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Dinner for Free: Happy Hours With Complimentary Food

By Krista Carlson

Drink specials and cheap eats worth their price abound across Los Angeles.But finding the best of both worlds can be like searching for a needle in this sprawling haystack of a city. Yet all is not lost! There are a handful of bars, from the classy to the casual to the divey, serving complimentary eats that will allow you to get your drink on and provide some sustenance in the process.

Happy hour at Il Moro
Photo Credit: Il Moro

Il Moro

Neighborhood: West L.A.
11400 West Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 575 3530
Website & Reviews

Happy Hours: Monday through Friday 5p.m. to 7p.m.

This stylish mid-city gastrobar doesn't offer any drink specials during happy hour, but to their credit the gourmet buffet offers a delectable array of finger foods that changes day to day. With complimentary small plate dishes like seafood ceviche and eggplant lasagna, you can splurge on one of their $12 signature cocktails without cringing. Stop by on Tuesdays to indulge in their weekly wine tastings, or make it a Thursday if you're more of a beer drinker.

1739 Public House
Photo Credit: 1739 Public House

1739 Public House

Neighborhood: Los Feliz
1739 N Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 663 1739
www.1739publichouse.com

Happy Hours: Daily from 3p.m. to 7 p.m.

This pub offers a casual setting and over 64 beers on tap, all in the heart of Los Feliz. A free personal-size pizza is served with drink orders during their extended happy hours, and with six slices it's a generous offer. Enjoy your beer inside and cue up the jukebox, tune into the latest sports game on the TV behind the bar, or enjoy your drinks al fresco on the sidewalk patio – lots of locals like to stop here for a drink with their dog in tow.

Los Angeles Athletic Club
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Athletic Club

Los Angeles Athletic Club

Neighborhood: Downtown
Address 2: 431 W 7th St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 625 2211
Website & Reviews

Happy Hours: Monday-Friday 5p.m. to 7p.m.

Kick back and enjoy half-priced beer, wine and mixed drinks along with complimentary bar food favorites at the Los Angeles Athletic Club's swanky Main Bar. Low-key fare such as chips and salsa, quesadillas and hot dogs are among the rotating spread provide a casual complement to the elegant setting.

Gold Room

Neighborhood: Echo Park
1558 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 482 5259
Website & Reviews

Happy Hours: 12p.m to 2p.m daily

Dark and divey, this bar is located in the art-imbued Echo Park district, and chooses to offer their $4 beer-and-tequila shot special at all hours. To help you soak up all that cheap booze, free tacos are also on hand. This hangout is not quite a sports bar (though frequented by Dodger fans), not quite a hipster hangout, but a little bit of both and generally welcoming to all manner of folks.

Melgard Public House

Neighborhood: Melrose/Hollywood
7505 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(818) 288 4158
www.melgardpublichouse.com

Hours: 3p.m. to 7p.m. daily

Situated just East of Fairfax on Melrose, the friendly atmosphere – you'll often find warm and welcoming French owner Michel behind the bar – and wide selection of draught beers alone make this a bar a standout on the bustling boulevard. The free pizza and $10 pitchers of Stella Artois and Negra Modello don't hurt either. Come for happy hour on a Tuesday and stick around for Pub Trivia to have a chance at winning great freebies like tickets to local productions, gift cards or free drinks.

Red Lion Tavern
Photo Credit: Red Lion Tavern

Red Lion Tavern

Neighborhood: Silverlake
2366 Glendale Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 662 5337
Website & Reviews

Happy Hours: Weekdays 3p.m.-6p.m.

Possibly the most genuine German bar in Los Angeles, the atmosphere here is Old World cozy. The staff is dressed in traditional German dirndls, and the brews and food are just as authentic. Whether you're craving a lager, pilsner or hefeweizen, they're all 25 percent off during happy hour and accompanied by complimentary cheese and crackers and a rotating hot dish, often chili. Head upstairs to relax on the covered patio, and if you're feeling adventurous go for a half-and-half (dark and light beers together). And in case you are wondering: yes, they have glass boots to drink from!

Krista Carlson is a native Angeleno whose passion for adventure continues to lead her to destinations both urban and wild. She writes about her experiences at Kryxtanicole's Blog.


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