City Link magazine - Happy Hour

February 1, 2005

Happy Hour Guide

Every week, City Link highlights places to wet your whistle. Check back each week for our newest additions!

Suggestions?

E-mail your favorite happy hour spots to listings@citylinkmagazine.com.

Choose your party zone:

All-Stars Sports Bar and Grill

This lively neighborhood tavern with a comfortable feel features pool tables and 30 TVs that show a variety of sporting events. The living room area provides an intimate, quiet spot to work someone’s action.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; Breakbeat Sundays feature $2 kamikaze shots and $5 pitchers; every Tuesday is karaoke night; every Wednesday is ladies’ night, when ladies drink free 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Specialty Drink: Jägerbombs, made with Jägermeister and Red Bull

Location: 2201 W. Sample Road, Pompano Beach (954/968-7777; www.allstarssportsbarandgrill.com)

Arena Bar and Grill

Spacious bar and restaurant located across from Sawgrass Mills has 30 televisions and a jukebox that plays all the hits. Two-for-one well and call drinks are served during happy hour, and ladies drink free 9 p.m.-midnight each Wednesday.

Happy Hour: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, free buffet on Friday

Recommended Drink: Martinis

Location: 13141 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise (954/846-1050; www.arenagrillsunrise.com)

Aviator’s Tavern

Watch planes come and go from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport while sipping a cool cocktail at this cozy bar. Have some down-to-earth fun during the lingerie show on Wednesdays and Fridays. Do your version of the Steve Miller Band‘s “Big Old Jet Airliner” during Fridays’ open mike.

Happy Hour: 4-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Chocolate martini

Location: 1150 Lee Wagner Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/359-0044)

Azteca Real Mexican Restaurant

A longtime survivor among the scores of Mexican restaurants, this standalone located at the corner of I-595 and Pine Island Boulevard serves inexpensive Tex-Mex with steaks and fajitas among the house favorites. There’s also a bar where two-for-one margaritas are served six days a week with half-priced appetizers.

Happy Hour: 3-6:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays

Recommended Drink: Gold Margarita, made with Jose Cuervo tequila, sour mix and Triple Sec

Location: 8800 State Road 84, Davie (954/474-5226)

Baja at Riverfront and Ghost Bar

Upscale fun in a downtown setting, Baja is a high-tech nightspot with dance, Top 40 and hip-hop DJs spinning Wednesday-Saturday nights. The intimate Ghost Bar inside Baja offers sensual music for mixing and mingling, while the main room features a huge dance floor, a wicked light-and-sound system and dance platforms so you can shake that thang.

Happy hour: 6-10 p.m. Fridays with three-for-one cocktails, two-for-one fro zen drinks and a free buffet; 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Wednesdays ladies drink free Vox raspberry martinis; Thursdays are college nights with Power 96 DJ Zog and a hot-body contest, as well as two-for-one drinks for men and $3 “U-Call-It” drinks for ladies

Specialty drink: Vox raspberry martinis with fresh raspberries and edible flowers

Location: 300 S.W. First Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/462-5604)

Bamboo Room

Best recognized for its roster of blues, roots and acoustic artists, this intimate venue is also renowned for its classic cocktails and handsome décor. Tippling is treated seriously here, as bartenders lovingly craft all manner of beverages, from the exotic to the esoteric. A dazzling assortment of antique glassware and cocktail shakers are on display behind the bar, and vintage 78s of blues greats such as Bessie Smith and Josh White line the wall.

Happy Hour: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

Specialty Drink: $3 classic cocktails, including the old-fashioned, comprised of bourbon, a half-lump of sugar, a dash of Angostura bitters, a maraschino cherry, an orange slice and a splash of club soda; or the angel’s kiss, dark crème de cacao with half-and-half floating on top (add a maraschino cherry, it becomes an angel’s tit)

Location: 25 S. J St., Lake Worth (561/585-2583; www.bamboorm.com)

Banana Boat

Arrive by foot, car or boat to this floating oasis on the Intracoastal, where there is live music four nights a week and two full bars, inside and out.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Bahama Mama, made with island rum, coconut rum, exotic juices and a floater of dark rum

Location: 739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach (561/732-9400; www.bananaboatboynton.com)

Beach Betty’s

The former Partners space has had a beach-themed facelift but has retained the laid-back atmosphere and attitude so many South Florida lesbians loved. Sundays and Mondays are karaoke nights, Tuesdays offer $1.50 longnecks, Wednesdays give you two-for-ones all day, Thursdays features free pool, and Fridays’ Funfest features free hors d’oeuvres from 4 to 7 p.m.

Happy Hour: Noon-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Frozen mudslides

Location: 625 E. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach (954/921-9893)

Beach Bums

Spring break is always in session at this multilevel dance club and sports bar where the view of ocean includes women in itty-bitty bikinis and guys without shirts (not that that’s always a good thing). Wet your whistle at the pool bar before taking a dip, or catch a really big game on the really big 250-square-foot TVs. Flashback Fridays feature the best in freestyle, old-school, ’80s mix and dance.

Happy Hour: Noon-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Rumrunner

Location: 219 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/779-2544)

Benny’s Ice House

This favorite neighborhood hangout for working stiffs — open until 5 a.m. — serves inexpensive, well-prepared bar grub. The sprawling interior offers a large-screen TV for sports, plus pool tables, dartboards, a variety of video games and a jukebox that can download more than 100,000 songs. The wait staff is friendly and quick to refill that empty mug when the suds run dry. Smokers are welcome.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, featuring Skyy vodka drinks for $3, 22-ounce Icehouse drafts or Bacardi Limón for $2, plus plenty of hors d’oeuvres

Recommended Drink: Icehouse beer

Location: 9803 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach (561/734-6924)

Beyond Billiards

Beer, wine, a pack of smokes and 21 pool tables make for a simple night of casual competition at this Davie haunt. Eight-ball tournaments are held Sunday nights, and there’s also a pingpong table and a dartboard. Thursdays are “kill the keg” night, and every Monday is bucket night, offering five domestic beers for $8.

Recommended Drink: Beer

Location: 5705 S. University Drive, Davie (954/434-3487)

Billabong Pub

This smoker-friendly hangout prays to the beer gods by serving over 150 imported brews. For further amusement, Billabong has three pool tables, two dartboards, foosball and best of all, Galaga, for anyone who needs old-school video games. Live bands rock your world on Saturdays (and soon on Sundays), and the jukebox plays everything from X to Alice in Chains to White Stripes.

Happy hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 20-cent wings Monday nights

Specialty drink: Framboise Lambic

Location: 3000 Country Club Lane, Pembroke Park (954/985-1050)

Big Tomato Market and Grill

Every hour is happy hour at the festive Big Tomato, where pizzas and pastas are accompanied by two-for-one drink specials during the evening hours. Martinis are $3 on Wednesdays and five-for-$8 beer buckets are filled on Thursdays.

Happy Hour: 4-11 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays

Recommended Drink: Berritini martini, vodka infused with pineapple

and strawberry

Locations: 8300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines (954/704-0100); and 9457 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs (954/753-4244)

Bistro Las Olas

This cozy and comfortable eatery gets high marks for its attractive cocktails, creative dishes and a professional wait staff.

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m.-close Tuesdays; Wednesday is ladies night with $3 Skyy vodka drinks and $3 mini pizzas

Recommended Drink: Skyy cosmo

Location: 1103 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/523-9393)

Blue Anchor

Stepping through the doors of the Blue Anchor is like traveling back in time to foggy old London, when Jack the Ripper prowled the streets and Queen Victoria ruled the empire. Good thing times have changed. This lively and friendly British pub serves excellent food and an impressive selection of beers. The wait staff is cheery and there’s live music four nights a week by bands such as the John Cat All-Star Band and Mad Cow.

