5 Happy Hours for the Work Week

After eight, nine or more hours on the job, sometimes the day needs to end with a frosty beer and a tasty snack that won't stress out your wallet.

Patch scoured Sarasota for great deals in a variety of environments for an hour (or two) of happiness. Here are some of our favorites for whatever type of day that comes along.

When you have to impress a potential client. If you've been in negotiations all day, it's time to take your future client to the high-end, swanky digs at , which the New York Times called one of the top places in Sarasota for fine dining.

From the valet entrance to the plush decor to the old-fashioned, glamorous cocktails in the piano lounge, it'll be a cinch to seal this deal. Better yet, the wine, well drinks and vintage cocktails (like the Algonquin, a perfect blend of rye, vermouth and pineapple juice) are just $5, as are many of the appetizers.

Try the panko-crusted mozzarella, with a super-savory pomodoro vinaigrette or the crispy Asian duck and hoisin spring rolls. Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Michael's on East, 1212 East Ave. S.; 941-366-0007; www.michaelsoneast.com.

When you need to bitch about the boss. Grab a compassionate co-worker and head over to the intimate walls of Lucia's Pizza & Italian Grill in Southside Village.

With seven tables inside and a bar that nearly runs the entire length of the place, you can vent for a few hours without getting busted.

To drown your sorrows, domestic draft beers are $2 and a generous glass of wine is $5. Share an overflowing plate of the ginger calamari or any of the other offerings from the menu that's full of New Jersey Italian flair.

You'll soon forget whatever it was you were griping about. Happy hour runs from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Lucia's Pizza & Italian Grill, 1812 Osprey Ave. S.; 941-954-5400; www.luciaspizzagrill.com.

When you finally ask out that girl in accounting. So you've worked up the nerve, now take her somewhere she'll find on-trend and adorable. is restaurateur Sean Murphy's complement to fine-dining spot Beach Bistro.

The casual upstairs balcony at Eat Here is a great place to get to know one another over a cocktail and a free thin-crusted cheese pizza served during the 5 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour.

The patio's cheeky menu also includes items like not mama's pot roast and oxymoron big shrimp with cocktail sauce.

And maybe you'll even get lucky ... when she lets you take her to the movies across the street at the . Eat Here, 1888 Main St.; 941-365-8700; www.eatheresarasota.com.

When your out-of-town business partner wants the “Florida Experience.” Admit it, you like to be a tourist sometimes. And part of living in Florida is hosting visitors who want the quintessential Florida experience that you secretly covet.

Your business partner from up north is no different. Give him or her a giant dose of Gulf-coast life at the , a few minutes from the airport.

Don't let the humble exterior that's paired with the Ramada Inn fool you. Once you hit the tiki bar out back, you'll forget you just pulled off of Tamiami Trail.

Every seat at the bar will likely be filled during the 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. happy hour, but you can grab a seat at an umbrellaed table and watch the boats from dock while you catch the sunset.

Happy hour includes deals like $1.75 domestic drafts and $3 cocktails or wine, and the bargains keep coming with daily dinner specials. Bearded Clam Waterfront Restaurant, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail; 941-355-2600; www.thebeardedclamsarasota.com.

When it's finally Friday. So you think Gulf Gate is all dive bars and pool halls? How long has been since you've visited? , the sister restaurant to at the corner of Gulf Gate and Gateway, is the only happy hour we found serving champagne.

Bubbles, Bites & Sips runs from 4 to 6 p.m., and includes Moet and Chandon champagnes as well as wines, vodka, two beers and a handful of appetizers for $7 each (highly recommended: the spicy shrimp skewers, if you can handle the kick).

The contemporary interior with stainless steel tables and chairs, smoky glass bar top and art glass throughout adds a welcomed classy touch to the top of Gulf Gate's entertainment district and an ideal way to celebrates the week's end.

And let's face it, you know you'll be hitting the pool tables soon enough. Piatti Bistro & Bar, 6630 Gateway Ave.; 941-923-5570; www.panificiousa.com.