Happiest Hours: 40+ Happy Hour Hangouts
Whether it’s a fresh and fruity libation, the promise of a discount on hot wings, or the chance to pause the daily transition between work life and home life with some spirited socializing, happy hour is a beloved tradition. Here’s a roundup of some of the best places to spend your next one.
BLVD 41
Vibe: Choose your own adventure at this casual wood-fired pizzeria and pub, where you can select your favorite dressings and toppings to pair with as much craft beer and wine as you’d like to sample.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Tots are the quintessential comfort food and they’re absent from enough menus that when they appear—and when they’re done right—it’s magic. Get the Smothered Tots here, topped with cheese, bacon, spicy cream sauce, jalapeños, and green onions. Double down on the delicious factor with a side of rosemary garlic sauce.
Enjoy the happy hour discount and help yourself to one of 41 beers and wines on draft from the self-serve tap wall where you can pour as much as you like.
4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 134, El Dorado Hills, 916-235-2337, boulevard41.com
Folsom Tap House
Vibe: The kind of place where you’ll quickly become a regular, this casual hangout satisfies all of the typical cheat day pub cravings plus 22 beers on tap and 12 screens for sports aficionados.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: If you haven’t had the Grilled Street Corn yet, it’s time to do so. Dry-rubbed and rolled in poblano sauce, and finished with parmesan cheese and cilantro, this savory dish is the perfect pick for mid-day munchies.
Since it’s a tap house, you should probably trust the curated beer list, like the category-redefining nitro cream ale from Mother Earth Brewing Co., Cali Creamin’. Made with Madagascar vanilla bean, it offers a delicious cream soda mouthfeel.
25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com
Land Ocean
Vibe: It’s a classic steakhouse in a modern and lively setting (think casual with a classy edge).
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: It’s a fact that anything in a puff pastry is delicious and the Tenderloin Wellington is no exception. Two juicy cuts wrapped in flaky goodness with brandy peppercorn sauce and béarnaise? Yes, please.
Sparkling grapefruit and silver tequila make the Paloma a refreshing way to kick off the evening.
2720 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-7000; 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 241, Roseville, 916-407-5640, landoceanrestaurants.com
My Thai Kitchen
Vibe: Beautiful décor, friendly service, and authentic cooking are the hallmarks of this beloved Thai restaurant, where the open kitchen adds sizzle, flash, and fragrance to your visit.
Hours: 4-6 p.m. daily
Try this: MTK Money Bag, a signature appetizer of seasoned minced chicken stuffed into deep-fried egg roll pockets. Pretend you’re in Bangkok with a cold glass of Chang, Thailand’s most popular beer. The light lager pairs well with most dishes, and it’s just plain refreshing.
1465 Eureka Road, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-781-7811, eatatmythaikitchen.com
Placerville Public House
Vibe: A charming slice of Americana, this spirited social spot offers elevated pub grub in the heart of Placerville.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.; all day Tuesday; Sunday after 6 p.m.
Try this: The only thing better than crispy kettle chips? When they’re smothered with beer cheese, carnitas, and salsa. Order the Pub Nachos now; thank us later.
414 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3792, placervillepublichouse.com
Oakwater American Bistro
Vibe: Farm-to-fork dining in rustic elegance from the mastermind head chef Daniel Cote, whose resume includes Yountville’s Bouchon, Apple Inc., and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
Try this: It’s hard to pick just one thing, but the Duck Fat fries might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed in your life (until now). Think house-cut potatoes fried in duck fat and tossed with crispy chicken skin.
If you like wine and you once had a childhood love affair with 7-Eleven’s slurpees, this one’s for you: Wine Slushies.
5540 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-872-1517, oakwaterbistro.com
Tortilla Flats Cantina
Vibe: Festive and casual eatery with fun décor and handmade tortillas.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Red Chile Chicken Taquitos are crispy taquitos stuffed with pulled free-range chicken. Dip ‘em in housemade avocado crema for an ultra-savory treat.
For those who love margaritas in theory but find that the sour mix often found in the green, frosty delights is too sweet, here’s your new spot. These zesty scratch margaritas are made from—you guessed it—scratch.