Happy Hour: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Fullers, a British hand-drawn ale

Location: 804 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561/272-7272; www.theblueanchor.com)

The Blue Boar

If you didn’t hear about this place from someone else, you’d never even know it existed. Located in an unsuspecting strip mall, this laid-back sports bar has awesome food, dart leagues, pool tables, one big-screen TV, about a dozen smaller screens, touch games and a jukebox that plays everything from The Eagles to Alice in Chains.

Happy Hour: 2-9 p.m. nightly; Friday happy hour includes 25-cent wings

Specialty Drink: Millie’s Melon Ball

Location: 1306 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach (561/686-3865)

Blue Martini

This is a classy place for the fashionably casual to drink and mingle. Have a cocktail on the way to a movie (it’s across the walkway from Muvico) or after a comedy show (the Palm Beach Improv is next door). The inside area features multilevel bars, while the outdoor patio area is loud, festive and usually crowded. Tall Blonde Tuesday features samples of Tall Blonde vodka, a meet and greet with the Tall Blondes of Estonia and drink specials. Mondays are In the Biz.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Purple passion, made with Türi vodka, Frujá raspberry liqueur, sour mix and 7-Up and served with an edible passion flower

Location: 550 S. Rosemary Ave. (CityPlace), West Palm Beach

(561/835-8601; www.bluemartinilounge.com)

Boca Beer Works

At this sports bar, beer is king. While swilling a brewski and talking shop, check out sporting events on eight TVs. Bring a designated driver, since they don’t serve food to sop up the suds.

Happy Hour: Noon-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Jamaican sky, a wine-based frozen drink

Location: 1929 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton (561/347-8044)

Bone Fish Creek

The former Crabby Jack’s is now the home of the $15 bottomless mug for Monday Night Football games broadcast on the bar’s 60 televisions. A branch of the West Palm Beach original (see www.bonefishcreek.com), this Bone Fish has a happy hour that features 99-cent domestic drafts and two-for-one servings on well drinks, house wines and specialty drinks. Outdoor seating is available, and the menu runs the gamut from barbecue to raw oysters.

Happy Hour: 3-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: The Bon-a-rita, a frozen margarita made with Cuervo Gold tequila

Location: 5425 W. Atlantic Blvd., Margate (954/984-4422)

Bonefish Creek

Legend has it the original Bonefish Creek in the Keys was washed away in the ’60s by Hurricane Donna but revived years later in West Palm Beach by a couple of fellas who liked to fish, chill out over cold beers and eat good food. This would be that place. Every Wednesday is bike night.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: The bone-a-rita, a house favorite margarita with Cuervo Gold and DeKuyper Blue Curacoa; or the island ecstasy, a mix of Parrot Bay rum, Key Largo schnapps and DeKuyper Banana

Location: 4449 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach (561/687-2122; www.bonefishcreek.com)

Bonefish Grill

Swim upstream to this restaurant that specializes in the freshest fish available. Kick back a cocktail while nibbling on the bang-bang shrimp appetizer, or have a glass of wine with some Chilean sea bass or rainbow trout, served with a choice of sauces.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Aphrodisiac martini, a sexy mix of Skyy Vanilla vodka and passion fruit juice, garnished with a watermelon icicle

Location: 321 N. University Drive, Plantation (954/723-9660; www.bonefishgrill.com)

Boom

This addition to Wilton Manors sits across from Georgie’s Alibi. Live DJs Wednesday through Sunday keep clubbers happy in the multi-level dance area. Those who just don’t want to leave can become card-carrying members with passes good for drink specials and the old VIP treatment.

Happy Hour: 8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Recommended Drink: $3 Long Island Iced Tea

Location: 2236 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors (954/630-3556)

Boston’s on the Beach

This casual oceanfront restaurant and bar has been packing them in for 20-plus years. New England-style seafood is a specialty, especially their clambake feast. “Fuhgettaboutit Fridays” offer primo drink specials and live music to help you melt the stress of the week away. “Island Sundays” include Bacardi rum drinks for $2.50, Sam Adams lager or light for $3, and 10 top neck steamers or chicken wings for $5. Live music daily.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, with free buffet

Recommended Drink: The Bushwhacker, containing dark and light crèmes de cacao, Kahlúa, Coco López and half-and-half

Location: 40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach (561/278-3364; www.bostonsonthebeach.com)

Boulevard Cafe

Neatly appointed corner bar/restaurant at the corner of 13th Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard offers bar and sidewalk seating for a menu of upscale salads, appetizers and sandwiches. Pizzas are $3 and all Bacardi drinks are two-for-one after 5 p.m. Tuesdays. The second drink in the two-for-one happy hour on weekdays comes with a chip that can be used at a later date.

Happy Hour: 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday

Recommended Drink: Bacardi

Location: 240 S.E. 13th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/467-3266)

Brasserie Las Olas

This casual downtown bar and restaurant offers plenty of patio seating and a banquet of drink specials at happy hour. Ladies can wind down with $1.50 martinis and a $1 glass of house wine or domestic beer. Everything else is two-for-one for guys and gals.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Appletini, with vodka, apple pucker and Triple Sec

Location: 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/779-7374; www.brasserielasolas.com)

Broadway Billiards

Rack ’em up at this pool hall with a rock ’n’ roll edge. Every Wednesday is open-mike night; Thursdays find DJ Thrift spinning ’80s retro hits while ladies enjoy free admission and two-for-one drinks until midnight; Fridays and Saturdays feature live rock and alternative bands.

Happy Hour: 3-7 p.m. nightly

Recommended Drink: Sita shot

Location: 17813 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura (305/931-1900)

Bru’s Room

Former Miami Dolphins’ linebacker Bob Brudzinski is the namesake behind this ultra-popular sports bar that serves delicious chicken wings and all the big (and so not big) games.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; Wednesdays, indulge in vanilla white Russians all day for $4; Thursdays feature Amarulla coffee drinks for $3.50; on Fridays, try the Chivas Regal for $4; Sundays give you domestic buckets of five beers for $10.

Recommended Drink: Absolut Vanilia white Russians or Smirnoff-tinis

Location: 35 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach (561/276-3663; www.brusroom.com)

Bull Bar

An upscale, nautically-themed hangout that features live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Smoking is permitted.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; Wednesday is Ladies’ Night

Specialty Drink: Mojito

Location: 2 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

561/274-8001

Cafe Blue Fish

Located one block off A1A and Sunrise Boulevard, this open-air bar and restaurant serves first-rate seafood, chicken wings and an array of margaritas, daiquiris, rumrunners and the like. Happy hour means well drinks and 20-ounce domestic drafts for $2. Service is friendly, and the atmosphere is as casual as it gets.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Blue Fish Bomber, made with Bacardi rum, blue curaçao and piña colada mix

Location: 3134 N.E. Ninth St., Fort Lauderdale (954/563-3474; www.cafebluefish.com)

Cafe del Mar

Food, drink, live entertainment and a beachside setting are just a few good reasons to stop by this popular establishment. Freestyle Sundays offer free drinks for ladies and Party 93.1-FM DJ Raul Rocdahouse; Thursday is ladies night with two-for-one Absolut specials; Friday features two-for-one Vox drinks; Saturday is Greygoose Vodka night with two-for-ones.

