From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Miami-Dade
Alcazaba Lounge
The weekly happy hour at this hotel lounge features free salsa lessons for all and complimentary champagne and wine for the ladies. Monthly specialty drinks for $5 and domestic beers for $3 are also offered.
Happy hour: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday
Recommended drink: Apple martini or cosmopolitan
Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, 50 Alhambra Plaza (305/441-1234)
Amendment XXI Lounge
Party like it's 1933 at this bar inspired by the Prohibition era. Toast the 21st Amendment and your personal right to drink up with one of several signature martinis.
Happy hour: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5-7 p.m. Friday
Recommended drink: Mexican martini, made with Herradura Añejo, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, a splash of sour mix and a splash of orange juice
Location: 190 N.E. 46th St., Miami (305/571-7200; A21lounge.com)
Broadway Billiards
Things have changed at Broadway Billiards since it got a nightlife overhaul. Happy hour now happens twice daily and stretches out on Fridays, when it's three-for-one. The bar is now home to the legendary goth stomp, The Kitchen Club, on Saturdays. Fridays welcome the dark dance party Vamp 11 p.m.-5 a.m., but show up early for local bands. The "billiards" part of Broadway hasn't changed, with pool-playing specials on Sundays and Mondays.
Happy hour: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1:30-3:30 a.m. for In the Biz
Recommended drink: Jägerbomb
Location: 17813 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura (305/931-1900; Myspace.com/thekitchenclub)
Cafeteria
This 24-hour café/nightclub serves comfort food and pick-me-ups to clubgoers in the wee hours and bountiful breakfasts to families and tourists during the day. Chicken and waffles, homemade soups and sandwiches, and signature cocktails keeps the place busy at any hour, but happy hour gets packed with two-for-one drinks and half-price food selections.
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: White-grape martini or guava margarita
Location: 546 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach (305/672-3663)
The Clevelander
Boasting "South Beach's best happy hour," The Clevelander offers half-price selections of Harpoon Mickey's specialty drinks and $5 munchies such as its Hot Lips chicken wings. Dip your toes poolside or watch the sun go down just steps from the beach.
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3-7 p.m. Friday
Recommended drink: Ocean Drive mudslide
Location: 1020 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach (786/276-1414; Clevelander.com)
Doraku
Every night offers something new at this sushi and sake haven. Sushi-rolling classes, two-for-one-cosmo nights, champagne brunches and a variety of sake flavors keep customers coming back. During happy hour on Fridays, it's feast, not famine, with a complimentary buffet. Thursday's industry night provides in-the-biz specials from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Happy hour: 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: Doraku lemonade with Skyy Vodka and fresh mint
Location: 1104 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach (305/695-8383; Dorakusushi.com)
The Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel
This Halloween weekend, the hotel will host a special Halloween happy hour when ladies drink free from 5 to 9 p.m. and guys can throw down $3 beer and wine or $5 martinis.
Happy hour: 5-9 p.m. Friday
Recommended drink: The Surfcomber martini with vodka, Alizé, Triple Sec and blue curaçao
Location: 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach (305/532-7715)
Flavour Nightclub
Happy hours at this Coconut Grove spot change nightly with themes such as Social Blender on Thursdays, featuring Absolut pear-vodka specials, and Professionals Happy Hour on Fridays for the after-work crowd. In between the happy hours, the club plays host to punk shows, Latin dance nights and battle-of-the-bands events.
Happy hour: 6-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Recommended drink: Bacardi mojito
Location: 2895 McFarlane Road, Miami (305/445-6511; Flavourcg.com)
Gatsby's
The Boca Raton location of this cozy and sophisticated hangout for young professionals has about a dozen large-screen TVs, a billiards room with 11 pool tables, a sushi room and a cigar room. Smokers are welcome, and 25 wines are served by the glass. Happy hour features $4 pizzas and half-price drinks and pool.
Happy hour: 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: White-chocolate martini, made with Stoli Vanil, Godiva white-chocolate liqueur and a drizzle of chocolate syrup
Location: 5970 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton (561/393-3900); 901 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach (561/686-7300); 1805 S. University Drive, Davie (954/476-0063); and 8575 S.W. 124th Ave., Kendall (305/412-2220); Gatsbysfl.com
Gigi Bistro
This modern French and American bistro is quickly becoming the Miami Design District's favorite spot for Sunday brunch with savory offerings such as steak and eggs, strawberry French toast and eggs Benedict. Lunch and dinner are just as popular, and happy hour gets you two-for-one on wine and beer.