564 Main Street, Placerville, 530-295-9408, tortillaflatscantina.com
Rosati’s
Vibe: Family-centered sports pub with seven screens known for some of the tastiest pizza in Roseville.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Get your wing fix with the Jumbo Wings, served with your choice of sauce: spicy garlic, mango habanero, honey BBQ, parmesan garlic, BBQ, and hot or mild buffalo.
With 14 beers on tap and more than 30 cans and bottles, you almost have to get a cold one. Stop by on tap takeover Tuesdays, where local breweries share their frosty concoctions once a month.
5140 Foothills Boulevard, Suite 110, Roseville, 916-797-7492, myrosatisroseville.com
Relish Burger Bar
Vibe: Bright and casual carnivore’s paradise with a full bar, plus a sprawling patio with ample seating.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Get a sampling of burgers with the Kobe Slider Flight: one with bacon, pepper jack cheese and aioli; one with bacon, cheddar, and BBQ sauce; and one with roasted garlic aioli, pepper jack cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
Don’t forget to check what’s on the rotating draft list for a taste of seasonal brews from surrounding craft breweries.
1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar.com
Bacchus House
Vibe: Don’t let the strip mall surroundings fool you: this ornately outfitted bistro specializes in seasonally focused and locally sourced New American cuisine with global nods, resulting in polished plates.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
Try this: Don’t leave without a taste of the fall-off-the-bone tender Baby Back Ribs, slow-roasted and served with housemade BBQ sauce.
The wine bar is tempting, but so is the Aphrodite: Raspberry vodka, Chambord, fresh lemon, and a half-sugar rim for a dangerously delicious cocktail.
1004 East Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-984-7500, bacchushousebistro.com
Mexquite
Vibe: Vibrant family-owned Mexican restaurant in lofty digs with cushy booths and a colorful patio.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Light and fresh, the Ceviche is a mouthwatering mixture of shrimp and fish cooked in lime juice, ideal for scooping up with crispy tortillas. Bonus: you’ll still have room for dinner, and possibly dessert (tip: get the churros).
Bring your margarita-enthusiast friends out for the Pomegranate Margarita, made with pomegranate tequila and fresh lime juice with a hint of sweetness from natural agave nectar. You can order it by the glass or pitcher.
25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com
Hawks
Vibe: White linens, sleek decor, optional tasting menus, and romantic ambiance await at time-tested Hawks; ideal for date night, celebrations, or just because.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m.; Wednesdays until 9 p.m.
Try this: What’s so great about wagyu beef? The finer texture and high degree of marbling makes this meat so tender that it melts in your mouth. Enjoy it in the house-ground Hawks Burger served on a buttery brioche bun.
Pleasantly floral and naturally sweet, the gin-based Lavender and Honey is a good choice for something light and aromatic.
5530 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-791-6200, hawksrestaurant.com
Sienna
Vibe: Sleek and sophisticated dining with magical lighting, a superb bar, and romantic patio.
Hours: 3-7 p.m. daily (Roseville); Monday-Saturday, 4-7 p.m.; Sunday, 2-7 p.m. (El Dorado Hills)
Try this: Indulge a little with the jam-packed 50-1-50 Slider that’s a hefty handheld with prime beef, habanero peppers, bacon, and crispy onion strings.
A little sweet, a little herby, a lot refreshing—definitely get the Watermelon Basil Martini.
3909 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9694; 1480 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-4700, siennarestaurants.com
Bar 101 Eats & Drinks
Vibe: Comfortable corner gathering spot with a social bar, pool table, 33 taps, and live music, plus 13 televisions for sports fanatics and an enormous 10-foot screen.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Here’s one for the pickle fans who normally have to hope for a pickle garnish with their pub entree: Fried Pickle Chips, are little briny slices of flavor with just the right amount of crunch. Savor them plain or dip them in the accompanying house-made chipotle dipping sauce.
Pick your favorite flavor—raspberry, cherry, orange, citrus, or pineapple—with the versatile Bar 101 Cooler Tini, a signature fruity vodka-based libation.
101 Main Street, Roseville, 916-774-0505, bar101roseville.com
La Provence
Vibe: The quintessential “treat yourself” establishment: upscale French countryside fare in a romantic and elegant setting.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4-7 p.m.
Try this: Spinach and artichoke dip just got better—at La Provence, it’s fondue. Made with goat cheese and paired with flatbread, this dreamy app is the perfect post-work pick-me-up.
