Happening Happy Hours

Editors Note: Happy hour ratings are determined by the editors of Seattle DINING! on a scale of 1-10. Restaurants are rated based on drink and food specials, quality of their food, available times and ambience. Comments should be directed to the editor by contacting our office.

Parlor Billiards & Spirits Rating: 10
700 Bellevue Wy NE, Ste 300 (3rd floor of Lincoln Square) Bellevue 425-289-7000

Everyday from 3-6 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to midnight, you can partake in discounted cocktails (four choices), draft beer (two choices) and wines by the glass (three choices). Menu-wise, they offer three price levels--$1.99, $2.99, $3.99 appetizers.

General Description: Not so much like an old-time pool hall--think 42 pool tables; WiFi throughout; executive suites for private parties including lounging area with leather couches and chairs, dedicated staff, option to add private bar in the room, option to have pro show off trick shots and teach your guests; two bars; full restaurant. If you like billiards, you'll love playing here. The menu has something for everyone--grilled jalapenos, calamari, salads, burgers, pizza, medallions of beef tenderloin, pasta, grilled fish tacos, sandwiches like Reuben, BLT with fried green tomatoes and even a kielbasa. They even have a very complete dessert menu. Specializing in: Eclectic, Banquet (up to 800) Neighborhood: Bellevue

Wann Japanese Izakaya Rating: 10
2020 2nd Ave Seattle 206-441-5637

Seven days a week, 5-7 p.m., and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday you'll find Izakaya classic cocktails, sake, well drinks, draft beer and selected wine by the glass at discounted prices along with a nice tapas list and rolls also discounted.

General Description: Izakaya restaurants in Japan are informal restaurants/bars where sharing plates and relaxing over drinks is the way to unwind. Wann serves shochu, a drink they say is overtaking sake in popularity. Food items include Kobe beef tongue steak, mussels, yakitori, sashimi, rolls, all kinds of seafood, short ribs and more. Dark, cool and simple inside, Wann offers the Izakaya experience. Specializing in: Sushi, Japanese, Tapas Neighborhood: Belltown

Toi Rating: 10
1904 4th Ave Seattle 206-267-1017

Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. and 10 to midnight, Toi offers a number of specially-priced appetizers, with reduced prices on wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, Singha Thai beer, draft beer and well drinks.

General Description: Some places are just cool and this one has the look. The deep red wall (a Dahlia left over?), the high booths that cut the noise level and create an intimate dining space and the stairs that lead up--it all works. Toi is not nearly as busy as it should be. The food is quite good with wonderful flavors and fresh ingredients. The full bar is a fun place for cocktails. Specializing in: Thai, Happy Hour Neighborhood: Downtown

O'Asian Rating: 10
800 Fifth Ave Seattle 206-264-1789

Hang onto your happy hour hats--this is a good one. Monday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to close in the lounge, you can get reduced-price draft and bottled beers, well drinks, house red and white wines, and an O'Asian designer cocktail. There are also nearly 20 bar bites at one low price.

General Description: Located on the plaza level of one of downtown's tall buildings, O'Asian looks and feels sophisticated and urban. Menu items are more traditional--Peking duck, salt and pepper prawns and hand shaved noodles. Dim sum is offered daily from 10:30 to 3 p.m., and here's the good part, also from 5 p.m. to midnight. Dinner dim sum! Everything is from China--chairs, dishes, pots. Twelve types of teas are offered, some high end, along with a full tea service. Several nice options for private dining. No MSG used. Full bar with nice bar area. Specializing in: Chinese, Dim Sum, Cocktails, Banquet Neighborhood: Downtown

Cutters Bayhouse Rating: 10
2001 Western Ave Seattle 206-448-4884

Two times daily you get to enjoy half-priced shared plates and half-priced items from the sea bar (rolls and sushi) in the bar. All draft beer, house cabernet, house chardonnay, scratch margaritas and well drinks are discounted. Good deals! Check it out from 3-7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.

