Catch a Breather: Happy Hours in West Hollywood
Fun fact: The term "happy hour" goes as far back as William Shakespeare in writing, when he recounted a pleasant moment in the early evening on the page.
In today’s world, happy hour is not merely a pleasant moment, but one filled with food and drink, occasionally live music and lots of friends — often associated with deep discounts and drink specials. No one is mad about that. We love happy hour, whether it’s spent in a hotel lobby on vacation, with friends on a favorite rooftop or is a spur-of-the-moment affair, decided upon as you wander past a watering hole.
Gracias Madre
Monday to Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.
This vegan hotspot is a prime place to score delicious made-from-scratch dishes and libations to wash them down at a great price. Sip on a margarita or sangria for $9, house beer for $6 and red or white wine for $8. Bites like ceviche tostada and nachos are $7 and the “happy madre” meal for $10 comes with a jackfruit slider, garlic chipotle fries and a beer or seasonal agua fresca.
graciasmadre.com | 8905 Melrose Ave. | (323) 978-2170
Bottega Louie WEHO
Daily, 3 to 6 p.m.
Embrace the longer days of the season during Bottega Louie’s summer happy hour at the bar counter and its perfect-for-people-watching Santa Monica Terrace. Enjoy a mix of refined small plates like black truffle arancini, crab cakes and tomato bruschetta along with $7 Peronis, a range of wines by the glass for $10-$19 and refreshing $12 cocktails, like the Goose D’Or — made with citrus vodka, prosecco, gooseberry juice, ginger liqueur and fresh basil.
bottegalouie.com | 8936 Santa Monica Blvd. | (213) 802-1470
Or Bar
Monday to Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.
Soak up the disco-era atmosphere while imbibing from a list of specials that includes martinis, old fashioneds and negronis for $13, $15 premium signature cocktails, well drinks and shots for $9, select wine for $8 and select beers for $6.50. Bonus: Swing by Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon for $10 mimosas and bloody marys.
theorbar.com | 8228 Santa Monica Blvd. | (323) 380-6060
LAVO
Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to close
Make your way to LAVO’s horseshoe-shaped bar and inviting lounge for an unbeatable $25 deal: a bottle of wine paired with your choice of a wood-fired pizza. The pies, made with whole-grain single-source flour, come in combos like a classic margherita or spicy salami, mozzarella and kale. Settle in and admire the luxurious furnishings, including the lounge’s round marble high-top tables and Italian blown-glass chandeliers.
taogroup.com | 9201 Sunset Blvd. | (310) 817-6441
Harlowe
Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.
It can be rare to find happy hours on the weekends during later evening hours, but Harlowe delivers. You’ll feel like you stepped into Old Hollywood thanks to the vintage design, but the drinks on special are on the modern side. Enjoy $9 well drinks, $1 off draught beers, wine for $10 and $12 cocktails, including lemon drops, margaritas and mules with your choice of house spirit.
harlowebar.com | 7321 Santa Monica Blvd. | (323) 876-5839
E.P. & L.P
Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.
Head to the huge rooftop where you can admire expansive views of the city, snack on plates like chips and guac, a hot chicken sandwich or ceviche for under $15 and savor unique cocktails for $13 or a rotating slushy for $11.
eplosangeles.com | 603 N. La Cienega Blvd. | (310) 855-9955
Beaches WeHo
Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
At this LGBTQ+ restaurant and lounge, happy hour is a long block of time for stellar deals on frozen cocktails, well drinks and a Boilermaker shot-and-a-beer pairing. Throw back a few bevvies and then get ready to dance the night away.
beachesweho.com | 8928 Santa Monica Blvd. | (310) 360-0395
Casa Madera
Monday to Friday, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
At this coastal Mexican spot, happy hour is known as Golden Hour, offering excellent deals on plates like hamachi serrano, oysters and sea bass tacos, as well as house margaritas, other signature cocktails, house wine and beer. Located inside the Mondrian Los Angeles, it’s also a golden opportunity to soak up sweeping views of the city from the dining room.
thecasamadera.com | 8440 Sunset Blvd. | (310) 878-0814
Connie and Ted’s
Wednesday to Friday, 5 to 6 p.m.
Relax and feel transported to the Atlantic seaboard’s weathered fishing shacks and rocky shores at Connie and Ted’s. The “WTF” happy hour is an excellent way to kick off your evening with specials on fresh seafood and delicious drinks.
connieandteds.com | 8171 Santa Monica Blvd. | (323) 848-2722
The Formosa Cafe
Daily, 3 to 6 p.m.
Step back in time at the iconic Formosa Cafe, known for its red trolley car and black-and-white headshots of Chinese Americans in Old Hollywood. While you take in the history, sip on $10 cocktails like a rotating bartender’s punch, $8 wine and $5 beer. And don’t miss the $10 small plates, including shrimp dumplings with house dipping sauce, Szechuan wings and kung pao Brussels sprouts.
theformosacafe.com | 7156 Santa Monica Blvd. | (323) 794-1106
Barney’s Beanery
Monday to Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.
They don’t make ’em like they used to. Good thing Barney’s is still open, serving a delightfully dive-y, authentic atmosphere since 1920. This original Route 66 stop is a legend and always worth a visit. However, the happy hour makes the affordable drink offerings even more appealing. Take advantage of $2 off most drafts and well cocktails, as well as a discounted appetizer menu.
barneysbeanery.com | 8447 Santa Monica Blvd. | (323) 654-2287
Laurel Hardware
Daily, 5 to 6 p.m.
Laurel Hardware brings cool, industrial chic to West Hollywood’s happy hour scene. Choose from a stellar lineup of $5 draft beers, $10 wines by the glass and $12 craft cocktails — including an old-fashioned and a paloma. Hungry? Bites for under $15 include wild arugula salad, shrimp tacos and glazed pork ribs.
laurelhardware.com | 7984 Santa Monica Blvd. | (323) 656-6070