Bourbon, sweet vermouth, a splash of cherry juice and two cherries will have you saying oui oui to the Paris in Manhattan.
110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com
The Monk’s Cellar
Vibe: With décor best described as wood, brick, and barrels, this no-frills brewery and public house offers a taste of Belgium and sense of community.
Hours: 3-6 p.m. daily
Try this: Reuben fries and house-made pretzel bites are among the munchie-friendly menu, but the house-made sausages are worth the trip alone. Try two of your choosing in the Sausage Sampler, served with pickled onions and mustard.
You can’t go wrong with any of their house beers. Start off with the Biere Blanche which earned The Monk’s Cellar second place at the California State Fair in 2018, and with good reason: the subtle orange peel and coriander flavors make it light, fresh, and great for sipping on a warm day.
240 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-786-6665, monkscellar.com
Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Vibe: A welcoming and laid-back atmosphere with plenty of seating and a patio with a view.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. (runs until 7 p.m. in the bar only)
Try this: Start with the Crispy Brewhouse Fish Tacos loaded with beer-battered cod, southwestern slaw, and chipotle aioli to give it a kick.
A perfect pairing to your tacos is the Castaway: passion fruit rum, spiced rum, fresh juices, and pomegranate liqueur.
6608 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-988-8812, petesrandb.com/folsom-petes
Sacramento Pizza Company
Vibe: Enter a casual pizza concept (you pick your crust, sauce, and toppings) that’s also crazy fast (pizzas are cooked and served in six minutes). Expect surprisingly good pies (they’re full of stuff you picked, after all) in a trendy minimalist space.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.
Try this: After building your own pie, sip on the Panic IPA, with a crisp and pine-y zing from Sacramento brewery Track 7.
2700 East Bidwell, Suite 500, Folsom, 916-673-9754, sacpizzaco.com
Zocalo
Vibe: Here’s what you need to know: Modern Mexican fare, a legendary patio, and some of the best margaritas around.
Hours: 3-6 p.m. daily
Try this: Tacos Camaron consists of two luscious tacos with shrimp sautéed in garlic and served with chipotle aioli, ham, pico de gallo, and red cabbage.
Treat yourself to the Mango Fresco Margarita, a handcrafted tropical ode to the original, made with organic mango purée and cucumber liqueur.
1182 Roseville Parkway, Roseville, 916-788-0303, zocalosacramento.com
Umi Sushi
Vibe: Cozy and charming sushi spot with inventive rolls, delectable ramen, and all-day specials.
Hours: Happy hour specials run all day.
Try this: If you’re a fan of anything tempura, try the Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll, stuffed with lightly fried and golden shrimp tempura, avocado, and unagi sauce.
Live a little and down a Sake Bomb, the classic beer cocktail made by dropping a shot of sake into a glass of beer.
107 S Harding Boulevard, Suite A, Roseville, 916-788-8333, umiumiumi.com
Brisas Do Sul
Vibe: Upscale Brazilian steakhouse offering a unique dining experience including endless streams of more than a dozen cuts and styles of meat, hand-carved tableside.
Hours: 4-7 p.m. daily
Try this: If you like meat, welcome to your mecca. Try the Medalhão de Filé Mignon, five pieces of juicy steak with a savory bacon wrapping.
Thirsty? Branch out from the Moscow Mule with a Ketel One Guava Mule, sweetly blended with the distinctive tropical fruit.
380 Palladio Parkway, Suite 305, Folsom, 916-883-2747, brisasdosul.com
Scott’s Seafood
Vibe: A cherished seafood classic, this San Francisco original offers 40 wines by the glass, daily specials, a menu for kids as well as gluten-free patrons, and patio dining in a white-tablecloth setting.
Hours: Monday, 3-10 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Try this: Perfectly golden and lightly crispy on the outside with a tender center, the Pan-fried Dungeness Crab Cakes served with a peppy sriracha aioli are great for sharing (or for keeping all to yourself).
9611 Greenback Lane, Folsom, 916-989-6711, scottsseafood.net
La Huaca
Vibe: Colorful, chic, and contemporary, this gem serves up gorgeous plates with a Peruvian twist (think fried plantains, cilantro sauces, plenty of meat choices, and an extensive ceviche menu).