Happy Hour: 3-10 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Del Mar Punch, a party in a glass made with vodka and tropical juices; or the Café Del Monster, a scary mix of peach schnapps, Bacardi orange and Monster Energy Drink

Location: 213 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/767-8233; www.cafedelmarbeach.com)

Café Iguana

This 25,000-square-foot dance megaplex features 88 televisions and eight Bars, including the exclusive VIP Martini Bar. The "Red Zone" features a 25-foot-long Bar made of ice that is surrounded by big screen TV’s.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Fridays with Y-100; Sam Madison’s Martini Mondays featuring two-for-one martinis

Specialty Drink: Apple and watermelon martinis

Location: 8358 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines (954/433-8787; www.cafeiguanapines.com)

Cagney’s Bar and Grill

This neighborhood sports bar has nine televisions for viewing and billiard tables and dartboards for gaming. Live classic-rock bands perform, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a lingerie show.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily; 25-cent wings 8-11 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; Thursday is ladies night

Specialty Drink: Red Snapper, a combo of Crown Royal, amaretto and cranberry juice

Location: 5983 S. University Drive, Davie (954/680-9578)

Canyon

The colors and flavors of the Southwest surround you at this restaurant known for the best margarita in town. It gets noisy and packed during happy hour, but it’s worth bumping elbows for.

Happy Hour: 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Specialty Drink: Prickly pear margarita

Location: 1818 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/765-1950; www.canyonfl.com)

Capone’s

A relative newcomer to Himmarshee Village, Capone’s nonetheless is packed shoulder-to-shoulder most Friday and Saturday nights. The mural on the wall depicting scantily clad women draped over a bar or shaking their butts to the music makes for a reasonably accurate portrayal of the bar’s patrons.

Happy Hour: Three-for-one drinks 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9-11 p.m. Saturdays; ladies drink free 10 p.m.-close Wednesdays

Specialty Drink: Red Bull and vodka

Location: 310 S.W. Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/524-1969)

Carrabba’s

The young host Fred will show you to your seat for casual Italian dining that doesn’t seem like it comes from a chain restaurant. Dark wood, hanging grapevines (OK, they’re plastic) and the smell of a wood-fired oven can make an Italian grandmother sing “That’s Amore.” Try the Mezzaluna ravioli or the Italian chicken pizza, which takes your taste buds to a place Domino’s never will.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. nightly

Recommended Drink: Carrabba-Rita, a margarita made with Sauza Gold tequila, amaretto, triple sec and fresh lime juice

Location: 2224 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach (561/615-8900; www.carrabbas.com)

Cathode Ray

This ultra-popular gay bar has four distinct environments: a sports bar with pool table, dart games and bleachers; a romantic piano bar; the main bar, which boasts a small dance floor and a wall of TV screens; and finally, the front sidewalk, where smokers mingle on benches. Mondays are comedy nights; Two-for-Tuesdays feature live music; Wednesdays are Gaymetine; Thursdays are mixers nights and include Stoli cosmos for $2.50 and a live show by Monica Moore. Fridays keep you moving with techno, hip-hop, retro and $1 shots du jour; and Saturdays feature a Retro Dance Party with Liquid Rainbow and free drink promotions.

Happy Hour: 2-9 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: The Nicotini, a nicotine-infused martini; and the Black Lung, a Black Russian with nicotine-infused vodka

Location: 1307 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/462-8611; www.cathoderayusa.com)

Cayenne Grill

Located in CityPlace, this warm, attractive eatery specializes in Latino-flavored cuisine suited for gringo palates. Sit at a table (inside or outside), a cozy booth or on either side of the long bar, which serves up some great cocktails.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Sundays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: $2 fresh-squeezed Sauza margaritas

Location: 550 S. Rosemary Ave. (CityPlace), West Palm Beach (561/491-2226)

Cielito Lindo Dos

This venerable restaurant supplements its large servings of Mexican fare with half-price house margaritas, well drinks and domestic beer during happy hour. Mariachis perform every Wednesday, and the margaritas cost 99 cents with dinner.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. daily, till closing on Mondays and Tuesdays

Recommended Drink: Nino margarita, made with Patrón tequila spiked with Grand Marnier

Location: 4480 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point (954/941-8226).

The Circus Bar and Grill

There aren’t any creepy clowns piling out of cars here, just laid-back folks looking to have a drink or two over games of foosball, pinball, darts or pool. The greatest show on earth at this place, open since 1978, is the award-winning chicken wings, which are served extra wet or slathered with garlic.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; $2 domestic beers and well drinks Saturdays and Sundays; all-you-can drink drafts for $5 after 9 p.m. Mondays

Specialty Drink: Crackhouse, with Black Haus blackberry schnapps and cranberry juice

Location: 1461 S.W. 30th Ave., Pompano Beach (954/973-1483; www.circusbar.com)

Clamsters Bar and Grill

A casual local hangout that has a good atmosphere and great food. Take in a friendly game of pool, dance your ass off to live bands Thursdays-Saturdays and try not to clear the house during Tuesday’s karaoke. There’s a smoking section for people who need to light up.

Specialty drink: Budweiser World Select, which is only served in two South Florida bars

Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays

Location: 1391 S. Military Trail, Deerfield Beach, 954/481-3755

Cloud 9 Lounge

Run by women for women, this lounge features two pool tables, darts, Ping-Pong and beer-pong tables, a dance floor with a pole and a friendly staff. Thursday is amateur striptease night in which the hottest contestant wins prizes. The second Thursday of the month features a T&A pajama party.

Happy Hour: noon-8 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Eve’s delight, a forbidden concoction to make you naughty

Location: 7126 Stirling Road, Davie (954/499-3525)

The Cove Restaurant and Marina

This legendary happy-hour stop overflows with singles on the make after a day at the office. The Intracoastal locale provides a waterside dock with a view of boat traffic and the Hillsboro bridge. There’s live music nightly after the two-for-one happy hour ends, with reggae from 3 to 10 p.m. every Sunday. Lunch and dinner menus are replete with fresh local seafood.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

Recommended Drink: Planter’s punch, three rums with a secret blend of fruit juices

Location: 1755 S.E. Third Court, Deerfield Beach (954/421-9272; www.thecoverestaurant.com)

Cricket Club

This country bar is open 22 hours a day for people looking for cold beer and no hassle and offers live country music Fridays and Saturdays. Smokers are welcome.

Happy Hour: Noon-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Budweiser

Location: 9900 Sandalfoot Blvd., Boca Raton (561/482-7400)

Dakotah 624

After the last meal has been served, this bistro shuns its gourmet air for a late night happy hour geared to the young and beautiful of Atlantic Avenue. DJ Al Johnson plays dance music, and a late-night menu includes crab-stuffed marinated portobello mushrooms, a spicy shrimp cocktail and bison burgers (yes, that kind of bison).

Happy Hour: 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesdays

and Thursdays

Specialty Drink: Fruit-infused martinis with Frïs vodka

Location: 270 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561/274-6244; www.dakotah624.com)

Dave’s Last Resort and Raw Bar

This corner bar is always busy. Could it be the over-the-top wait staff? The grouper fingers? Maybe it’s those wild tropical drinks? Whatever the case may be, this Key West-style hangout keeps them coming back.

Happy Hour: 2-7 p.m. nightly

Recommended Drink: Voodoo Juice, an evil mix of coconut, banana, orange and pineapple rums mixed with tropical juices

Location: 632 Lake Ave., Lake Worth (561/588-5208; www.daveslastresort.com)

Davie Ale House

This large, boisterous hangout for the sports-minded has dozens of TVs showing a variety of games. When football season begins, or if there’s any sort of playoff game, you’ll be lucky if you can find a place to stand. Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins players hang out here, primarily because of the local hotties looking for an interception.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close daily

Recommended Drink: Captain and Pepsi, blending the spiced rum and the cola

Location: 2080 University Drive, Davie (954/236-0062; www.alehouseinc.com)

Davie Junction

Urban cowboys and cowgirls inhabit this country-western haven that offers mechanical bull riding on Wednesdays, line-dancing lessons Wednesdays-Saturdays, and live bands Thursdays-Saturdays.

