Thursday, March 13, 2008

Culinary Trends - Happy Hour in San Diego

I'm posting this as a note to myself for the next time I am in need of a cool happy hour venue! (Courtesy of the San Diego Magazine)

Happy hour in San Diego isn't just about cocktails anymore. A host of local restaurants are delighting early diners with discounted samples of some of their most popular dinnertime dishes.

Avenue 5 Restaurant & Bar recently extended its happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and offers samplings such as crab cakes, mushroom tortellini and the Avenue 5 burger for just $6. A Tuesday-night special features a complimentary wine pairing with a tasting menu. 2760 Fifth Avenue, 619-542-0394; www.avenue5restaurant.com.

Laurel Restaurant & Bar in Bankers Hill also inspires happy customers in the early evening with its "Seven Before 7" happy hour, which offers seven drinks and seven food items for $7 each. Plates include Mediterranean mussels, braised duck and stone fruit flatbread and shrimp falafel balls. Laurel also offers a three-course pre-theater special for $35 or $55 with wine. 505 Laurel Street, 619-239-2222; www.sdurbankitchen.com/laurelrestaurant.html.

Blue Coral Seafood and Spirits in La Jolla is welcoming warmer weather with its "High Tide Happy Hour," available on its two outdoor patios and at the bar. From 5 to 7 p.m. guests can enjoy a menu of appetizers, a specialty cocktail and wine by the glass for $5 each. 8990 University Center Lane, 858-453-BLUE (2583); www.bluecoralseafood.com.

Arterra Restaurant at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar gives commuters a reason to forgo rush-hour traffic at its "Merge @ Arterra" happy hour. From 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, cocktail specials, sushi and appetizers are served on the outdoor patio. 11966 El Camino Real, 858-369-6032; www.arterrarestaurant.com.

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