Best Local Happy Hour Spots
Feb 25, 2016
Nothing signals the end of a work day than heading straight from the office to happy hour with colleagues or friends for some great bites and libations.
Here are some of our favorite happy hour spots:

Grab your office mates and head over to the bar at Del Frisco’s Grille at Irvine Spectrum Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for $5 beers and $6 specials on select appetizers, wines by the glass and signature martinis. Be sure to order the Cheesecake Eggrolls or Spicy Meatball Flat Bread. To drink, get the VIP: the bartender will squeeze a pineapple wedge that’s been infused with clementine vodka directly into your martini glass.

Wildfish Seafood Grill at The Bluff Shopping Center has a happy hour that is beloved amongst Newport Coast locals. Enjoy happy hour specials all night Sunday and Monday and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Regulars look forward to $2 off drinks at the bar and a selection of $6 martinis, cocktails and wines by the glass. The bar scene here is sophisticated and vibrant. Order the batter-fried oysters for $7 or the fresh tuna tartare for $10.

At Cucina enoteca at Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center, soak in the sun with a private table on the patio or enjoy the camaraderie of dining at a communal table during Intermezzo or happy hour, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Nosh on California-inspired Italian fare such as parmesan fries ($3.50), burnt brussel sprouts ($3.75) and margherita pizza ($7). Sip on the refreshing Seasonal Sangria that’s infused with fresh fruit for $6 or select red and white wines by the glass for $7 and Moretti draft beef for $4.
BRIO Tuscan Grille at Irvine Spectrum Center has not just one but two happy hours! One at 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and then again from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Take a sofa seat near the fire pit on on the outdoor terrace and order a cocktail for $4 – $6. Appetizers are also a steal, from $4 for Crispy Tuscan Tots with Sriracha mayo to $5 for Sausage and Pepperoni Flat Bread. Wednesdays are $5 Martini Nights.

Whether it’s date night or an evening out with friends, Paul Martin’s American Grill’s happy hour has something for everyone. Head to Irvine Spectrum Center to enjoy small plates such as chicken wings and smoked salmon lettuce cups to St. Louis-style pork ribs and a butcher’s board of local cheeses ans salumis. Make your drink a classic one with a Maker’s Mark Manhattan. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

All the way from New York, Babette’s at Crystal Cove Shopping Center brings an East Hampton sensibility to O.C.’s happy hour Sunday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. That means handcrafted cocktails for $7 and deals on appetizers like their signature White Truffle Wild Mushroom Mouse served with grilled country bread for $9. Wash it down with The Billionaire, made with house bourbon, fresh-pressed lemon juice, housemade grenadine and absinthe bitters.
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