Happy hour: $10 on Thursdays gets you in and free drinks 9 p.m.-midnight; Fridays are ladies’ nights with $5 cover and free drinks 9 p.m.-midnight for cowgirls; $15 cover on Saturdays with free drinks 9 p.m.-midnight

Specialty drink: Crown Royal with Red Bull

Location: 6311 Orange Drive, Davie (954/581-1132)

The Downtowner

This historic waterfront bar sits on the south side of the New River, with indoor and outdoor seating and a great kitchen. Local blues bands perform in the front room, while national blues and jazz acts frequently play in the larger Maxwell Room. Don’t be shy about participating in a Downtowner tradition: Moon the Jungle Queen as it passes by.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, includes a buffet

Specialty Drink: Rumrunner

Location: 408 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/463-9800; www.downtownersaloon.com)

Elbo Room

This Fort Lauderdale beach institution has been getting people drunk since 1938. Partygoers, spring breakers, beach bums and just plain old bums come here to slug back a few drinks before and after they’ve hit the beach. Go to the Web site at www.elboroom.com to see who’s sitting at the bar on the live Webcam.

Happy Hour: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Thursday is ladies night with $1 drinks 7 p.m.-close

Recommended Drink: Reece’s rumrunner

Location: 241 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/463-4615; www.elboroom.com)

E.R. Bradley’s Saloon

This well-known bar and restaurant is a hit with tourists and locals looking for a few drinks, good conversation and fresh air in a downtown setting. Most of the covered, decklike seating area is open-air, with a small, closed area for people who don’t like a breeze with their tropical drinks and lobster stew.

Specialty drink: Bradley’s Bloody Mary

Happy hour: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Location: 104 Clematis St., West Palm Beach (561/833-3520; www.erbradleys.com)

The Factory

The rock nightclub sees the light of day (sort of) with a Tuesday-Friday happy hour. A house DJ provides the soundtrack for two-for-one drink specials. There’s a pool table for anyone inclined toward recreation.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Jäger bombs

Location: 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/566-6331; www.livemusicfactory.com)

Falcon House

This Chicago-style bar applies the Second City code of liberally pouring freebies for regulars when the mood strikes. According to Ted Keer, who owns the Falcon with Tim Baur and Stuart Hall, more than $1 million in “promos” were poured last year, with fine wines, margaritas and martinis among the house favorites. Open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily.

Recommended Drink: Flirtini, a blend of Stoli raspberry, triple sec, cranberry and pineappe juice, and champagne

Location: 116 N.E. Sixth Ave., Delray Beach (561/243-9499).

The Field

This Irish bar and restaurant offers cozy indoor seating and has an outdoor patio under a massive banyan tree, where smoking is permitted. Live music is featured Wednesdays through Saturdays, and the kitchen specializes in corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and the daily fisherman’s catch. Beer and drink prices are discounted for happy hour, which includes a free buffet. Tuesday is bucket beer night with five-for-$10 imports.

Happy Hour: 4:30-7 p.m.

Recommended Drink: Guinness Stout

Location: 3281 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale (954/964-5979)

Fisherman’s Wharf

There’s no better time than our so-called “winter months” to claim a barstool at Broward County’s pre-eminent beachfront bar. Take in the view of the ocean on the patio and swig a cold one while feasting on ribs, steaks, seafood and oysters. There’s live music seven nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and well drinks are $2 for ladies on Tuesdays.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Rumrunner

Location: 222 E. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (954/941-5522; www.fishermanswharf.ws)

Florida Tap Room

An open-air waterside eating and drinking establishment with a sports Bar atmosphere, a full menu and 11 handcrafted brews.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Every night

Specialty Drink: Mango Madness

Location: 515 S. Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954/779-3008; www.floridataproom.com

Frosty Mug

At this neighborhood hangout with seven TVs, pool tables, karaoke, DJs and twice-weekly lingerie shows, the only food comes from gracious bartenders who bring in take-out or homemade goodies, which means you can smoke to your lungs’ delight.

Happy Hour: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Lori’s mind erasers, made with Absolut, Kahlúa and soda water

Location: 980 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach (561/478-7565)

The Garage Bar and Grill

Open until 5 a.m., this year-old bar and restaurant overflows around 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays after the other clubs have closed. The vibe is more relaxed during the week when an all-American menu is the top draw. Local and touring standup comics perform at 8:30 p.m. each Thursday.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

Recommended Drink: Jägerbomb, a taste assault made with Red Bull and Jägermeister

Location: 600 N. Congress Ave., Delray Beach (561/278-5554)

Gatsby’s Boca

Cozy and sophisticated hangout for young professionals has about a dozen large-screen televisions, a billiards room with 11 pool tables, a sushi room and a cigar room. Smokers are welcome and 25 different wines are served by the glass. Happy hour features half-priced drinks and pool, and $4 pizzas.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday

Recommended Drink: White chocolate martini, made with Stoli vanilla, Godiva white chocolate and a drizzle of chocolate syrup

Location: 5970 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton (561/393-3900; www.gatsbysfl.com)

The George and Dragon Pub

This popular British pub offers a feast for all the senses. Peruse thousands of pieces of memorabilia, listen to live music from Rod Stewart tribute artist Hot Rod (Thursdays), Superstuff (Fridays) and the Beatles tribute band Hello/Goodbye (every other Saturday). There’s a dance floor, traditional British and American dishes, and an oyster bar to feed your libido.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. daily; two-for-one rum drinks on Thursdays; 007 Tuesdays with nine-ounce martinis for $3

Recommended Drink: Key lime and 007 martinis

Location: 4140 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale (954/568-2207; www.thegeorgeanddragonpub.com)

Georgie’s Alibi

A classic gay hangout that hosts special events each month, including CD release parties, art exhibits and drag shows.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday with two-for-one drinks; 9 p.m.-closing on Thursday features $3 Long Island iced teas served in 22-ounce Mason jars

Specialty Drink: Billy’s Cosmopolitan

Location: 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors

954/565-2526; www.georgiesalibi.com

GiGi’s Tavern and Oyster Bar

Upscale and attractive describes the atmosphere and patrons at this Mizner Park restaurant and lounge. Sit in the main dining area, at the bar or on the patio, and sip a specialty martini while letting the ocean’s love potion (oysters) work their magic. Live music five nights a week add to the ambiance.

Happy Hour: 3-10 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Dirty banana martini or Key lime martini

Location: 346 Plaza Real, Boca Raton (561/368-4488; www.gigis.com)

Giorgio’s Grill

Combine dinner and dancing at this handsome Mediterranean restaurant and nightclub located on the Intracoastal in Hollywood. Music kicks in around 10:30 p.m. and goes to 4 a.m. every night. Wednesday is ladies’ night, when the ladies drink free. Friday is salsa night, and Saturday is international night. Sexy Thursdays feature DJ Kid Fresh playing old-school, hip-hop and R&B, and a “dress to impress” fashion code is strictly enforced.

Happy Hour: 4-7 nightly

Recommended Drink: Cosmopolitan

Location: 606 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood (954/929-7030; www.giorgiosgrill.com)

Grumpy Dick’s Seafood Grill and Bar

This popular seafood restaurant from the people who gave us Cami’s pours about a dozen draft beers to go along with a variety of shelled fish, including stone crabs, snow crab and oysters. Drinks are half-priced during happy hour and dinner specials are offered daily.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-closing

Recommended Drink: Draft beer

Location: 801 S. University Drive, Plantation (954/452-1952)

G.W. Sharkey’s Raw Bar and Grill

Named after former owner Greg Wentworth, who had a thing for sharks, this rustic sports bar supplies casual fun and, according to the staff, is a lot like Cheers, where, yep, “everybody knows your name.”

