Downtown jumps these days. Art walks, theater, museum nights, and some of the best happy hours in town.  Located at 1119 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015,  the J Lounge comes with something even better – plentiful after six street parking and a lot across the street that varies from $5 to $7. 

Happy hours are drinks with benefits such as pizza, burgers, and appetizers at half price. And the J Lounge has a particularly tasty selection – Margherita Pizza $7, burger with fries for $6, steamed mussels $6 – at bargain prices. The cheapest item is a grilled Caesar for $4 and the most expensive is a Sicilian pizza with sausage for $9. In between they have sliders, paninis, hummus, tuna tartare, and a charcuterie plate.  And custom cocktails for between $6 and $8. 

Enjoy these treats Mondays and Tuesday from 5-7 PM, Wednesday to Friday from 4-7 PM and Sundays from 3-8PM.  The Sunday hours are great if you take in a museum, an event at the Staples Center or a ball game and want a light dinner afterwards.  Dodger Dog or gourmet burger, the choice is yours.  My favorite spot is on the back patio where you can watch the sunset on the LA skyline.

Sign up for their email notices about the FREE monthly tastings of various liquors, beers, and spirits.

The Frugal Diva was surprised to see so many places expanding their happy hour offerings. This is a fun way to try out a new place, have dinner for less, and you don’t even have to drink to enjoy the benefits.  This is wonderful if you have out of town guests who are touring during the week days.  Take them for a happy hour and still be home in time to get to sleep for work the next day.

Napa Valley Grill at 1100 Glendon Avenue in Westwood has a lovely menu with everything from beef sliders to small pizettes. Enjoy the outdoor patio and sip a glass of wine at the end of the day from 3 to 7 PM & 9 to midnight Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 11 PM.

Nic’s Martini Lounge  in Beverly Hills on 453 North Canon Drive has their happy hour from 3:30 to 6:30 so it could also be a late lunch. On Monday nights they do $7 appitizers and martinis all night long.

La Boheme  at 8400 Santa Monica Blvd. has happy hour 7 days a week from 5 to 7:30 PM.  On a Saturday explore Roberston Blvd, Melrose Ave, and then drop in for a $5 glass of wine or $7 Martini and half off fun bites and sandwiches including a burger served with fries or a salad.

Vinoteca Farfalla at 1968 Hillhurst has a lovely selection of wine and beers with reduced price appetizers for their 5 to 7 PM weekday happy hour. This place is charming-dark and cozy for an end of the day respite.

Casa Cocina Y Cantina located at 350 S. Grand it’s close to the Disney Center, MOCA, and the Ahmanson.  Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 PM get here in time and enjoy drinks and a fantastic selection of gourmet tacos wrapped in house made tortillas before the theater.

Since restaurants change their policies frequently please call before going. And try some of the happy hours from my previous post.

Who knew McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants would have the best happy hour burger in town?  $2.95 for a 1/2 pound cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and fries! And since they have great food, this is one great burger.

And for the vegetarians there is hummus and bruschetta for $1.95.  Also for $1.95 you can get a chicken tostado for salad lovers. It wouldn’t be a happy hour without cheese nachos, chicken wings,  and artichoke spinach dip for $3.95.   For that price you can also get a chicken quesadilla and for a dollar more there are fried chicken sliders and fish & chips.   They have speciality seasonal cocktails, a delightful sangria, and beer at reduced prices. 

Divas love to socialize and this is a great way to meet friends. Informal, fun, and prices that rival fast food makes this a good choice for a gathering. Happy hours and prices differ at each restaurant so call ahead.

Take a break at one of the great Happy Hours around town or as I call it dinner for half the price.  

BLT Steak on Sunset has an amazing Happy Hour from 5:00 to 7:00 on Monday to Friday which includes steak sliders, kobe hot dogs, and mini crab cakes for $5 plus five selections from their drink and wine menu for $5. And skip the valet for the free parking in back of Sunset Plaza.

If you are in Westwood after 5:00, check out Yamato’s Happy Hour which lasts until closing everyday. Half price sushi and all appetizers plus $5.75 large sake.

Who knew McCormick and Schmick, a seafood restaurant, would have the best happy hour burger in town?  $2.95 for a 1/2 pound cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and fries! And since they have great food, this is one great burger. Check the time and days at their various locations.

Ciudad brings back $3.00 chicken, steak, carnitas, and vegetarian tacos and 1/2 off mojitos, margaritas, and more from 4:00 to 7:00 Monday to Friday. Plus a chef’s special quesadilla for $5.

Weiland Brewery has about ten appetizers under $5 including  grilled chicken quesadilla, and no fry veggie spring roll plus $2.50 Weiland Brewery beers.  They have two locations downtown so please check the time and days.

The Palamino bar area just became my favorite place. They are featuring their bar menu for 1/2 price all day everyday along with $4 featured beverages that are available throughout the restaurant.  Thursdays the Hammer Museum is free and open until 9:00, so grab a bite and go across the street to enjoy the exhibits and/or freelecture.

Now these are happy hours however you can always order iced tea, soft drinks, or sparkling water and still have a nice evening out and great food at great prices. Please call to verify times and prices as these things change quickly and let me know any of your special finds.