Happy hour: 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: Beer or wine
Location: 190 N.E. 46th Street, Miami (305/572-0015)
Gordon biersch brewing company
This brew house and restaurant serves six different hand-crafted lagers and ales. During the week, drink specials include Two for Tuesdays and Young Professionals Wednesdays with $2 beers. On the weekends, Gordon Biersch serves a Bloody Mary brunch.
Happy hour: 5-8 p.m. Saturdays-Thursdays
Recommended drink: Hefeweizen lager
Location: 1201 Brickell Ave., Miami, (786/425-1130; Gordonbiersch.com)
Indochine
Operating as much more than a restaurant, Indochine hosts a variety of laid-back community events such as classic-movie night, full-moon parties, art shows and karaoke. But if you end up here for the food and drinks alone, dishes such as the bamboo fish wrapped in a banana leaf or the vampire sushi roll made with shrimp, tomato, cilantro and roasted garlic are reasons enough to celebrate your visit. Happy hour offers $5 cocktails and martinis, $4 wines and $3 beers.
Happy hour: 5-7 p.m. daily and 11 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays
Recommended drink: Saigon sangria made with pinot grigio, peach schnapps, fruit and fresh mint
Location: 638 S. Miami Ave., Miami (305/379-1525; Indochinebistro.com)
Ivy Aventura Restaurant and Lounge
You could go for a full serving of roasted prawns with avocado salad or pumpkin bisque with spiced whipped cream and vanilla oil, but happy hour is just as decadent as dinner at Ivy. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres pair with half-price martinis like the smortini (includes graham crackers and Godiva chocolate) and the cherry bomb (black cherry vodka, Chambord and white chocolate liqueur).
Happy hour: 5-8 p.m. daily
Recommended drink: The skinny martini with Skyy Berry vodka, Grand Marnier, sugar-free Red Bull and cranberry juice
Location: 19004 N.E. 29th Ave. (Loehmann's Plaza), Aventura (305/932-1416; Ivyaventura.com)
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill
Inspired by the foods of Latin America, Jaguar serves everything from a Pacific swordfish ceviche to Mexican tortilla lasagna. Happy hour offers $5 cocktails such as margaritas, caipirinhas, mojitos and rum punch, and includes one complimentary classic Peruano ceviche spoon.
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: Pisco sour, made with Pisco Brandy, lemon juice and sugar
Location: 3067 Grand Ave., Miami (954/444-0216; Jaguarspot.com)
Jazid
This late-night live-music hub offers a $3 discount on wine, beer and well drinks when the doors open each night. A variety of sounds reflecting Miami Beach's polyrhythmic music scene, including funk, hip-hop, dance, salsa and reggae, is heard nightly.
Happy hour: 9-11 p.m. nightly
Recommended drink: Rum and coke
Location: 1342 Washington Ave., Miami Beach (305/673-9372; Jazid.net)
Lowe Down
The first Thursday of every month, the Lowe Art Museum gives art aficionados a chance to take in some art while enjoying Bacardi cocktails, live jazz, appetizers and a guided tour of the current exhibition. Admission is free.
Happy hour: First Thursday of every month
Recommended drink: Anything Bacardi
Location: University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables (305/284-3535; Miami.edu/lowe)
Mr. Moe's Restaurant and Bar
Named among the Top 10 sports bars in the United States by ESPN, this Old West knockoff finds an unlikely but welcoming home in Coconut Grove. Go for the barbecued ribs and 32 beers on tap, or stop in on Wednesday night for Mechanical Bull and Country Night. Happy hour offers $2 well drinks and $3 calls.
Happy hour: 2-5 a.m. Sunday; all day Monday; 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and 2-5 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Recommended drink: Moose juice, a pink-hued rum drink served in a 32-ounce souvenir cup
Location: 3131 Commodore Plaza, Miami (305/442-1114; Mrmoes.com)
Norman's American Bar and Grill
This Miami Beach bar and grill offers a late-night menu and DJs every Saturday night. Coors Light beer buckets go for $12 every day, and martinis, cosmos and mojitos sell for $6 on Fridays and Saturdays, which is pretty cheap by SoBe standards. Happy hour offers two-for-one domestic beers and well drinks.