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Specialty Drink: $2 Washington apple shots, with whiskey, Apple Pucker and cranberry juice

Location: 2388 N. University Drive, Coral Springs (954/341-9990)

Hamburger Mary’s

Shiny, happy people frequent this laid-back Wilton Manor’s bar and restaurant, where the A/C vents don wigs, feather boas hang like garland, and the tropical drinks are as eye-catching as the wait staff. Need we say more? Oh, we do! Mojitos, baby, go great with the namesake burgers. The word is out on this hangout, so finding a table can be difficult. Mondays are themed “Martinis and a Movie,” featuring a classic flick and $3 flavored martinis; Tuesdays offer “Mary’s House of Blues” with live music and drink specials; Saturdays are “Mojito Madness”; and Sundays feature live reggae bands.

Happy Hour: 2-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; Sunday Bloody Sundays feature Absolut Peppar Bloody Marys for $3

Specialty Drink: Absolut Peppar Bloody Mary; and Skyy Peach, with vodka-soaked peaches on the bottom

Location: 2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors (954/567-1320; www.hamburgermarysftl.com)

Harrison’s Wine Bar

The self-proclaimed “meeting place for sexy couples” serves an extensive list of wines and champagnes in a chic space that features plush sofa seating. Fashioned after a sophisticated European wine bar, Harrison’s dark and moody ambiance lends itself to smart fashions and intimate conversations. Three-for-one martinis are served at happy hour, and there’s a winetasting 8-10 p.m. every Wednesday on the back patio.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Mango martini

Location: 1916 Harrison St., Hollywood (954/922-0074; www.harrisonswinebar.com)

Himmarshee Side Bar

Right in the heart of the Himmarshee district, Sidebar offers an elegant respite from the rowdiness of the neighborhood’s other bars. Sip a cocktail, chit-chat with friends or get to know a new one. Fridays and Saturdays feature live music, usually acoustic or contemporary rock; Wednesdays are “Girls Night Out,” when unescorted ladies get half off cocktails and entrées from Himmarshee Bar and Grill.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; Thursdays offer half price on bottles of wine; Mondays are In the Biz; Saturdays feature premium martinis for $5

Specialty Drink: Sidebar Martini, with Bacardi O, orange liqueur and pineapple, cranberry and orange juices

Location: 210 S.W. Second Street, Fort Lauderdale (954/524-1818; www.himmarshee.com)

Hot Shots Night Club, Sports Bar, Billiards and Grill

Dual-level sports bar features 19 pool tables, steel-tip darts, pop-’n’-shot basketball and, get this, 75 TVs, including some in the bathrooms so you don’t have to miss a thing. A DJ spins pop and Top 40 hits Tuesdays-Saturdays, and the bar stays open until 3 a.m. on the weekends.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; beer and shots specials 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; late-night happy hour midnight-2 a.m. Sundays and Mondays

Recommended Drink: Rob’s upside-down pineapple cake, made with Stoli Vanilla, pineapple juice and grenadine

Location: 3868 N. University Drive, Sunrise (954/748-4232; www.hotshotsbar.com)

Hurricane Alley

Come in from the storm at this Boynton Beach haunt known for its outstanding raw bar. Nautical décor gets you in the seafaring and seafood-eating mood, and a dozen oysters slide down well with an imported beer.

Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Specialty Drink: Yuengling

Location: 529 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach (561/364-4008)

The Hurricane Sports Bar and Grill

This new sports bar located across from the Dania Jai-Alai fronton has big screen televisions, video games, pool tables and dart boards to keep you from moping in your beer. The satellite dish picks up the NFL Sunday Ticket, and five-for-$8 domestic beer buckets and five-for-$12 imports are available during all

football games.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m.

Recommended Drink: The Hurricane, four rums mixed with a blend of juices

Location: 368 E. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach (954/926-0176)

The Inn Field

Casual neighborhood hangout offers good food, live music, televised sports, pool tables, darts, karaoke and a smoking section for anyone who needs to light up. (YES!)

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Specialty Drink: Irish Car Bombs, made with Jameson Irish whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream, dropped in a half pint of Guinness

Location: 11439 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise (954/741-2100)

J’s Bar

This laid-back lesbian hangout offers pool, darts and video games that are played on the bar’s televisions. Wannabe Indigo Girls can try their pipes during karaoke on Thursdays.

Happy Hour: 9 a.m.-8 a.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Alien secretion, with Midori, Malibu and pineapple juice

Location: 2780 Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/581-8400)

J’s Waterfront Grille

Located in the former Bootlegger space, this upscale restaurant features a menu Emeril Lagasse would be proud of. If you can stand the heat or the sun has gone down, sit at one of the open-air dockside tables. Or just chill inside, where you’ll still have a water view.

Happy Hour: 5-7 nightly

Recommended Drink: Prickly cactus pear marg-a-tini

Location: 3003 N.E. 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/566-2427; www.jswaterfrontgrille.com)

Jensen’s Neighborhood Grill

Jensen’s doesn’t offer a formal happy hour, but it doesn’t have to because its drink prices are already so low. Draft beers start at $1.75, drinks at $2 and martinis at $3.50. A bucket of five beers is $7 Saturday through Monday, and Long Island margaritas are $2 on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The menu includes skirt steak, burgers, wings, sandwiches and wraps, and there are 17 televisions to keep you transfixed.

Recommended Drink: Long Island margarita

Location: 8320 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation (954/423-1610)

Jester’s Bar and Grill

A neighborhood hangout where the blues crowd can still find a home, especially on live-blues Sundays, this no-frills bar is a haven for the late-night crowd, who can drink until 4 a.m.; play darts, air hockey or TNT trivia; watch TV; or just waste some time. Jester’s doesn’t serve food, but it does have menus, so you can order food from area restaurants. Like we said, no frills.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Apple martini

Location: 801 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale (954/776-1526)

John L. Sullivan’s

Set in the former Humperdink’s location, this Irish bar and restaurant has cozy booths, a large bar area, and patio seating for filling up on old world portions of corned beef and cabbage. There are about 30 televisions, including a dozen flat-screens. Well drinks are $2.50 during happy hour, domestic bottled beers are $2, and domestic pints $1.50.

Happy Hour: 2-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Beer

Location: 4460 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point (954/781-9669)

Johnny V’s

Very sleek, upscale restaurant and lounge on Las Olas Boulevard for people with sophisticated tastes. Enjoy a martini with items from the tapas menu, including avocado salsa and roasted carrot hummus. Cheese plates include fig balsamic-marinated grapes, olives confit and a roasted hazelnut and pear spread.

Happy Hour: Dirty Thirty Thursday, from

5 p.m. until close on Thursdays only

Recommended Drink: Hawaiitini, made with vodka, cointreau, lime, pineapple and cranberry juices

Location: 625 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/761-7920)

Kangaroo Downs

This laid-back neighborhood bar has enough pool tables and dartboards to host casual gamers and tournament players. There are two big-screen televisions and about 20 smaller boxes, and smokers are welcome. A $1 buffet is served at happy hour, and burgers, wings and Philly cheese sandwiches are on the regular menu.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, until 8 p.m. Fridays

Recommended Drink: Jäger bomb

Location: 6303 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac (954/721-0020)

Karma Lounge

An upscale lounge catering to well-dressed young professionals who love house music and prefer a club experience more refined than the “l just turned 21” party crowd.

