Best Happy Hour spots in the Napa Valley

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Sunday, December 07, 2008

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By DAN ROSS
Register Online Editor

Happy Hours in the valley offer food and drink bargains

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Cherylleigh Corshen lists in her article this week a series of great Happy Hour and Locals NIght options for those of us living in the Napa Valley ... and for visitors alike.

What we want to know is this ... where are your favorite Happy Hour places?

Is there a favored weeknight stop where you can get that great drink special, an appetizer that's half-off or better that you like to enjoy?

We will be doing many more of these in the future, on a WIDE variety of topics, so please save your thoughts on other topics for a later discussion.

76 comment(s)

merri wrote on Dec 5, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Wow this is tupid. England just banned happy hour due to the over consumption not to mention getting on the road with a belly full of cheap booze. Give it a break we don't need to know more places to drink. "

mofosheee wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Ladies and Gentalmen......................

Best spot would have to be Downtown Joe's!

They will have you in stiches "

wined0wnnapa wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:17 PM:

" merri your totally killing my buzz "

dalilah wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:19 PM:

" merri! that isn't very merry of ya! tsk tsk "

winghunter wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Wow... Merri the fun vacuum!!! I suggest we do the opposite of England and we should be just fine. "

skigirltige2000 wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Compadre's- 3pm $1 margaritas!!! "

Hear Ye wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:39 PM:

" That's funny, because I would say that Downtown Joes is probably the worst place to go if you're trying to save a buck. $5.50 for a Bud or Coors? That's borderline absurdity.

Anyways, Compadres has Taco Tuesday's I believe ($1 tacos, $2 24oz beers)

Applebees has some sort of half off appetizers and cheap beer special "

bornin74 wrote on Dec 5, 2008 12:51 PM:

" AppleBee's 3-6

24 oz domestic beers - $2.50
$5 apps.

Comfortable and inviting.......

Compadres occassionally.....

EVERYWHERE ELSE.....

EXPENSIVE!!! "

cordell wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:10 PM:

" Why go to a place that brews their own beers and order a Bud or Coors? "

Project707 wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:14 PM:

" CUVEE is actually the best spot for happy hour in the napa valley! Better atmosphere, food and drink specials than any "bar" or restaurant in Napa. Check it out yourselves because obviously merri hasn't. "

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Compadres, for $1dollar margaritas from 3 to 4

Red Hen, pitcher of margs $13, $3 well drinks, half price appitizers, $7 pitcher of beer

Applebees happy hour prices just went up. But still an ok deal

Food Mill, $2 beers

Cuvee just started a happy hour, not sure of the prices.

Zinsvalley has $3 dollar drinks "

raiderfadder wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:30 PM:

" Stiff cocktails at stones always does me right, but i'm going to have to agree with Hear Ye and say Compadres is the spot to be.
Down town joes is the underage hang out with poor quality brew.
The silverado brewery has got some great Amber and Blond brew with decent priced drinks on tuesday and thursdays! "

cgofgur wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:38 PM:

" My sister and I go to Rings it is fun and you can really enjoy yourself and the drinks are a good price. "

nscrgirl wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:40 PM:

" Cuvee is the best place for half off drinks, and bar menu is reasonable as well, I've had a sandwhich for $5.00, my husband had Calamari, Toast with Goat Cheese spread for $5.00, I know they offer other foods, but I don't exaclty what they are.
Happy Hour there is from 4-7 & it's a very nice place, the bartender(s) are all nice, my favorite is Kyle. Check it out though, good place to go have a drink or two, get a bite to eat. "

coigue wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:49 PM:

" Merri, most of us can stagger home by foot afterwards, if needed. But thanks for your concern.

Personally, I like Bounty Hunter and Angele' (for a special treat). I went to DT Joe's recently and it was freezing. "

frenchtoast wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:06 PM:

" Anyplace with free corkage is a good place. I enjoy Cuvee, too. Seems like they are catering to locals, which is unusual - most places try to screw over the tourists and the locals suffer. Fume Bistro has drink specials on occasion as well. I wish there were happy hours that were a little later in the evening since some people don't get off at 5 like most. "

sgrpea wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:17 PM:

" Boon Fly Cafe at The Carneros Inn!

