The Best Happy Hours in CDM

Some say that God rested on the seventh day. I say, "No, he created happy hour." Happy hour has become part of the American culture, and Corona del Mar is taking a slice out of this American pie. In recent years, happy hour has become the new dinner, replacing full meals with small bites and tapas due to the inexpensive pricing and the nice atmosphere that comes with bringing friends together.

Here is my list of the best happy hours in Corona del Mar: Trust me. I know!

Avila's El Ranchito-When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. What: Complimentary appetizers, free chips and salsa, discount on drinks, $5 all-you-can-eat mini burritos, tacos and taquitos. Why: El Ranchito is a super-cool, casual place to hang out after work with friends. It has good margaritas and classic Mexican food. The CDM location is one of the less crowded places, but get there early to get a good seat. 

-When: Daily, 4-7 p.m. What: $5 house wines and half-price bar menu. Why: This restaurant has been around forever. In fact, I think my mom brought me here when I was still a little tot. However, the decor and attitude of the restaurant have changed, so it is not as stuffy. There is a younger crowd, especially during happy hour. The wine list is spectacular, and the ambience for a happy hour is quite posh. 

-When: Monday (all night), Tuesday-Thursday, 5-8 p.m., Friday,  4-7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. What: $2 off starters, green plates, pizzas, tapas, sandwiches, beers, $5 off entrees, $3 off wines by the glass and $6 cocktails. Why: The staff is super-friendly here, and it is always a packed crowd. Live music nightly in this intimate restaurant makes for a good happy-hour atmosphere. 

-When: Daily, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the patio and in the bar. What: Half-price for all appetizers, drink specials on wine and well drinks. Why: Landmark has more of a lounge/club vibe, which is why you should order one of the strong cocktails instead of a beer (nothing on draft,  anyway). The appetizers are delicious, though (calamari, garlic fries),  and there is always a large crowd for happy hour filling up the patio. Great for those warm summer nights. 

-When: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m. What: 6 for $6 drinks and appetizers. Why: The Quiet Woman is an iconic restaurant in Corona del Mar. The diverse crowd is packed nightly, and the quality of the drinks and food exceeds quality of a regular happy hour. The happy-hour 6 for $6 includes Ketel and soda, Jack and Coke, calamari, Indonesian chicken. 

-When: Daily 4:30-7 p.m., in the bar. What: Martinis (apple, orange tini, cactus, cosmopolitan, lemon heaven, bikini) $6, draft beer $4, house wine $5, well drinks 4.75. Appetizers $5-$8 (wild mushroom chicken quesadilla, burger and fries, lobster and corn fritters). Why: This is a popular happy hour in Corona del Mar. Diners get quality food and drinks at a great price. The specialty martinis are some of the best in town.  

-When: Monday-Friday, 2:30-6:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 4-6:30 p.m. What: $5 sushi rolls and $5 hot sake and beer. Why: It's the only sushi place in town that has a happy hour, and an early one. Happy hour could be your lunch. The sushi rolls are fresh and tasty, and it's a great place to bring friends and share various rolls. 

There are other bars and restaurants in Corona del Mar that do not have happy hour but do offer various drink and food specials on certain nights of the week. 

-Thursday nights are industry nights (no matter what industry you are in). Diners receive specials on food and drinks from 10 p.m. until closing. $5 wines by the glass, $4.50 draft beer, $5 burgers. 

-Monday night is Wine Down night: 20 percent off all flights and wines by the glass. Tuesday night is taco Tuesday: 2-for-$10 tacos. The bar gets really crowded, so get here early. Cheers!