Hitting your favorite restaurant or bar at happy hour is a great way to stretch your dollars in this time of inflation. Here are some of my favorite places to perch on a bar stool and sip low-cost libations during the bargain hour.
1220 Main St., Vancouver (360-718-2941) and 816 N.E. 98th Circle, Vancouver (360-718-7046); 2-5 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. daily.
The happy hour menu at Amaro’s is legendary for great food ($4-$8), rotating draft cocktails ($9), and select classic cocktails like old fashioneds, margaritas or martinis ($9).
Recommended: Bavarian cheese fondue with a soft pretzel ($6) and ricotta doughnuts ($5) pair well with the rotating draft cocktails ($9).
115 W. Seventh St., Vancouver; 360-258-1324; 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2-8 p.m. Sunday.
The small but mighty happy-hour menu at The Grocery offers cocktail bites like hand-cut fries ($6) as well as more substantial snacks like six wings ($9). You can get $1 off signature cocktails, as well as happy-hour versions of cocktails like margaritas and old fashioneds ($7-$9).
Recommended: Grocery Burger with bacon jam, sweet onions, garlic mayo and American cheese on a potato bun ($9) and rotating punch ($9).
819 Main St., Vancouver (360-448-7694) and 315 N.E. 192nd Ave., Camas (360-828-1559); 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
This Pacific Northwest-themed bar offers more than the typical pub grub and well drinks typically associated with sports-focused spots.
Recommended: Blood orange margarita ($7) and fried Brussels sprouts with Parmesan cheese and spicy lemon honey vinegar ($8).
501 Columbia St., Vancouver; 360-433-2755; 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
This smokin’ hot spot features Texas barbecue and whiskey drinks.
Recommended: Corn dog ($7) and Texas sangria ($7) with Burgundy, brandy and Grand Marnier. Corn dogs at The Smokin’ Oak are often overlooked for more popular mains like brisket and ribs, but these tasty bits of cornmeal-encased smoked meat on a stick are an excellent take on the beach-side classic.
1701½ Broadway, Vancouver; 360-258-1146; 4-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday.
This underground speakeasy known for drag brunch and adult bingo also offers an entertaining mix of drinks and food for happy hour.
Recommended: Baked pretzel ($5) and jello shots ($2, cash only).
777 Waterfront Way, Vancouver; 360-768-5249; 3-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
This restaurant brings a bit of Las Vegas to Vancouver’s waterfront and offers a chic happy hour for those with Clase Azul dreams but a Jose Cuervo budget.
Recommended: Splurge on the cocktail and skimp on the bites by ordering a classic margarita ($12) and DosAlas guacamole ($8).
8070 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; 360-524-9000; 3-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 3-8 p.m. Monday.
This family-friendly pizza and frozen custard spot in The Mill shopping center provides the perfect cure for the Mondays — an all-day happy hour featuring Caesar salad with lemon anchovy dressing and crushed croutons ($8) and fried mozzarella ($6), as well as popular cocktails mixed for two ($13), boozy floats ($8) and boozy shakes for two ($15).
Recommended: Cheesy baked polenta ($7) and Industry Margarita for Two ($13).
8611 N.E. Ward Road; 503-730-5455; noon-3 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
It’s worth the schlep to Sifton for this New Orleans-inspired restaurant. If you live nearby, this place is neighborhood happy-hour gold.
Recommended: Jambalaya ($12) and Summertime Blues, which combines vodka, lemonade and blueberries ($12).
Rachel Pinsky: couveeats@gmail.com