Happy Hour from 3pm-5pm with $5 high end well drinks, $3 drafts, and a great Happy Hour menu!!

The best food and service you will find in town! "

Hear Ye wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Cordell-

That's because their homemade beer is awful. The Hefenweizen is so-so but I'd rather have a "cheap" beer over their stuff. "

frenchtoast wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:28 PM:

" downtown joe's is good for people watching but that microbrew gives you gas -PEE-u. "

Hear Ye wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:28 PM:

" I've been to dinner at Cuvees a couple times and it was fantastic. I didn't know about this happy hour of theirs but I'll be sure to go check it out now. "

frenchtoast wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:38 PM:

" also...
Taylors has $3 cheeseburgers, $1 fries and $2 beer and wine on Tuesdays for locals until December 31st "

napachica wrote on Dec 5, 2008 2:51 PM:

" Compadres is the place to be for happy hour. "

ValleyKitten wrote on Dec 5, 2008 3:23 PM:

" I would never eat anything at Compadres or Drink..Have you seen thier health dept. reports...yikess...read them and you will agree..they have the lowest scores in all of Napa Valley..I do not even know how they stay open with reports like that...food poisoning....is all you will get going to Compadres..and that is never a good deal.. "

krusty wrote on Dec 5, 2008 3:28 PM:

" merri, you need a few $1 margaritas. You've only got half an hour left! "

hawkins707 wrote on Dec 5, 2008 3:42 PM:

" There is nothing in Napa that proves to be a great place to watch sports. A lot of towns have at least one great spot but we are without one. For the overall experience, I would have to say that Napa Bowl's lounge is the best place to enjoy a drink and a game in Napa, which is sad. It's a nice little bar, but it is depressing to know it's the best all-around for football Sunday. The others I can pick out their shortcomings with ease. "

make napa better wrote on Dec 5, 2008 4:36 PM:

" Character's in The Marriott for sports..

Sat. Sun. and Monday

9 bucks for your 1st Bud Lt pitcher
7 for your second

No booze on special

reasonable appetizers

best of all 4 big plazmas

2 LCD's at the bar

NFL Network

and SUNDAY TICKET!!

Please remember, ALWAYS tip your

Bartenders and Servers :)

If you can't afford to tip... stay home and make food yourself. "

Dwayne wrote on Dec 5, 2008 5:05 PM:

" FYI......

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/12/05/news/local/doc4938b6efe87fa248898880.txt "

Explorer wrote on Dec 5, 2008 5:06 PM:

" Back Bar margaritas at Compadres but the food is mediocre at best.

Red Hen is cheap but their margaritas are horrible.

Fume makes good drinks and is a nice way to spend a couple hours with a friend(s)

Cuvee is great as everyone has said.

Summer on the patio at Zinsvalley

Downtown Joes for football and happy hour. Their wings rock. "

db76 wrote on Dec 5, 2008 5:08 PM:

" Finally a NVR article with some useful information. "

PlasticPinkFlamingo wrote on Dec 5, 2008 8:26 PM:

" The flamingo used to go to happy hour but one day after happy hour flew too low over Pope Valley during the turkey shoot . . . barely got out with tail feathers intact. "

VCGraduate wrote on Dec 5, 2008 8:42 PM:

" WOW!!! Merri, please honey just relax, we also have taxi drivers they need there jobs too! But I have to say being in Napa five generations that we still don't really have what it takes for Happy Hour! However I would also agree to cuvee. "

gorillaz wrote on Dec 5, 2008 8:53 PM:

" Napa has the worst happy hour of any city, bar none...pun intended. "

napaladyjane wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Cuvee! Great deals on drinks and good food.

Oxbow wine bar is a great deal no matter what time it is! And awesome food!