Hours: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday-Saturday, 3-6 p.m. and 8 p.m.-close; all day Tuesday
Try this: Cassava, or yuca (pronounced yoo-kah), is a tubular root similar to a potato that’s high in vitamin C. Get a taste with the Yucas Rellanas, lightly breaded yuca croquettes stuffed with mozzarella and served with a side of Huancaina (slightly spicy cheese sauce).
A little sweet and a little sour, the Pisco Sour is a classic creamy South American cocktail to perfectly complement your meal.
9213 Sierra College Boulevard, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-771-2558, lahuacarestaurant.com
Wally’s Pizza Bar
Vibe: Expect a sports bar with exceptional pizza, comfortable seating, and screens. Lots of screens.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., 9 p.m. to close
Try this: Is there anything more glorious than a giant golden-brown pretzel, dusted in salt, dangling from a hook? Whether you’re a beer cheese or mustard dipper, the German Pretzel is on point.
If you like rum and ginger beer with lime and mint, opt for the Dark and Stormy, served in a copper mug.
4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com
Range Kitchen & Tap
Vibe: Minimalist with rustic farmhouse charm, Range offers upscale comfort food, exceptional cheese plates, and thin-crust pizzas.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Every ingredient in The Forager pizza keeps getting better: roasted wild mushrooms, mozzarella and goat cheese, bacon lardons, and white truffle oil.
Since it’s a tap house, sip on a rotating craft beer from acclaimed local breweries like Jackrabbit and The Monk’s Cellar.
1420 East Roseville Parkway, Roseville, 916-865-4317, rangeroseville.com
New Glory Brewery & Taproom
Vibe: Casual digs, geometric décor, and an open kitchen set the stage for enjoying unique craft beers and elevated pub fare (think fried avocado street tacos, garlic parmesan fries, and meatball and ricotta pizza).
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m.
Try this: Perhaps the hallmark dish of any beer-focused eatery is its Beer Cheese, and here, it doesn’t disappoint. A little bit sharp and a little bit nutty, this creamy dip comes topped with chopped bacon and green onions, perfect for pairing with the accompanying tortilla chips.
Sip on New Glory’s Gummy Worms, an American Pale Ale made with “juicy” Pacific Northwest hops and “chewy” wheat malt. Unfined and unfiltered, this tasty brew clocks in at 5.8 percent ABV.
5540 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916-872-1721, newglorybeer.com
Goose Port Public House
Vibe: A casual and social pub with a sports slant (seven big screens) and 16 beers on tap, plus a bright dining area and dog-friendly patio that’s great for groups.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Try this: These Goose Port Fries have converted even the pickiest French fry snob. A mix of regular fries and sweet potato fries, they’re sweet, salty, crispy, and basically perfect.
Goose Port makes a mean Mai Tai, the rum-based classic. If you’re in need of a mini-vacation, this one is for you.
316 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-886-5080, gooseport.com
The Chef’s Table
Vibe: Go on a culinary adventure at this foodie haven, with a fresh, modern-American menu featuring thoughtful flavor pairings and new spins on favorite dishes.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Try something other than guac by dipping pita bread into the Stuffed California Avocado which features boiled almond hummus, pickled red radishes, sriracha, and cumin-toasted benne (sesame seeds).
Pairs perfectly with the refreshing Cucumber Basil Gimlet that’s sweet, tart, and savory in one glass, made with lemonade, offering garden-fresh flavor.
6843 Lonetree Boulevard, Suite 103, Rocklin, 916-771-5656, thechefstablerocklin.com
Milestone
Vibe: This artfully rustic hot spot offers a lengthy list of shareables, new twists on classic entrées, an impressive selection of cheese and charcuterie, plus freshly spun cocktails and plentiful al fresco seating.
Hours: All day Monday; Tuesday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 3-5 p.m.
Try this: Sweet meets savory with the Brie and Apple Tartine, comprising crusty sourdough topped with a dreamy melody of buttery brie, fresh apples, blueberry jam, walnuts, and honey.
Try the Grapefruit Bar as your drink, which offers grapefruit juiced to order and mixed with your favorite spirit (vodka, tequila, gin, or rum).
