As the summer is finally here, I can’t help but daydream of catching up with friends and family over some delicious food and cocktails after wrapping up work for the day. If you’re like me and enjoy a good happy hour, you’re in the right place. Here’s our guide to the best happy hour deals in West Los Angeles. Save this list and round up your friends for your next budget-friendly hangout! 

Superfine Playa, Playa Vista 

​​Superfine Playa is a Californian Italian eatery at Runway Playa Vista by Dina and Steve Samson, the duo behind Rossoblu in Downtown Los Angeles. It offers a lighter take on Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant serves a happy hour menu every Wednesday-Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at their bar, communal table, and charming front patio. On the menu are food offerings such as Braised Meatballs, ​​Superfine Smash Burger, and Fried Chicken Sandwich. The beverage menu features cocktails like Aperol Spritz and Amalfi Spritz. I grabbed a table at Superfine Playa’s front patio and ordered the Braised Meatballs ($9) and an Aperol Spritz ($9). The meatballs were probably the best I’ve ever had, and the Aperol Spritz transported me to the Mediterranean. I will be back to try the other dishes! 

The Misfit Bar & Restaurant, Santa Monica 

The Misfit Bar & Restaurant is a vibrant gastro pub on Santa Monica Blvd. just off of the 3rd Street Promenade. Housed on the ground floor of the iconic Clock Tower Building, a historical Art Deco architectural landmark, the restaurant boasts aesthetically pleasing interiors and an outdoor dining section, which is perfect for people-watching. Misfit is well-loved for its innovative comfort food menu, health-conscious dishes, and delectable handcrafted cocktails. They have a popular daily happy hour that runs from opening until 7:00 p.m., where you can enjoy half-off cocktails, spirits, and wines by the glass. From the happy hour cocktail menu, I tried The Misfit Cocktail ($8.5), made using cutwater barrel rested gin with Carpano Antica and orange bitters. I was very impressed by how light and refreshing the cocktail was! 

Tocaya Modern Mexican, Multiple Locations

Established in Venice in 2016, Tocaya Modern Mexican is a wildly popular restaurant chain. Its expert culinary team serves healthy Mexican bowls, tacos, and burritos in a chic yet casual setting. Their extensive menu is rooted in authentic Mexican recipes and showcases local ingredients. Every Tuesday, Tocaya serves tacos and bites starting at $2 each and cocktails at $5. I visited the Venice location and ordered the Barrio Taco ($2), Baja Taco ($4), Birria Taco ($2), Plantain Chips and Guacamole ($3). The food was fresh, flavorful, and hit the spot. I highly recommend Tocaya for a budget-friendly Mexican meal. It’s perfect for a large group. 

Charcoal Venice

Headed by Michelin-starred chef and owner Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice is a contemporary American eatery focusing on wood-fired meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Every day from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the restaurant offers a happy hour menu including mouthwatering food and drinks at discounted prices. The Grilled Chicken Skewer, Petite Steak Frites, Charcoal Burger, Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings, Smoked Lamb Rib, and Midnight Margarita are crowd favorites! 

Jameson’s Pub, Multiple Locations

Jameson’s Pub is a chain of Irish pubs with numerous locations in Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, Culver City, and West Hollywood. The gastro pub is well-known for its inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and wide range of Irish whiskeys, beers, and classic pub food. Jameson’s offers all drinks at 2-for-1 prices during their happy hour, which runs between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days a week and late night between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Sunday to Thursday. At Jameson’s in Culver City, I ordered the Irish Nachos ($11.99) and the ​​Peanut Butter Jameson Shot ($5.99). The food and drink were lips-smacking and a pack-a-punch!

Photo courtesy of The Misfit.