Top 5 Happy Hours

Whether it's farmers just ending a long day in the sun, office jockeys in San Francisco stopping off before heading home to parts north, or Sonoma State's finest taking a break from the rigors of college, many flock to Petaluma for its wide range of happy hours. Here are the Top Five happy hours in town:

Situated along the river, Graffiti offers the perfect happy hour Monday through Friday 4-6pm for those who crave fine food and great views. Graffiti offers a great place to linger the long days of summer.  Its calm atmosphere is good for those who wish to enjoy the river or do people-watching.

Patrons can enjoy the house beers, a pilsner or a raspberry-flavored beer, for $2 to $3 depending on the size, as well as a variety of red and white wines for $3 a glass.  Appetizers range from $3 to $5, with choice of soup, salad, spring rolls, or ravioli, along with bread, fries or beet kim chee.

Happy hours, with an "s", may be the best way to describe First Edition's no frills deal. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, thirsty patrons can get domestic beers for $2, well drinks for $3 and $6 pitchers.  Located in the Washington Square Shopping Center on the east side of town, First Edition will occasionally offer free dishes that accompany one of the nightly events being held.

Make no mistake, though, this is a bar. It's darkly lit, service is usually limited to one person working the crowd, which is mostly made up of regulars. Call it the Cheers of Petaluma. The good news...it's a bar. Regulars are friendly and are there to relax. So enjoy the rancor, fling darts, shoot some pool, watch the game or play video trivia.

While most happy hour specials involve discounted drinks, Central Market offers a few deals as a gateway towards dinner. Central Market's happy hour starts at the restaurant's opening at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. Those who come can enjoy free pizza at the bar, $1 oysters, $3 beers and $5 wines. While the wine price may seem a little high, keep in mind that Central Market tends to stock higher end bottles.

The Mexican restaurant, located in the Theatre District, stands as one of the most versatile happy hours in Petaluma, which goes from 3-6pm Monday through Friday.

With margaritas and some appetizers that cost $4 a piece, $4 beers and $5 wines, Tres Hombres gives the savvy patron options galore. The appetizers are generous, so a couple can easily patch them together, piecemeal style, with two drinks to make a full dinner of the night, and still keep the tap under $20.

That amazing thing is how well the restaurant is sectioned off. Want to eat at the bar and watch the game? No need to fight crowds, the bar is located directly in front of the televisions. Want to stay inside but avoid the bar crowd? Eat outside or sit in one of several tables located far away from the busy bar. Want a drink before checking out the latest blockbuster? The restaurant's spry service makes it easy to get in and out quickly before the previews roll.

It's hard to argue with price. Seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then again from 10 p.m. to midnight, City Limits offers domestic draft at $1, import drafts for $2, well drinks for $2.50 as well as the house wine, margaritas, bloody marys, sangrias and a martini of the day for $3 each. And that's along with a choice of select $3 appetizers.

For 49ers, Raiders, A's and Giants games, fans can enjoy happy hour as long as the game is on. And for the adventurous gambler, a card table is just inside the bar's entrance.