And how about the Register do their job and actually research good places, instead of asking people? "

bdnf wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:44 PM:

" Though I don't agree with Merri that we should imitate England, I find it amusing that this article is running on your web site along with one titled "DUI Checkpoint Set." Coigue says most folks can stagger home on foot from these places. Yeah, right. In the dark, on angel wings, no doubt. To get real, how many of the places mentioned are served in the late evening by public transportation? "

chunk wrote on Dec 5, 2008 10:04 PM:

" I agree with Hawkins707. There really aren't any good places to watch a game with good food, cheap drinks, and family oriented all in one. I've thought about starting a family business like this with my brothers but nobody really does anything in this town so I'm sure the business would fail. "

krusty wrote on Dec 5, 2008 10:16 PM:

" With an attitude like that I'm sure it would, chunk. "

hawkins707 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:29 AM:

" C'mon Chunk, the valley's full of alcoholics...a great atmosphere, appropriate pricings and a few ammentities go a long way. The town needs a great sports bar. "

quiet one wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:30 AM:

" I would also agree with Hawkins 707. Also, the bartenders at Napa Bowl Rock! ; ) "

merri wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:44 AM:

" Well I guess these booze hounds are not the ones that support police check points, harp on the DUI page or are all up in the air because someone was stupid enough to walk in front of your car after a few harmless belts. Soo enjoy your binge drinking I will stay home and have a glass of wine and a j.
Tootles "

ValleyKitten wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:25 AM:

" merri ... and a j. Wow.... a joint????? That is so against the law..drinking is not..just people have to be safe and not drive..cab it.. I support the police check points and support drug bust...to clear Napa from drunk drivers and illegal use of drugs.. "

southnapareader wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Great minds think alike, "FrenchToast": Since Taylor's *really* started to embrace local's night and give steep discounts back at the beginning of November, I've been going with a group of friends every week... $1 glass of wine, $2 beer, $3 cheeseburger, $4 cheeseburger and fries. It's a real winner and fun to hang out for hardly any cash at all, 5p to close every Tuesday through the end of December...

Maybe they can continue this and other vendors can join in? "

kellyness wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:19 AM:

" COMPADRES has some of the best deals around ! Both DURING and OUTSIDE of happy hour ! Monday-Friday, Progressive Margaritas, starting at 1$ from 3-4, 3$ from 4-5, and 5$ from 5-6. There are also specials on the pitchers. Tuesdays from 3-6 DOLLAR TACOS...BEST IN TOWN !!! Along with those are 3$ 24 ounce cans of Tecate. Beat that ! In addition to this, Monday evenings Back Bar and Top Shelf Margaritas are just 5$ all night long. (Originally a 9 dollar value). Doesn't stop there ! Friday from 3-6 ALOHA FRIDAY, 3$ Mai Tais and tri tip skewers, also complimentary Maui Nachos... Also some great deals on Mimosas and Bloody Marys on the weekend mornings ... Why limit yourself to an hour ? Have yourself a Happy WEEK ! "

mamawana wrote on Dec 6, 2008 3:53 PM:

" wow, I'm missing the Harry O' Shortal days....that used to be the place, fun food, affordable tankards of many beers! Harry come back! whhhaaaaaaaaaaaa, pooh to "NOT SO" Merri.....so go to Endland! "

B-Side wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:58 PM:

" As a home brewer it cost me about 28 cents per 16 oz. of beer and I make it at 7.5% alcohol. I only have to drive 40 ft to get to the brewery. Best happy hour is at home for me. Now all I need is a pretzel factory. mmmmmmmmmmm beer. "

misfit wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:15 AM:

" B-Side...Yeah, but what's the "Atmosphere" like? "

adolph oliver busch wrote on Dec 7, 2008 5:57 AM:

" Silverado Brewery! worth the drive! Happy hour starts at 4:00 and the beer is sweet! Not like that swill downtown Joes calls beer! Great food and atmosphere just be sure to bring along a DD and be responsible "

napan79 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Ristorante Allegria is a really good spot for happy hour. The skirt steaks are really good, the chicken cabage salad is also really good. Also the prices are very good for really good food and for a good atmosphere. I never had any bad meals at Ristorante Allegria and I recommend it to everyone, you should try it next time. "

B-Side wrote on Dec 7, 2008 8:39 AM:

" misfit - it's usually family or good friends so the atmosphere is enjoyable. on 2.5 acres, surrounded by vineyards and hidden from public view I have tunes, internet access and lots of other fun stuff to do. with my involvement in the music biz i find myself in plenty of nightclubs. i rarely drink on those occasions because i'm on buisness and i have to drive home....where the real beer is. "

skippert wrote on Dec 7, 2008 8:57 AM:

" Lawler's on Jefferson, same prices all the time and you can take it home and not get caught up in any check points.