Happy Hour: Wednesday two-for-one drinks all night and free prickly pear margaritas for women until midnight

Specialty Drink: Prickly pear margarita

Location: 4 W. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954/523-7159; www.karmafl.com

Kim’s Alley Bar

Two of the best reasons to go to this neighborhood bar, aside from its bar service, pool and ping-pong tables and dartboards, are its sweet-ass jukeboxes. One is dedicated to ’80s bands, including Ratt, Van Halen and Flock of Seagulls, while the other rocks out to Puddle of Mudd, The White Stripes and Incubus.

Specialty Drink: Jamie’s “Yummy” with Skyy melon vodka, grenadine, orange and pineapple juices

Happy Hour: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily; Tuesdays are $2 Jägermeister shots

Location: 1920 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954/763-7886; www.kimsalleybar.com

Kola Nut Café

This upscale Jamaican eatery serves traditional cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Dance off your serving of jerk chicken on Fridays.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays

Recommended Drink: Amethyst martini or the Kola Nut martini

Location: 250 N.E. 183rd St., North Miami Beach (305/405-1000; www.kolanutcafe.com)

Landlubber’s Raw Bar and Grill

This busy restaurant and sports bar keeps its regulars coming back for the ribs, chicken wings, raw shellfish and 25-ounce beers that cost $2.25. Thirty-six televisions, including five plasma screens, project the feed from nine satellites. It’s the home away from home for Cleveland Browns fans and a bus depot for caravanning to Dolphins and Hurricanes games.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 11:30-5 p.m. Sundays, plus 10 p.m.-2 a.m. daily

Recommended Drink: 25-ounce draft beer

Location: 1851 N. Pine Island, Plantation (954/473-2884; www.landlubbersrawbar.com).

Last Call

Broward County’s new blues headquarters features live local and national bands. There are two full-liquor bars, one skillfully presided over by WKPX radio host Dar McCauley of The Sunday Blues With Dar. A cheerful, convivial place to drink and hear some lively tunes. Open until 4 a.m. and smoker-friendly.

Happy hour: 4-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, plus a late-night happy hour 1-4 a.m. daily. Two-for-one drinks on Fridays with complimentary buffet; Blues and Bike Night on Tuesdays with $2 Jack Daniel’s shots and a special “biker” menu; Wednesdays are ladies’ nights with $3 Smirnoff martinis for the fairer sex

Specialty drink: Flaming Dr. Pepper shots

Location: 5280 N. State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale (954/733-0990)

Limoncello Trattoria Pizzeria

The former Solo restaurant provides a calm place to start a busy night of club-hopping in the Himmarshee District. Fill your belly with anything from the grill or indulge in a pizza, then feast your eyes on all the beautiful people who converge at the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s nightclub scene.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Homemade Limoncello, of course

Location: 208 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale (954/525-7656)

Luce Restaurant and Bar

This 2 1/2-month old eatery is the newest gem in downtown Hollywood. The long, narrow interior has tables on one side and a bar on the other, perfect for a first date and intimate enough to keep an old romance fresh.

Specialty drink: French Kiss martini with Grey Goose vodka, raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice

Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Location: 1906 Harrison St., Hollywood, 954/920-2500

Lush

At this intimate and sexy addition to the Fort Lauderdale club scene, you can sip a cocktail at the bar or get to know someone in the postmodern booths. Mondays are Sin Nights, with down-tempo and progressive house music and half off all drinks; Tuesdays take a chill with two-for-one on selected wines and scotch; Wednesdays offer two-for-one premium-infused vodka and rum drinks; Ignite Thursdays keep you raving with DJ Snoozin spinning tribal, deep, tech and funky house over $4 Bacardi and cokes; Deck Fridays feature indie, electro and rock; and Traffic Saturdays offer a roundup to the week’s music and drink specials.

Happy Hour: 7-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: The Lushatini, the house’s version of a sour-apple martini

Location: 3074 N.E. 33rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/675-4772)

The Martini Bar

This club inside Las Olas Riverfront caters to young sophisticates looking for a more mature club experience. The bar is divided into two levels and has an outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is intimate, with dark lighting, draped entrances and illuminated paintings. There’s a piano bar during happy hour and dancing to live Top 40 music later in the evening.

Happy Hour: 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; Wednesday is ladies night, when ladies drink half-price all night and no cover; Sunday is In the Biz

Specialty Drink: White cosmo, a traditional cosmopolitan with white cranberry juice; and the Dirty Donna, a Ketel One martini with olive juice and olives stuffed with blue cheese

Location: Las Olas Riverfront, 300 S.W. First Ave., second floor, Fort Lauderdale (954/764-4345)

Mai-Kai

Fort Lauderdale’s palm-fronded landmark is more than just a tourist-trap restaurant. It also has a wicked bar that serves legendary tropical drinks for locals who frequent one of the best happy hours in town.

Specialty Drink: Barrel o’rum

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. daily, with second drink on the house

Location: 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale

954/563-3272; www.maikai.com

Mama Mia Italian Ristorante

This ultra-popular spot was reportedly Joe DiMaggio’s favorite restaurant. Mama’s serves up delicious and sizable portions of Italian food, plus inventive drinks in a comfortable ambiance. The bar and lounge area are separated from the main room by a curtain, but they’re worlds apart in atmosphere. The lounge area offers a European sensibility, and on M.I.A. Mondays, guest DJs spin for your listening pleasure.

Happy Hour: 3-6:30 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Godiva chocolate martini

Location: 1818 S. Young Circle, Hollywood (954/923-0555; www.mialounge.com)

Mangos

This is a great place to watch and meet people. Tourists and locals come for the food, drinks and live music, which ranges from jazz, swing and salsa to rock and hip-hop, depending on the night.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Mangolada, a frozen libation made with mango nectar and rum

Location: 904 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/523-5001; www.mangoslasolas.com)

Max’s Grille

A classy spot for a drink and bite, Max’s provides an after-work respite for the harried downtown exec and office grunt. Tropical fish make the rounds in an aquarium behind the bar as you sip a cocktail or glass of wine in this Riverfront oasis. Ask the bartender about specials from the kitchen to go with your libation.

Happy Hour: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Sundays-Thursdays; Fridays and Saturdays till 4 a.m.

Recommended Drink: The Wake-Up Call, a blend of raspberry vodka, Red Bull and a splash of cranberry juice

Location: 300 S.W. First Ave., Las Olas Riverfront, Fort Lauderdale (954/779-1800)

McGuinness Bar and Restaurant

This Irish pub in the former Danny’s Sly Fox location offers a cozy, dark-wood interior and warm Irish service. There is outdoor seating and live music on weekends, featuring Scott Avery on Saturdays. If you need some solid food to absorb the beer, try the steak tidbits.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Specialty Drink: Irish coffee, with real whipped cream, not the canned stuff

Location: 3537 Galt Ocean Mile, Fort Lauderdale (954/561-8444)

Moby Dick

Find a whole lotta love at this new rock ’n’ roll sports bar named for the Led Zeppelin instrumental. It features include a full menu, pool tables, one giant-screen and 28 regular TVs. You might be dazed and confused during Wednesday karaoke; ladies can enjoy free vino in the evening 7-11 p.m. Thursday. It won’t be a long time till you rock ’n’ roll with live music on Fridays and Saturdays; and you can’t be trampled underfoot on Lazy Sundays.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; late-night happy hour 8 p.m.-close Sundays

Recommended Drink: Blue Bonzo, with blue curacao and vodka

Location: 6169 Jog Road, Lake Worth (561/491-8660; www.mobydickrock.com)

Mon Ami

College students flock to this bar and restaurant (Brasserie Mon Ami) in droves, especially to the outer Skyy Bar, which specializes in, but is not limited to, an array of drinks made with Skyy vodka.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays

Recommended Drink: Pineapple upside-down cake, with pineapple and vanilla vodkas, light crème de cacao, and pineapple and cranberry juices

Location: 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton (561/394-2428)

Muddy Waters

This restaurant and raw bar might be the closest you’ll get to the Keys, sans water. The nautical décor provides an island vibe, and the mixed drinks really do send you on vacation. Every Monday is “Jimmy Buffett Day” with $2.50 margaritas and 50-cent clams and oysters; Floribbean dress is encouraged. Tuesdays and Thursdays are karaoke nights; Fridays feature live entertainment.

