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.

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

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

Toscano Rating: 10
1177 108th Ave NE Bellevue 425-460-6260

Monday-Saturday 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. Half off the entire bar menu, incredibly discounted beer, wine by the glass, well drinks and martinis. You don't usually see prices this low at a nice spot like Toscano.

General Description: Elegance is in at Toscano, but in a very comfortable way. The dining area is on two levels to offer good people watching. Located at the Bellettini, a retirement spot we should all hope for, it pulls in a diverse crowd age-wise. Mediterranean-inspired, the menu offers lots of seafood, soup, salad, pasta, lamb, pork and chicken. They also offer breakfast on Sunday. They also note vegetarian, vegan and healthy options on the menu. Nice. Specializing in: Mediterranean, Breakfast (Sunday), Vegetarian, Vegan Neighborhood: Bellevue

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, Catering Neighborhood: Fremont

Mission Latin Restaurant & Lounge Rating: 10
2325 California Ave SW Seattle 206-937-8220

Seven days a week, 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight, Mission offers $1 off well drinks, all draft beer, house wine and all margaritas. You'll also find several food choices at a great price.

General Description: Think tapas (guac with spicy plaintain chips, spicy pineapple shrimp), tacos (sweet potato), enchiladas, fajitas, burrito, tamale and entrees from beef to chicken to pork to seafood. Fun atmosphere. Full bar. Specializing in: Latin, Cocktails, Happy Hour Neighborhood: West Seattle

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

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)

Pearl Bar & Dining Rating: 10
700 Bellevue Way NE, Ste 50 Bellevue 425-455-0181

This is one great happy hour--cool environment, seven days a week, early (3-6 p.m.) and late (9 p.m. to close) timeframes. Bar appetizers are half price, wine by the glass (there are over 30 to choose from) half price, seven specialty cocktails half price and beer on tap half price. Go enjoy!

General Description: Contemporary Northwest is the theme and it holds true for the environment (cherry wood, gray/silver/black color scheme), the wine list (70-75% Washington) and the food. There's something for everyone here--chicken, tempura, seafood, pork, foie gras, local produce, beef, duck. All with that Northwest flair. They put fresh local products on the menu as they arrive, expect to see something a little different on each visit. Specializing in: Northwest, Wine, Banquet (8-60) Neighborhood: Bellevue

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

Two times daily you get to enjoy half-priced appetizers in the bar plus beverage specials (cocktails!). Check it out from 3:30-7 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. Along with a nice wine list, they offer the "Local List" with wines from Oregon, Washington and California, mostly boutique wineries. Specializing in: Seafood, View, Cocktails, Happy Hour, Wine, Northwest, Waterfront Neighborhood: Pike Place Market

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

Barrio Rating: 9
1420 12th Ave Seattle 206-588-8105

Sunday-Thursday 5-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight, and Friday-Saturday midnight to 2 a.m. (food until 1 a.m.) you can find a good deal on Tecate draft, several cocktails and Sangria plus some great prices on food.

General Description: Barrio uses Northwest products to produce a Mexican-inspired menu with fun cocktails. For example, roasted breast of free-range chicken masa cake, hazelnut pipián and pomegranate syrup. Or fingerling potatoes that are chipotle roasted. Mexican and Northwest! They serve dinner and brunch. Specializing in: Mexican, Brunch (weekends), Happy Hour Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Urbane Rating: 9
1639 8th Ave Seattle 206-676-4600

Happy hour at Urbane means great prices on a good number of food items, selected bottle and draft beers, house spirits and a selected wine by the glass. Check it out Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m .to close and also on Saturday and Sunday 2:30-6 p.m.

General Description: Urbane offers a simple, spare dining room with clean lines and "the best of the farmers market" brought to the downtown location. During the day, natural light floods the room, at night a sophisticated downtown view comes into focus. The restaurant is located at the Olive 8 condos/the Hyatt at Olive 8 and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a full bar/lounge. Most ingredients come from local producers and dishes range from current trendy (pork belly) to old fashioned (Apple Brown Betty). Should be a little something for everyone. Specializing in: Northwest Neighborhood: Downtown

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

13 Coins Restaurant Rating: 9
18000 Pacific Hwy S Seatac 206-243-9500

7 days a week, 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to last call (Sunday 4 p.m. to last call), head into the loung and enjoy special prices on well drinks, select beer and wine and some tasty appies.