Best plan for all... Party at home it's safer. "

skippert wrote on Dec 7, 2008 8:59 AM:

" Thanks for the info frenchtoast "

napagirl69 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Lots of fun places in Napa. Alfredo's, Tom Foolery's, 300 Club, Rainbow Bridge, Carriage House, Jay's Union Station, Zenardi's Bel Aire Club,Tucker Bag..Merri, show some Merry..Don't bogart that "J"....My house is the best place for "Happy Hour" All you can drink and smoke for free... "

kevin wrote on Dec 7, 2008 10:13 AM:

" Way to go B-side! I had to cut back on the alcohol level a little, California beer drinkers can't handle it.

Now you need to learn to smoke salmon and pickle smelt and you will be a very popular host! "

B-Side wrote on Dec 7, 2008 11:25 AM:

" Good idea kevin, I love smoked salmon "

B-Side wrote on Dec 7, 2008 11:32 AM:

" napagirl69 - I believe all those places are gone. I want to party at your house. Those things sound fun to me.
The 2 digits in your name are cool too. "

this_is_alfred wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:00 PM:

" The Best:

OLIVE TREE

3-5pm "

nan03 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 3:01 PM:

" The best and safest place is at home. "

kellyness wrote on Dec 7, 2008 3:37 PM:

" Definately Compadre's... With progressive margaritas M-F ranging from 1$-3$ from 3-5, Taco Tuesday (Dollar Tacos and 3$ 24oz cans of Tecate !), Aloha Friday (3$ Mai tai's/Tri Tip Skewers, and complimentary Maui Nachos... Weekend specials include Bloody Mary's (and Maria's, with tequila!), and Mimosa's. Don't forget, Monday evening Back Bar and Top Shelf Margaritas are only 5 $, all night long ... No one beats that. Why limit yourself to a happy hour... When you could have a happy week ? "

jeeper16 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 5:10 PM:

" On the banks of the Napa river under the Third St. bridge. Nothin' better than drinking a big fat "40" out of a paper sack and socilalizing with some of "Napa's Finest"! YEAH, Buddy!!! "

napagrl1960 wrote on Dec 8, 2008 8:24 AM:

" my favorite spot is the Trancas Steakhouse! The employees are friendly, the company is fun and the food is great. Never had a bad meal! You can get the early bird special (steak or chicken) for $6.95 too!

You can usually find Napa's very own Norm there too. "

rage against wrote on Dec 8, 2008 10:02 AM:

" I should preface with my opinion about happy hour, if you want cheap drinks, go the store and buy them, then when you're liquored up and ready to go, get yourself to some of these spots.

The Joe's is "hella", to quote our lovely native dialect, weak. I'd rather spend everynight at Henry's than go back to that place once more, and I don't even like Henry's.

The best place in the valley for tasty beers is Silverado Brewing company, it's not super cheap, but I think on tuesdays they do 2$ beer nights. Besides, the rest of the week the beer is definitely worth it . As for food, stick with the buger.

The bowling alley is great for cheap-er beer, and there is no beating the atmosphere if you, like me share a certain eagerness to see other people at their most pitiful. There is always the occasional bowler who thinks their shoes will somehow find traction if they step onto the lanes. If you've been drinking this will be even more entertaining. And let's not forget, it's got the best arcade in town.

Other places in the valley can be fun, the Green Door, or Pancha's if your already drunk and a smoker, Billco's if you like overpriced beer and a generally love-desperate atmosphere, the Peking Palace all the way for cheap sake bombs and general Tsou's chicken, and of course there's always Anna's if your in the mood for a good fight.

In closing, it would be absolutely remiss to leave out Filipi's pizza grotto, Mon. - Thurs., THE FEAST, best meal deal around, you'll find me there often, even if it means I have to drink Great White. "

707jng wrote on Dec 8, 2008 11:43 AM:

" I think Uva's on Thursday nights is great. I haven't been in awhile but they usually have the live jazz band that plays. They have a fabulous atmosphere and gorgeous wait staff :) the drinks are a little pricy but well worth it in my opinion and just as expensive as everywhere else in Napa.
If you want to drink cheap go to Vallejo.
Merri - Bah humbug to you too!! "

Native74 wrote on Dec 8, 2008 1:18 PM:

" Uva's...actually great drinks and not over the top on price!