Happy Hour: 2-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Muddy’s Turbo Mary with Ketel One vodka, homemade Bloody Mary mix accented with a splash of conch turbo sauce, Old Bay celery-salted rim and peppered olives; also, Muddy’s Sailor Jerry’s Painkiller, with Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Coco López and pineapple and orange juices. It comes in two strengths: headache and migraine!

Location: 2237 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach (954/428-5577)

Mulligan’s Neighborhood Grill and Raw Bar

This open-air bar and bistro is great for people-watching and gazing at the ocean. Sip a cool cocktail, hear live island music and imagine you’re in the Bahamas.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays

Recommended Drink: Frozen piña colada

Location: 13 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (954/784-3777)

Nikki Marina

Nikki Beach’s sister club offers waterside drinks and dancing in a cozy atmosphere. Guest SoBe DJs such as Armand and Ean Sugarman spin house and world beats late on the weekends, and guests stick around for Sunday brunch with endless mimosas.

Happy Hour: 6-9 p.m. Friday

Recommended Drink: Mojito with a sugar cane stick for stirring

Location: 3660 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood (954/602-8750; www.nikkimarina.com)

Oh! Martini

Owner Tibore is almost always present to make sure patrons are having a good time at this upscale sports bar with a European-Caribbean vibe. It’s a great place to watch sports, especially World Cup soccer games, when they break out the big-screen TV. It’s a keg party every Thursday with $5 beer until the keg runs dry; Friday is International Night with DJ Sergio spinning Latin, Spanish, Brazilian, house and hip-hop; Noche Latina takes over every Saturday with live Latin rock and DJs playing the best in salsa, rock en español and more; and Sundays get mellow with acoustic soul.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Mojito-tini, a marriage of two exquisite drinks, made with fresh mint

Location: 171 S.E. First St., Boca Raton (561/955-1238)

The Old Key Lime House

An informal, old Florida seafood house on the water where you can drink at the tiki bar and let time slip by. Arrive at dusk and see the fish jumping. Local seafood and Key lime pie are always available.

Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Specialty Drink: Rumrunners

Location: 302 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana (561/582-1889)

Ole Ole

A giant space with high ceilings (more than one helium balloon can be seen floating about), Ole Ole serves a fiesta of Mexican flavors. Sip a margarita and watch crowds at Riverfront or just relax and escape the summer heat. The chips are warm and crunchy and the margaritas refreshing, while the the crab-nacho platter is big enough to share with a date.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Homemade sangria

Location: 300 S.W. First Ave., Las Olas Riverfront, Fort Lauderdale (954/527-5969)

The Original Steakhouse and Sports Theater

Sports and red meat provide the theme here. Excellent steaks are served at the bar, where nine TVs are perched theater-style, and at booths and tables, where a speaker box allows you to listen to games. Energetic servers make you feel as if you’re more than some NASCAR knucklehead.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Monday-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Stealth martini, a silent but deadly mix of Stoli and orange juice with a splash of Sprite

Location: CityPlace, 700 Rosemary Ave., upstairs, West Palm Beach (561/833-1400)

Ozio Restaurant and Lounge

Located in what was once the Coho Grill, the newly opened Ozio serves continental Italian cuisine and a full menu of wine, beer and liquors. There’s waterside seating, a cozy bar area and bamboo dividers between the

tables to make the outing more intimate.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday

Recommended Drink: Ozio Signature, pineapple rum, Red Bull and Hypnotic cognac

Location: 6877 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton (561/391-7288)

Parrot Lounge

The Parrot claims to be world-famous, and it very well may be, if you consider the number of tourists and locals who have packed the beachside bar over the years. The wait staff is among the best you’ll find anywhere, the ambiance is cozy and casual, and the Friday-night happy hour is a happening.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Fridays

Recommended Drink: Beer

Location: 911 Sunrise Lane, Fort Lauderdale (954/563-1493; www.parrotlounge.com)

Pier Top Lounge at Pier 66

A slowly rotating nightspot with live music and dancing atop the 16-floor Hyatt Regency Pier 66 hotel, Pier Top offers a one-of-a-kind panorama of Fort Lauderdale and beyond, beginning with the 66-second glass-elevator ride to the top floor. Sip cocktails while the room spins one full revolution every 66 minutes, providing views of the beach to the east and the setting sun to the west. An outdoor observation deck provides fresh air at high altitude.

Happy Hour: Tuesday two-for-one drinks, free hors d’oeuvres and live music

Specialty Drink: Anything this high up is already special

Location: 2301 S.E. 17th St. Causeway,

Fort Lauderdale (954/525-6666; www.pier66.hyatt.com)

The Player’s Club

Considered one of the best restaurants in Palm Beach County, this club scores high on atmosphere, service and, best of all, food. Don’t be surprised by all the polo items, after all, you’re in Wellington. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, you can ask the piano man to play you a song. Smokers welcome at the outside bar.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Sex on the Polo Field, a galloping mix of Smirnoff raspberry, Midori, Chambord, grapefruit and cranberry juices

Location: 13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington (561/795-0080)

Porter’s Place

Owned by ex-NFL player Daryl Porter, this large sports bar and restaurant serves good grub and lots of televised sports in a casual neighborhood setting. Tuesday is Game Night with Playstation, dominoes and spades competitions. Wednesday is Guy’s Night Out with two-for-one drinks from 9 p.m.-midnight, and Thursday is Grown and Sexy ladies night with DJ Juice.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Porter’s Punch, a blend of island juices and rums

Location: 4535 N. Pine Island Road, Sunrise (954/741-6850; www.portersplace.biz)

Red Star Tavern

This nationally-franchised restaurant opened recently in the Galleria Mall with a menu of steaks, seafood, pasta and sandwiches, but it also has a sizable bar area for swigging sophisticated cocktails. There are 22 “hand-crafted” martinis (not pre-made), and mohitos and margaritas are $3 at happy hour.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday

Recommended Drink: Chocolate Dream Martini, vodka and chocolate liqueur garnished with an Oreo cookie

Location: 2418 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale (954/565-8858)

The Roasted Pepper

Enjoy a slice of Italy at this very popular restaurant, which recently added a martini bar and an outdoor patio for people who like to light up. On weekends, see the Roasted Pepper Dancers, a group of employees who form a conga line and do their thing when so inclined. Live music, good food and giant cosmopolitans feed the fun. Two-dollar Tuesdays feature $2 beers all day; Giant Cosmo Wednesdays feature the classic cocktail for $3; Bada Bing Thursdaya give you “sex at the pepper,” their version of sex on the beach.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Martini made with Stolichnaya vodka, Southern Comfort, Midori and cranberry juice

Location: 9893 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines (954/450-8800; www.theroastedpepper.com)

Rooney’s Mouse Trap

This is an unpretentious bar that serves all kinds, from the businessman on his way home from another debilitating, spirit-crushing day on the job to the 21-year-old out for his first (legal) drink. There are pool tables and dartboards, breakup songs on the jukebox, televised sports and the freedom to smoke until your lungs turn black.