General Description: The 70s look is still there, but it's fun to visit and watch the cooks from your high-backed counter seat. Menu items aren't wildly original. They're tasty, but you pay a high price. Serving sizes are shrinking--they used to be almost too big, now it doesn't seem like much of a deal. Specializing in: American, Late Night, 24 Hours Neighborhood: Airport

13 Coins Restaurant Rating: 9
125 Boren Ave N Seattle 206-682-2513

7 days a week, 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to last call (Sunday 4 p.m. to last call), head into the Night Owl Lounge and enjoy special prices on well drinks, select beer and wine and some tasty appies.

General Description: 24 hours a day 13 Coins is serving up standard Americana in it's 70's style atmosphere. Booth and table seating available, but the counter is where all the action is. Open on some popular holidays when others are closed. Specializing in: 24 hours, American, Late Night, Thanksgiving, Christmas Neighborhood: Denny Regrade

Steelhead Diner Rating: 8
95 Pine Street Seattle 206-625-0129

From Tuesday through Friday, 2-6 p.m., take $2 off bar menu items. Drink-wise, house martinis, well drinks, all draft beers, Sessions Lager, local bottled beers and a red and white wine are all discounted. You also get $2 off all premium liquors and $2 off non-alcoholic drinks and specialty drinks. Score!

General Description: It's diner, evolved at Steelhead. Counter seats right in front of the kitchen, booths, plain tables--very diner. Yet the food is all your favorites brought up to date--a burger with melted onions, mushrooms and Beecher's cheese, fish & chips made with Alaskan ling cod, vegie "meatloaf," Walla Walla chicken, incredible salmon, halibut and black cod.. Plus all the things you'd expect from Chef Kevin Davis--gumbo, collard greens, an "honest bowl of chili." Full bar with a nice Northwest wine list. Great view of the market and Elliott Bay. Specializing in: Northwest, Brunch (weekends), Lunch, American, View, Banquet, Cocktails Neighborhood: Pike Place Market

Scott's Bar & Grill Rating: 8
8115 Lake Ballinger Wy Edmonds 425-775-2561

Happy hour deals appear twice daily from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close. All draft beers and select wines are price-reduced. Cocktail and food specials vary.

General Description: Although set up per a corporate formula, Scott’s has been around for years and is a popular bar hangout as well as a place to go for solid, American food. There’s a daily fresh sheet for seafood, mostly cooked over an applewood grill. Specializing in: American, Cocktails, Happy Hour, Brunch (Sunday) Neighborhood: Edmonds

Troiani Rating: 8
1001 Third Ave Seattle 206-624-4060

Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., Troiani offers food and drink specials. Food ranges from sald to snacky things to the Troiani burger, grilled chicken skewers and even a dessert. Drinks include draft beer, house red and white wine, a couple of martinis, a Manhattan and well drinks. They've also added "Troiani's Closing Bell" a brokers happy hour from 1-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Same deal on food and even better prices on drinks.

General Description: This Third Avenue space is lovely with downtown views and a look at Elliott Bay. Dishes are done with flair and are fairly evenly divided between seafood and beef. Complimentary valet parking after 5 p.m. Full bar. Specializing in: Italian, Christmas (Eve), New Years (Eve), Banquet, Cocktails, View Neighborhood: Downtown

Ray's Rating: 8
6049 Seaview Ave NW Seattle 206-789-3770

Two happy hours grace the day at Ray's, but they offer slightly different deals. From 4-6 p.m., appetizers are half price and there are savings to be had on wines by the glass and well drinks. From 10-11 p.m., appetizers are half price again, but there are no drink specials. Time to sober up before the drive home.

General Description: After a history of multiple fires, Ray's is still standing, serving delicious seafood and meats with a view of the inlet to Ballard's locks. The upstairs bar is a favorite for those awaiting seating or just watching the game. This is a Seattle tradition that can't be missed. Take a look at the extensive wine list (we suggest doing more than just looking). Specializing in: Seafood, Banquet, Cocktails, View, Wine, Happy Hour, Outdoor, Thanksgiving, Christmas (Eve), New Years (Eve) Neighborhood: Ballard

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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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