General Description: A fine choice for delectable seafoods from the Northwest and beyond. Large dining area has a great view of Elliott Bay and the Alaskan viaduct below. The bar overlooks the park at the Pike Market which translates to great people watching. Specializing in: Seafood, View, Cocktails, Happy Hour, Thanksgiving Neighborhood: Pike Place Market

Racha Noodles and thai cuisine Rating: 10
537 1st Ave N Seattle 206-281-8883

Racha's happy hour is a Seattle Dining! dream come true. Twice a day (3:30-5:30 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.) seven days a week, you can choose from "happy," "happier" and "happiest" plates, discounted beer and wine, plus house specialty cocktails. Life is good.

General Description: Lower Queen Anne's answer to tasty Thai food. Simply one of the finest Thai rooms in the Northwest, both in terms of food and elegance. Décor is ornate, authentic and sophisticated in style. Specializing in: Thai, Happy Hour, Christmas (eve and day), New Years (eve and day) Neighborhood: Queen Anne (Lower)

Ponti Seafood Grill Rating: 10
3014 3rd Ave N Seattle 206-284-3000

Ponti provides one of the best happy hour options in the city with both late afternoon (4-6 p.m.) and late evening (9 p.m.-close) specials. Drink specials across the board on cocktails, wine and beer and half price appetizers that are top quality grade. The bar is elegant, includes a nifty fireplace and the service is top rate. The perfect setting to start an early evening, or catch a late night bite.

General Description: Just across the Fremont bridge, Ponti provides excellent seafood, a classy atmosphere and a view of the ship canal that links Lake Union with the Ballard Locks. Patio dining on sunny days is superb. Specializing in: Seafood, Outdoor, Happy Hour, Thanksgiving, Christmas (eve), New Years (eve), Banquet, Wine Neighborhood: Fremont

Del Rey Rating: 9
2332 1st Ave Seattle 206-770-3228

A good happy hour is a fine thing. Check out Del Rey's--every day from 4-7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Happy hour deals apply to six dishes from the lounge’s regular menu as well as glasses of house chardonnay, cabernet and all well drinks. PBR drafts are also price reduced.

General Description: The first thing you'll notice as you walk through the door is the recessed dome in the ceiling. Dark tones hide one another while rose colored lights guide the way into this romantic lounge spot. The ever-changing menu of dishes ('Tapas Nuevos') delights the taste buds as you sip on exclusive beverages from the bar or a glass of wine from their wide selection. Originally built by Paramount studios as a film storage facility, owners Charlie Bucy and Richard Hemsley have created a nice lounge for locals, but can accommodate large parties with two private rooms in the rear. And ladies - don't miss the restroom which is its own mini lounge complete with dome and full bar service. When was the last time you ordered a pomegranate martini from the loo? Specializing in: Cocktails, Tapas Neighborhood: Belltown

BOKA Kitchen + Bar Rating: 9
1010 First Ave Seattle 206-357-9000

Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight enjoy "urban bites" and "urban eats" from the bar menu at 50 percent off. Well drinks, selected draft beers and select red and white wines by the glass are also discounted.

General Description: BOKA ("Boldly Original Kitchen Artistry") is a cool-looking place. Wood floors, black granite tabletops in the front, yellow brass tabletops in the back, blown glass sculptures by Canlis Glass, mesh curtains. Fun. Their "urban American" menu includes starters like warm Dungeness crab cupcakes, duck and waffles and mission fig terrine. Entrees are based on simple ingredients but are put together in innovative ways. Full bar with fun cocktails. Seasonal patio dining on First Avenue encourages lounging and watching. Specializing in: American, Cocktails Neighborhood: Downtown

Boom Noodle Rating: 9
1121 E Pike St Seattle 206-701-9130

Enjoy their happy hour menu daily from 4-6 p.m. and also on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the bar and lounge only. In addition to discounted small plates, they offer discounts on beer, sake, sapporo sake bombs and specialty cocktails.

General Description: "Boom" is Japanese slang for your latest obsession and Boom Noodle would love to be that obsession for you. It's meant to be a casual, reasonably-priced way to enjoy noodles (as well as a number of small non-noodle plates). The main dining room is filled with long tables meant to be shared by everyone who comes in. The lounge offers bar seating, as well as a fully-stocked bar, a few tall window tables and some smaller tables in the back. Specializing in: Japanese Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Seattle DINING! says drink responsibly. Use a designated driver or get a cab if you've exceeded the state acceptable .08 alcohol level. For more information visit the Washington Traffic Safety Commission's website.

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