Happy Hour: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: Stars and stripes shots, a patriotic blend of vodka, grenadine and blue curaçao

Location: 2730 N. State Road 7, Margate (954/972-2256)

Rooney’s Public House

Clean your pipes while you work up the courage to sing “Danny Boy” at this warm and woodsy Irish pub. Happy hour means $4 imported drafts and $3 drinks poured with Absolut or Captain Morgan’s. Lunch is served weekdays and dinner Thursdays through Saturdays. Smokers can puff freely from 3 p.m. till closing, and a cigar and martini bar draws the big spenders.

Happy Hour: 5-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Guinness Stout

Location: 213 Clematis St., West Palm Beach (561/833-7802)

Rose and Crown Sports Pub

The longstanding British pub pours nearly two dozen beers from the tap to go along with a menu of fish and chips, bangars and mash, and the like. Domestic and imported beers, well drinks and wines are discounted at happy hour. The pub hosts pool and dart leagues, live bands and English soccer matches and American football on the telly.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. daily

Recommended Drink: English beers

Location: 3680 W. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/731-6245)

Rosey Baby

Rosey has long been a neighborhood favorite, drawing locals with its laid-back ambiance, zesty New Orleans cuisine (including its signature spicy Louisiana crawfish) and live roots music on Friday and Saturday nights. Area musicians from Diane Ward to The Regulators frequently blow the roof off, and the schedule includes the occasional out-of-town blues band.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Alabama Slammer, a potent mix of alcohol that’ll slow your Southern drawl to a crawl

Location: 4587 N. University Drive, Lauderhill (954/749-5627; www.roseybaby.com)

Round-Up

Cowgirls looking for sexy cowboys can scream “hell, yeah” at this ultra-popular country bar. A giant dance floor is ready for your boot-scootin’ boogying.

Happy Hour: Wednesdays are ladies nights, when ladies drink free 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; Thursdays are “Sink or Swim,” with $10 admission and all you can drink from 9 p.m.-midnight; Beach Bash on Fridays means free drinks 8-10 p.m.; Saturdays are $2 shooters and $3 shots all night; Sundays are family nights, with all ages welcome

Recommended Drink: Jäger Bomb, a shot of Jägermeister dropped in a glass of Red Bull

Location: 9020 State Road 84, Davie (954/423-1990; www.roundupcountry.com)

Roy’s Sports Bar and Grill

Neighborhood hangout features live bands, good bar grub, televised sports, pool tables, darts and electronic games. Every Wednesday is ladies night 9 p.m.-midnight; every Thursday is karaoke night with DJ Ace.

Happy Hour: Noon-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Malibu Lifesaver, all three flavors of Malibu rum, mixed with grenadine and orange juice

Location: 8000 W. Sample Road, Margate (954/255-8108; www.royssportsbar.com)

Rush Street

Combine the slick scene of a martini bar with the booty-shakin’ vibe of a dance club and you get Rush Street. One of the few places in Himmarshee Village that regularly charges a cover, Rush Street nevertheless attracts plenty of well-dressed people who want to exorcise the dance demons.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Fridays

Recommended Drink: Extra dry, very dirty Ketel One martini

Location: 220 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale (954/522-6900; www.rushstreetbar.com)

The Saltbox

Formerly Bikini Bob’s, this three-story, open-air rock club offers a view of the ocean from the rooftop lounge and a boxing machine on the ground floor. There are pool tables on the second floor, and bands perform on Fridays and Saturdays. Smokers are welcome and a ground-floor boxing machine allows you to vent your frustrations on a punching bag for 50 cents per punch.

Happy Hour: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday

Recommended Drink: 20-ounce drafts for $3

Location: 900 E. Sunrise Lane, Fort Lauderdale (954/567-2955)

Samba Room

Three plantains up! The very handsome, Havana-style room features a swerving bar and a couple of congas here and there. Downtown professionals crowd the place after a long day of pushing paper.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, with half-price appetizers. Wednesday is ladies’ night, when ladies receive two-for-one drinks 7 p.m.-close; Thursdays offer $5 martinis all night

Specialty Drink: Traditional mojitos, as well as mango mojitos, made with mango purée and Bacardi

Location: 350 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954/468-2000; www.crww.com/sambaroom)

San Loco

This Tex-Mex cantina in Himmarshee Village offers large lunch and dinner portions and nine specialty margaritas in a cozy, unpretentious setting. Women can get a free drink by stripping off their bras or panties and hanging them from the ceiling. One house rule prohibits dancing on the tables, because that’s what the bar is for. There’s room for about 40 people inside, and outdoor tables beckon people who want to eat by the street.

Happy Hour: 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Mondays; 4-10 p.m. Wednesdays

Recommended Drink: Horni-rita, Sauza Hornitos 100 percent agave reposado tequila and premium sour mix

Location: 204 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale (954/463-2003)

Seminole Casino Palm Café and Bar

After sinking all your dough in the slots, have a drink to dull the pain. Now in the shadow of its new sibling in Hollywood, this earlier foray into legalized gambling in Broward County offers 30,000 square feet filled with more than 800 gaming machines, speed bingo, a poker room, a café and a bar.

Happy Hour: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays

Recommended Drink: The Blue Shark, a frozen concoction that will have you feeling as if you’ve won big, even if you go home broke

Location: 5550 N.W. 40th St., Coconut Creek (866/2-CASINO)

Shamrock’s Sports Bar

This intimate 70-seater has 10 TVs, including a big-screen that airs the NFL Ticket beginning at 12:30 p.m. every Sunday. A bucket of five Buds or Millers costs $7.50 on game day. The menu includes burgers, pizzas and chicken wings, which are served dry or in a house-made sauce.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

Recommended Drink: Pints of Budweiser

Location: 1925 Harrison St., Hollywood (954/922-2729)

Shooters Waterfront Cafe

The landmark Intracoastal bar and restaurant is still going strong after 20 years with its breezy setting and uninhibited ambiance. It offers live music on Friday and Sunday nights, and lots of tropical drinks to keep you cool and loose.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

Recommended Drink: Goombay Smash, a blend of Myers’s dark rum, Bacardi coconut rum, banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juices

Location: 3033 N.E. 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954/566-2855; www.shooterscafe.com)

Sonar

The glam, the chic and the hip frequent this upscale and semi-underground nightspot decorated with a retro-futuristic touch. The sound system plays house and electronic music, while the menu offers an extensive list of martinis and designer drinks and tasty Moroccan-inspired hors d’oeuvres. A gallery within the club features a new artist each month; check out the works of Brazilian photographer Beatriz Ricco through April.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; on Fridays, ladies pay no cover until 11 p.m. and drink free until midnight

Specialty Drink: Funny Juice, a vodka drink served in a tall glass with an ice cube that lights up

Location: 2006 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (954/920-8777; www.sonarniteclub.com)

South Shores Tavern and Patio Bar

Another hidden gem in downtown Lake Worth, this establishment doesn’t look like much on the outside, but once inside, you’re taken to a place far, far away. The tropical patio and bar area is a favorite hangout for locals, and the inside is a great spot to enjoy casual dining. Live music three nights a week keeps you in a Top 40 or reggae vibe. Don’t miss the fried grouper fingers or Asian salad with seared tuna.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays

Recommended Drink: Chieko’s Bloody Mary

Location: 502 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth (561/547-7656)

Spanky’s Downtown

Televised sports, pinball machines and live punk bands are the hallmark at this downtown hub for all things cool.

Happy Hour: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tuesdays, when Coronas are 75-cents. Bottled Heinekens are $2 on Thursdays.