4359 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 116, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-0790, milestonerestaurantedh.com
Broderick
Vibe: The quintessential roadhouse with a huge fry and burger menu, plus classic milkshakes and vegan options.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try This: Get an order (or two) of the Poutine Fries: hand-cut potatoes topped with deep-fried cheese curds and house-made beef gravy.
Order yourself a Hoot & Holler—a shot and a shorty of beer— to start (or end) your night strong.
185 Placerville Road, Folsom, 916-986-9785; 1516 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-771-2722, broderickroadhouse.com
Mikuni
Vibe: A long-time staple for classic and eclectic sushi options that delivers a consistently top-notch experience.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2-5 p.m. (Roseville); 2-6 p.m. (Folsom)
Try this: The Illegal Asparagus—blanched in hot oil and seasoned with sansho pepper and yuzu salt—is so good that it’s depressing, mostly because you’ll never be able to recreate it at home. Don’t skimp on the accompanying zig zag sauce.
Pair it with the lush and floral lychee fruit in the Absolut Lychee Shock, a signature vodka-based cocktail, served with an umami (savory) button garnish.
1565 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-797-2112; 185 Placerville Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-934-5250, mikunisushi.com
Fat’s Asia Bistro
Vibe: The family that earned an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2013 and made it on to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list earlier this year brings elevated Chinese fare with high ceilings, towering indoor palms, and a patio.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Try this: Who doesn’t love wing night? Try the Spicy Korean Chicken Wings from free-range Petaluma Poultry dipped in miso sour cream.
Also try Fat’s signature cocktail, Cherry Blossom, that’s made with cherry and vanilla vodkas.
2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-983-1133; 1500, Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-787-3287, fatsasiabistro.com
36 Handles Public House
Vibe: Mural-covered walls and a sky-high ceiling house good-natured fun: darts, a jukebox, and live music, plus an extensive menu to satisfy pub cravings.
Hours: 3-6 p.m. daily
Try this: Lightly breaded with a crispy coating and satisfying crunch, the Zucchini Fries can’t be missed. Dip them in the house-made buttermilk dressing for a creamy treat.
A deal on Jameson doesn’t sound too bad either!
1010 White Rock Road, Suite 100, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-3606, 36handles.com
Chicago Fire
Vibe: A love letter to deep dish Chicago-style pizza, this specialty shop holds its own with gourmet pies in a sleek and moody outpost.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 4-9 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 4-6 p.m.; Friday, 3-6 p.m. (Historic Folsom); Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. (Palladio and Roseville)
Try this: Indulge in the Great Chicago Dumpster Fries which are essentially French fries under a delicious layer of roast beef, spicy sausage, Giardiniera peppers, beef au jus, and a habanero drizzle.
Bring a vinophile friend and dive into Wine by the Glass—white or red.
614 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-353-0140; 310 Palladio Parkway, Suite 701, Folsom, 916-984-0140; 500 North Sunrise Avenue, Roseville, 916-771-2020, chicagofire.com
Aji Japanese Bistro
Vibe: Set in stylish and chic digs, this is a place where every plate is photo-worthy.
Hours: All day Monday; Tuesday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: Start off with the Fried Artichoke Hearts, a wonderfully indulgent helping of the vegetable’s meaty cores with a satisfying crunch.
For something light and aromatic, opt for the Lavender Press, a lovely gin-based cocktail made with natural cane sugar, lemon, and lavender.
4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 111, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9181, ajibistroedh.com
Hacienda Del Rio
Vibe: With more than three decades of business, this Mexican Folsom original offers authentic recipes and great lunch specials, plus live DJs on the weekends, trivia on Tuesdays, and karaoke on Wednesdays.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: The Queso is addictive, so tread carefully. It’s creamy, zesty, and you’ll want to dip everything you order in it.
When you can’t choose between a margarita or a beer and it’s been a long week, have them both. The Coronarita is simply an upside-down bottle of Corona draining into a margarita, and yes, it pairs perfectly.
702 Sutter Street, Suite M, Folsom, 916-351-1800, hacdelrio.com
Mylapore
Vibe: This casual and authentic South Indian vegetarian eatery is hailed for its thali dishes, wide selection of dosas, and delicious sauces.
Hours: 5-7 p.m. daily
Try this: Best compared to a savory crêpe, a dosa is a thin, flat layer of cooked rice and lentil batter, ideal for dipping or stuffing full of yummy ingredients. Try the Masala Dosa, served with potato masala, sambar (flavorful lentil dip), and chutney.
