7 minute read
The Ultimate Guide to Happy Hours in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city that never runs out of reasons to celebrate. From rooftop cocktails overlooking the skyline to casual neighborhood dives pouring $5 beers, LA’s happy hour culture is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re in Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Koreatown, you can find a happy hour that fits your mood, budget, and taste buds.
But with so many options, how do you keep track of the best deals? That’s where Cheerhop Los Angeles comes in. It’s the go-to platform for discovering happy hours, food specials, and drink deals across the city — updated and easy to browse.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the happy hour scene in Los Angeles, explore popular neighborhoods, highlight the types of deals you’ll find, and show you how CheerHop makes it all easier.
A Brief History of Happy Hour
The concept of “happy hour” might feel like a modern nightlife invention, but its roots stretch back more than a century. The term was first popularized by the U.S. Navy around 1913, where it referred not to drinks, but to scheduled periods of onboard entertainment — boxing matches, music, and dancing designed to keep sailors’ morale high during long stretches at sea. A decade later, during Prohibition in the 1920s, the phrase began to take on a new life in American culture. With alcohol banned in restaurants, people would gather at private homes or secret speakeasies for cocktails before heading out to dinner, unofficially calling these pre-dinner gatherings their “happy hour.”
When Prohibition ended in 1933, bars and restaurants were quick to adopt the idea, this time as a marketing strategy. By offering discounted drinks and light bites in the late afternoon and early evening, they could attract customers during traditionally slow business hours. The tactic worked — and “happy hour” evolved into a beloved tradition that spread across the United States and eventually around the globe.
Today, happy hours are far more than clever promotions. They’ve become a cultural staple, a ritual that encourages people to relax, connect, and explore their cities without overspending. In expensive places like Los Angeles, where a single cocktail can easily run $18 or more, happy hours provide an affordable way to enjoy the same vibrant nightlife at a fraction of the cost. What began as entertainment for sailors and secret gatherings during Prohibition has grown into a cornerstone of social life — blending history, community, and a little financial relief into one timeless tradition.
Why Happy Hour Matters in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city built on experiences. But let’s face it — eating and drinking out here isn’t always cheap. Happy hours give Angelenos and visitors alike a chance to:
Try new restaurants and bars affordably: That sushi spot you’ve been eyeing? It probably has a happy hour menu.
Unwind after work: LA traffic is stressful; a $7 cocktail makes it easier to forget.
Socialize on a budget: Grab drinks with friends without draining your wallet.
Discover neighborhood gems: From local pubs to upscale lounges, happy hours are often when venues shine brightest.
The Best Neighborhoods for Happy Hour in Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn’t one city — it’s a collection of unique neighborhoods, each with its own nightlife personality. Here’s where happy hours thrive:
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Perfect for after-work drinks, DTLA is packed with modern bars, hotel lounges, and rooftops offering panoramic views. Expect craft cocktails, trendy small plates, and lively after-office crowds.
Hollywood
Known for its energy, Hollywood offers everything from upscale mixology bars to dive spots with cheap beer. If you’re looking for late-night happy hours, this is the place.
Santa Monica & Venice
Few things beat sipping a margarita while watching the sunset over the Pacific. These beachside neighborhoods offer seafood specials, tropical drinks, and beachy vibes.
Koreatown
K-Town is legendary for late-night eats and drinks. Happy hours here often extend beyond the traditional 7 PM cutoff, with deals on soju, beer, and shared plates.
West Hollywood
Trendy, stylish, and packed with energy, WeHo has no shortage of happy hours that pair Instagram-worthy cocktails with chic atmospheres.
Popular Types of Happy Hour Deals in LA
Los Angeles happy hours aren’t just about cheaper drinks. They’re about creativity. Here are some of the specials you’ll commonly see:
Cocktail specials: Discounted mojitos, margaritas, old fashioneds, and signature creations.
Beer deals: Pilsners, IPAs, and rotating taps for under $6.
Wine by the glass: Red, white, and sparkling wines for a fraction of the usual price.
Food specials: Half-off appetizers, discounted sushi rolls, $2 tacos, and more.
Themed nights: Taco Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, and Bottomless Brunch weekends.
Popular Happy Hour Hotspots in LA
Downtown Los Angeles: Perfect for after-work drinks and rooftop views.
Santa Monica & Venice: Happy hours by the beach, often with seafood and sunset cocktails.
Hollywood: Trendy bars and lounges with late-night specials.
Koreatown: Known for beer, soju, and unbeatable food pairings.
No matter what vibe you’re after — classy cocktails, casual beers, or budget-friendly bites — you’ll find it on CheerHop.
Our favorite picks
1. Esters Wine Shop & Bar (Santa Monica)
A relaxed wine-focused spot that goes beyond the usual bar scene. Happy hour here features discounted bites and sips, including oysters and $25 charcuterie plates. Classic cocktails like martinis and margaritas are often around $10.
2. Charcoal Venice (Venice)
If you want food-forward happy hour paired with good drinks, Charcoal Venice is a strong pick. Specials usually run between 5:30-7pm and include items like oysters, grilled white prawns, steak frites, and a burger. Drinks — including creative cocktails — are well priced.
3. The Front Yard (North Hollywood)
Great for pairing a chill setting with solid drinks and bites. Their happy hour often has things like $6 beers, $9 margaritas, and reasonably priced small plates (flatbreads, apps). Hours tend to be early-evening (3-5:30pm or similar).
4. Everson Royce Bar (Arts District / Downtown)
For a bit more energy and creative cocktails, Everson Royce Bar delivers. Expect craft drinks + bar bites + good deals during their happy hour (usually mid-afternoon to early evening). The space has a cool vibe, often with a roomy patio.
5. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)
If you’re plant-based or just in the mood for a vibrant, colorful setting, this vegan Mexican restaurant offers a fantastic happy hour. Think margaritas, small plates, and food-friendly drinks with outdoor courtyard seating. Great for both food lovers and drink lovers.
Tips for Making the Most of Happy Hour in LA
To fully enjoy the city’s best food and drink deals, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive early – The best seats (especially rooftops and patios) fill up fast.
Check the fine print – Some deals apply only at the bar or on certain days.
Mix it up – Try different neighborhoods to get a taste of LA’s diversity.
Bring friends – Many specials are designed for sharing.
Plan transportation – LA traffic and parking can be tricky, so consider ride-sharing.
Make the Most of LA’s Happy Hours
Plan ahead: Many specials run only for a few hours.
Explore neighborhoods: Each area of LA has its own flavor of nightlife.
Try something new: Use deals as an excuse to discover a new bar or restaurant.
Ready to Discover Your Next Spot?
Los Angeles is known for its vibrant lifestyle, but it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country. Between rising rents, parking costs, and $18 cocktails at trendy bars, a night out can add up fast. That’s where happy hours make a real difference. By taking advantage of discounted drinks and food specials, you can enjoy the same high-quality experiences at a fraction of the price. Whether it’s $5 beers in Downtown, half-off sushi in Santa Monica, or taco deals in Hollywood, happy hours give Angelenos a way to stay social and explore new spots without breaking the bank.
Los Angeles has no shortage of amazing happy hours — but finding the right one shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re looking for a beachside margarita in Santa Monica, late-night soju in Koreatown, or rooftop cocktails in Downtown LA, there’s a deal waiting for you. Los Angeles is overflowing with happy hour gems — you just need the right guide. Don’t waste time searching across multiple sites. Head to Cheerhop and find the best food and drink deals happening near you today.