I didn't know about Boon Fly and that's walking distance for me! "

selim wrote on Dec 8, 2008 1:48 PM:

" Uva, Zuzu, and Allegria are all great for happy hour. I haven't been to Downtown Joe's in a looooong time...I've had one too many experiences with expensive bad food or garbage beer there.

Bounty Hunter is good for happy hour drinks & snacks, but can get pricey in a hurry. "

realist2 wrote on Dec 8, 2008 3:22 PM:

" Fume on Monday for 5 buck chuck.

Red Hen for the game.

I would love to see a good sports bar. "

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on Dec 8, 2008 4:50 PM:

" Red Hen tonight, as long as the football game is on its happy hour prices. Half off appitizers, Hopefully the game goes into overtime for longer happy hour prices. Same deal on Sundays, as long as an NFL game is on then they have happy hour prices. "

marine1/1 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:21 AM:

" Are you kidding me? The city of Napa saw to it years ago that most of the BARS we had in Napa were closed. You can count on your fingers the BARS we have left. I'm not talking about the restaurant bars either. The city saw the end to the watering holes years ago. Make a drink at home and you won't have to worry about driving or paying $ 10.00 for it. Better yet, head on up and get a room at Tahoe and drink for free while you have fun playing your favorite casino game. "

mALO wrote on Dec 9, 2008 1:31 PM:

" ...and the WINNER IS...

COPIA! :.p

Race Against is right, The Green Door is the finest Napa has to offer! "

nearlynapa wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:32 PM:

" Hog Island Oyster Bar at the Oxbow Market
$1 Oysters & $3.5 Drafts - YeeeOowww!

Every Tues & Wed, 5-7 "

mwpnov wrote on Dec 11, 2008 8:16 PM:

" How about Elements & Enoteca on 2nd street? Great small plates, wonderful wines, by the glass, or bottle. Tuesdays buy 1 glass and get the 2nd glass 1/2 price. Wendsays no corkage!!, open 7 days a week. Michael Blair every other Saturdays from 6:30 to 10.30 or so.
Johnny Smith appearing Dec. 18th. The food is outstanding, and reasonbly priced. What more could you want? "

John Richards wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:57 PM:

" Since several of you mentioned Cuvee so glowingly, I just checked their online menu. They want $14.50 for a hamburger and fries. Sorry, I don't consider that a good price. No wonder the wait staff is so jovial, they are making out like bandits if they get 20% of those prices! "

bornin74 wrote on Dec 12, 2008 8:38 AM:

" you people are all getting ripped off!!!

$1 hotdogs AND
$1 Pabst Blue Ribbon ON TAP @ The Vet's Home! "

marine1/1 wrote on Dec 12, 2008 11:09 AM:

" bornin74 - Thanks for reminding me. I haven't been there in a long time. Cheap beer, good hot dogs and great stories. "

nscrgirl wrote on Dec 12, 2008 12:38 PM:

" I mentioned Cuvee, but I forgot to mention the Oxbow Wine Merchant, great wine, and the food is yummy! "

Hear Ye wrote on Dec 12, 2008 2:56 PM:

" John Richards-

This thread is about HAPPY HOUR. You are looking at Cuvee's regular menu. Look at their "events" section on their website for happy hour deals. I just learned about it from these comments but plan on taking advantage soon.
Also, their regular prices are very reasonable considering the quality of food and service as well as the atmosphere. "

strate8 wrote on Dec 14, 2008 5:42 PM:

" I sure am glad I don't have to drink alcohol anymore. You people are getting ripped off big time. Why ? What for ? Been there,done that ! When pride is there that's what ya got to do,I suppose. Here I am ! Here's my money ! Crazy,if you ask me. "

JordanG wrote on Dec 23, 2008 5:38 PM:

" ____BOUNTY HUNTER____
Monday-Thursday (3-6)
*2 for One Draft Beers =$5.50
(THEY HAVE GUINNESS!)
*2 for One Glasses of Wine (Bounty Hunter Brands)
*25% OFF The Wine List
*$5 Rib and Slaw Plater
*$10 BBQ Sampler Plate
Dont Forget :
50 Wines by the glass
400 Different Bottles
Beer Can Chicken is EPIC! "

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