1760 Prairie City Road, Suite 160, Folsom, 916-985-3500, mylapore.us
The Independent
Vibe: Cocktail-focused outpost with cozy dining, a shrouded patio with ample seating, and fresh modern American plates.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m.
Must-try dish: Swap potatoes for turnips with the turnip fries, a low-carb option that’s just as satiating as its counterpart. Tip: pair them with the cajun BBQ sauce.
Hailed for its crafty libations, mixed drinks is where the bar really shines. For something familiar yet different, opt for a glass of Miss American Rye, a whiskey-based cocktail with housemade ginger syrup, housemade ginger beer, and an absinthe kick.
629 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7645, independentplacerville.com
La Calle
Vibe: Colorful murals and lights make La Calle a hip and popular spot.
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m.
Try this: Fried, yet fresh, give the Shrimp Poppers a try. Jalapeños stuffed with cheese and shrimp are wrapped in bacon, battered, and fried to golden perfection. This pop won’t stop.
Keep the spice going with the Spicy Mamacita featuring vodka, house-made sweet and sour, and fresh-muddled jalapeños.
6608 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 1, Folsom, 916-293-9677, facebook.com/lacallefolsom
Flightz
Vibe: Laid-back and unfussy with a well-rounded offering of wines, plus a sunny patio.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 2-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 2-4 p.m.; 8-10 p.m. daily
Try this: Nothing beats a classic yet flavorful bruschetta. Flightz Bruschetta features roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pesto, and a Cabernet honey balsamic reduction.
You can’t go to Flightz without trying a flight. Choose one of their Wine Flightz to get a few tastes of one winery.
3907 Park Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-805-5128, flightzwinepub.com
FLB Entertainment Center
Vibe: A gathering spot for locals with plenty of fun including flat screen TVs, dart boards, pool tables, and more.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Try this: There’s nothing like digging into Babo Fish Tacos. Beer-battered cod with shredded cabbage on a parmesan-crusted corn tortilla topped with pickled onion, creamy chipotle sauce, and garnished with cilantro and lime.
Enjoy the generous happy hour discount with over 20 beers on tap or a cocktail made to order.
511 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-4411, flb365.com
Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market
Vibe: A fresh, laid-back interior with the option to be seated in the bar or casually hang on the patio while enjoying offerings from the market counter.
Hours: 3-7 p.m. daily
Try this: The best of both worlds comes in Corned Beef Tacos. House-braised, shredded beef in a handmade corn tortilla.
Made with vodka and house-made tomato water, Tito’s Tomato Martini is a simple yet flavorful cocktail that pairs perfectly.
1595 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-750-5150, bennettskitchen.com
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Vibe: Family-friendly with loads of seating and a chilled-out atmosphere.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.; Sunday-Thursday, 9 p.m.- 12 a.m.
Try this: Dive into the Coconut Shrimp Ceviche that’s cured in fresh citrus juices and coconut milk with fresh veggies.
Bring a few friends and split a pitcher of Sangria; choose from white peach, raspberry rosé, or pomegranate red.
300 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-378-4660; 238 Gibson Drive, Roseville, 916-727-6321, lazydogrestaurants.com
by Luna Anona
Did you know?
Happy hour is banned in eight US states: Alaska, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.
The term “Happy Hour” dates back to the early 1900s and was a slang term used by the US Navy to describe various entertainment activities. It wasn’t until Prohibition that Americans began using the term specifically for drinking.
Happy hour has been illegal in Ireland since 2003.
Happy Hour Dos:
Drink. Alcohol dehydrates, so to avoid that hangover, sip on water between drinks.
Talk. If you’re with co-workers you can be tempted to carry on where you left off at work, but, instead, show them who you are outside of work and find out more about them, too.
Eat. Alcohol on an empty stomach is a bad idea and can also lead to a hangover. That’s what the appetizers and sharables are there for. So, dig in!
Happy Hour Don’ts:
Don’t be glued to your phone. Doing so is impolite in any social situation.
Don’t overdo it—with the drinking, with talk about your problems at work or at home, or with overeating.
Don’t not go. It’s a great way to blow off some steam, get to know your friends and co-workers better, and try out new restaurants and bars.