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: Yuengling on draft
Location: 6770 Collins Ave., Miami Beach (305/868-9248; Normans.biz)
The Original Steakhouse and Sports Theatre
Sports and red meat are the attractions at this chain. Nine large-screen TVs are perched theater-style at the bar, and tableside speaker boxes allows you to listen to games from a booth or table. The service is as energetic as the onscreen action.
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Recommended drink: Stealth martini, a mix of Stoli and orange juice with a splash of Sprite
Locations: Miami (305/593-8852); also locations in West Palm Beach (561/833-1400), Plantation (954/382-1018), Boca Raton (561/488-1131), Coral Springs (954/757-5575)
Scrap Bar and Smokehouse
This authentic smokehouse and barbecue haven may seem better-suited to Memphis than Miami Beach, but locals frequent the spot for pulled pork and ribs by the plateful just the same. Happy hour offers specially priced drinks and live music.
Happy hour: 4-8 p.m. Monday through Friday
Recommended drink: Killians Irish Red
Location: 216 71st St., Miami Beach (305/865-0100; Scrapbarmiamibeach.com)
Sheba
Delicately spiced Ethiopian dishes, warm lighting and earth tones make this Design District space a must for lunch, dinner or just drinks. A globe-spanning wine list and full liquor bar offer plenty of potent options to pair with the exotic menu. There is live music on the weekends, and happy hour offers specially priced drinks.
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Fridays
Recommended drink: Glen Carlou, a South African Chardonnay
Location: 4029 N. Miami Ave., Miami (305/573-1819; Shebamiami.com)
Taverna Opa
Have a big, fat Greek time at this very loud, very raucous and very fun restaurant, where you can dance on the tables and break dishes without getting tossed out. The traditional food rivals what is often found in a rustic Greek eatery.
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. daily
Recommended drink: Ouzo, a licorice-flavored Greek liqueur
Locations: 36-40 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach (305/673-6730); 410 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood (954/929-4010); and 3051 N.E. 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/567-1630); Tavernaoparestaurant.com
Tequila Chicas
The motto here is, "Life is too short to drink a cheap tequila." And with 80 types to choose from, Tequila Chicas makes life pretty good. Fresh-fruit margaritas come in mango, watermelon and pineapple, and happy hour offers half-price drinks and antojitos (rough translation: tasty little snacks).
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Recommended drink: Purple Haze Margarita, with blue curaçao, Chambord and a splash of cranberry juice
Location: 1501 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach (305/531-7010; Tequilachicas.com)
Twist
This gay party junction offers an entertainment schedule that includes muscle-boy dancers, DJ sets by Connie Casserole and guest spots from drag artiste Lady Bunny. Twist is seven clubs wrapped in one where you can club-hop until you can hop no more, beginning in the video lounge and working your way to the bungalow bar. Every night offers something new, such as Pussila Madness Tuesdays or complimentary barbecue 6 p.m. each Friday. Treat yourself to two-for-one well drinks and domestics all day Thursdays.
Happy hour: 1-9 p.m. daily
Recommended drink: Vodka tonic
Location: 1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach (305/538-9478; Twistsobe.com)
Uva 69
Named after the grape, Uva's Euro-inspired café offers artisan sandwiches, citrus- and herb-accented salads, and heavenly desserts for the lunch crowd. It also transforms into an after-work hot spot at about 5 p.m. While the staff ensures that Friday nights mean "crazy hour," not happy hour, those seven hours will still leave you with a smile. Two-for-one wine and beer specials are offered, and the tapas menu carries items that pair deliciously with many of the wines.
Happy hour: 5 p.m.-midnight Fridays
Recommended drink: Spanish or Argentine wines
Location: 6900 Biscayne Blvd., Miami (305/754-9022)
Waldo's Sports Pub and Grill
Boasting the cheapest drinks in the Coconut Grove, this no-frills sports hub offers a daylong happy hour, as well as a red eye for the late-night crowd. Pool tables and more than 20 plasma TVs cover the "sports" territory, while menu items such as Argentine churrasco steak, Buffalo gator bites and a dessert of the month represent the "grill."
Happy hour: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily and again 2-5 a.m.
Recommended drink: $2 domestic drafts, $2 well drinks
Location: 3148 Commodore Plaza, Miami (305/443-2774)
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