There’s no better way to start off the night than sipping on your drink of choice and nibbling on some pre-dinner bites. Our American ode to the Italian apéritif, restaurants and bars have stepped up and hopped on the happy hour bandwagon with deals on booze and bites, something that has become tradition for many couples and friends alike. So how long can you go? These five Pacific Northwest restaurants and bars are keeping it real with some of the cheapest happy hour prices in their respective cities, ensuring these precious hours of happiness are worth every penny.
Barbacoa | Boise, ID
This artsy restaurant is known for its imaginative cocktails and with a buy-one-get-one-free happy hour deal, it is one of the most popular places to grab a pre-dinner drink. From 4-6 p.m. each day, Barbacoa shows off what it means to bring art and cuisine together with cocktails like the Heat margarita that brings a new twist to the classic with fresh cilantro, serrano chilis, fresh orange and reposado tequila.
List | Seattle
It’s hard to beat a $18 bottle of wine, a glass of red or white for $4.50 or a frothy pint for $3.50. With different happy hours depending on the day of the week, this cozy Belltown neighborhood joint is a hot spot for an intimate and casual cocktail hour experience. Pair a glass of the house white with the handmade gnocchi smothered with black truffle cream for a match made in food heaven.
North 48 | Victoria, B.C.
Often considered one of the best happy hours in town, North 48 is whipping up deadly $6 tiki and $3 highball cocktails, plus $5 glasses of wine to guarantee a great start to your night. Stop at the modern Japanese-styled joint between 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday to reap the benefits and take advantage of the food steals as well. Check out their website for daily specials on booze including their popular “Buck a Duck” Thursdays, in which duck wings are $1 each and beer stays $5 from 4 p.m. until close.
Interurban | Portland
Celebrated widely for its pre-Prohibition-styled cocktails and extensive whiskey list, a generous happy also occurs dailiy from 3-6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 p.m. until close. Take advantage of the liberal happy hour menu by sipping down $5 cocktails, even cheaper pints of local beer and pours of whiskey. If you’re feeling like trying something different, opt for one of the gourmet jello shots at $2, a true ode to the college life once lived.
The Metropole Community Pub | Vancouver, B.C.
Although Vancouver is overflowing with happy hour deals around every corner, prices do not compare to those at the beloved Met Pub. With glowing neon signs, dimly lit hanging lamps and pool tables scattered about, this bar is an old school type of funky. Happy hour drinks are around $3 and all drinks sat at $3.25 for the entire month of February, so whether you find yourself there between 4-6 p.m. or just at any time during the day, you’ll be setting an ideal tone for the night at one of the cheapest dive bars in the city.
