live music to trivia to comedy nights, enjoy the nightlife with $8 Margaritas or their ever famous Disco Inferno!   

El Carmen – Mid-City – @elcarmenla

One of my favorite places to bring a first date or out of town visitors, El Carmen has the best margaritas in LA (at least in this writer’s humble opinion).   During HH, everything is under $8.  Chips and Salsa and Guac for only $7!  Unheard of in this town!  Beers for $6 and $3 tacos (chicken, potato, or carnitas)…what are you even waiting for?  The red interior is rad as hell with historic Luchador decor all over.  If you’re looking to visit Thursday – Saturday, I recommend you call ahead to reserve your table.  Once you’re there, sit back and enjoy the silver tequila and green lime of their margs…and maybe if it’s the second Monday of the month, you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy the sweet sounds of Mariachi music.  

The Well – Hollywood – @the_well_lounge

My favorite local dive bar to haunt when I was in my 20’s, The Well is as classic as Hollywood itself.  Open when they’re open – and closed when they’re closed – The Well is a great place to pop into if you’re looking for chill vibes and hard drinks.  $6 Well cocktails go great with $5 fries and a laugh with your friends.  While people may complain that Hollywood is bananas to park at, you can always find a meter on Argyle before 5pm.  Step inside to the dark and dimly lit interior and get your late night vampire vibes ON!

Forma – Venice – @formarestaurant

Pasta is my LIFE!  At Forma in Venice, it can be yours too!  Their Happy Hour runs daily from 4-8pm in their bar area and the menu is MASSIVE for HH.  20% off of any of their cheeses from the cheese menu combined with pasta options for DAYS, you’ll be stumped as to what you should order.  Their gnocchi fritto – a fried pizza dough with a burrata spread –  is a MUST for only $7!   Personal favorites are the gnocchi a piacere with gorgonzola and the mushroom flatbread!  The wine options at Forma are gorgeous, including orange and other skin contact wines which are not seen very often.  Come for the cheese, stay for the west side beach sunsets, and you won’t be disappointed! 

The Woodman – Studio City – @thewoodmanla

$5 wine.  $5 cocktails.  $5 craft beers.  Sign.  Me.  Up!  Even though there are limited options on their Happy Hour menu unless for special events such as The Super Bowl, their craft beer specials are simply top notch.  Warm and cozy, this bar transports you away and into the wilderness with log cabin vibes.  Snuggle up to watch the game, play a little Jenga and Connect 4, and relax as the good times continue to roll!  Their main menu is full of tasty treats to satisfy you, your friends, and the team you cheer on from afar.  

Auld Fella – Culver City – @auldfellala

Located on the Culver City “strip”, Auld Fella is that perfect place to stop for a dram of delightfully special Irish Whiskey.  With their rotating whiskey menu, buffalo cauliflower (careful it’s spicy!), and cheese board (sadly not on the HH menu BUT 1000% worth it), Auld Fella works as a perfect pit stop as you wander around Culver City as you enjoy your afternoon!  $8 glasses of beer, cocktails, and wine (or $24 for a bottle if ya wanna go crazy).  There’s more than Jameson to enjoy, so buckle up and try something new before heading home to read your evening chapters of James Joyce!

The Guest House – Los Feliz – @theguesthousela

Located right next door to HOME, The Guest House is a delightful little spot for a pick me up.  Happy hour is Monday – Friday from 3-7, and was converted from a gorgeous craftsman style home with high arched ceilings and wood beam ceilings.  With vegetarian and vegan options available, their small and large bites make this a HH worth stopping for.  The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with Furikake aioli is to die for, followed closely by the Kimchiviche. The Ceviche and Kimchi dish is delightful with fresh mango, corn and tortilla chips. A fun twist on two vastly different dishes!   Try the Margarita, old fashioned, or bartender’s choice if you’re feeling daring!