Best Happy Hours On Ventura Boulevard
You do not have to go "over the hill" for a few inexpensive drinks and dishes during happy hour. The Ventura Boulevard strip has evolved over the years, and now there are even more restaurants with specials almost every day of the week. No matter what you have a taste for, it should not be hard to eat and drink well without emptying your wallet.
Casa Vega
13301 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-4868
www.casavega.com
Casa Vega is a Valley institution. The family-owned restaurant has been around since the mid-1950s, and now, it is a local hangout for people in the neighborhood who want happy hour every day of the week. From 2:30 to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday, enjoy the Casa Vega house margarita for just $4.95. All other alcoholic drinks are discounted by 20 percent. Although food is not part of the happy hour bonanza, it is a perfect time to check out offerings on the updated summer menu. Grilled Gazpacho, Grilled Lime Chili Shrimp, Roasted Corn with Jalapeno Relish and a refreshing Coconut Water Cocktail will help you survive the hot days of summer with a satisfied stomach.
The Six
12650 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 761-2319
thesixrestaurant.com
The Six boasts an interesting concept that keeps the menu varied and fresh. From appetizers, entrees and desserts to red wines, white wines and beers--each section of the menu features six items. The woodfired pizzas at The Six are a crowd pleaser, so it should be great news that they are the heart of the restaurant's late night happy hour menu. From Sunday to Wednesday, pizzas are just $6 after 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, grab the same deal after 10 p.m. Choose from the Pizza Royale with bacon, pears and burrata, the Mushroom Tapenade with mozzarella cheese and truffle oil, or the BBT with bacon, basil and roasted tomatoes. Pair a pie with one of the specially-selected craft beers, and it's a steal.
Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Grill
12050 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-3330
www.sammyspizza.com
Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Grill may be fairly new in Studio City, but the restaurant chain has been around long enough to pop up restaurants in various parts of Southern California and Las Vegas. Happy hour is daily from 3 to 6 p.m. on the patio and at the bar. It features 50 percent off the menu's tapas and $2 off beer, wine and cocktails. Try the Crab and Shrimp Dip, Sesame Shishito Peppers, Mediterranean Lebni or Mini Duck Tacos, just to name a few. The selections at Sammy's offer a little something for everyone.
Ahi Sushi
12915 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 981-0277
www.ahisushi.com
If you love sushi, make sure to carve out two hours during the week to check out a big menu at a low price. Small bites like edamame, mushroom miso soup and cucumber sunomono are $2.95, and a number of rolls, vegetable dishes and seafood specials are offered from $4.95 to $5.95. Spicy Salmon Rolls, Tempura Shishito Peppers Stuffed with Tuna, Tofu Teriyaki, Oyster Shooters and Baked Salmon Rolls are just a few of the numerous items offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Small Kirins and hot sake are only $2, and specialty soju martinis are just $4.50. Between inexpensive food and drink, it is possible to have a big meal for a low price.
Loteria Grill
12050 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 508-5300
loteriagrill.com
Loteria Grill first opened at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles in 2002, and now there are five locations in the city. The Studio City restaurant offers happy hour every Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. It includes $4 beers, $5 Micheladas, $6 specialty appetizers, $7 margaritas and $8 tequila shots. Go with a group of friends and try the Chicanitos with five different taquitos, P-B-C Tacos featuring three tacos, the cheesy Quesadilla Gringa or Tostadi. Enjoy food and drink at the bar or on the open-air patio whenever the desire for regional Mexican food strikes.
Related: Best Of LA's Original Farmers Market
Vino Tapas & Wine Room
18046 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, CA 91316
(818) 343-2525
www.vinowineroom.com
Vino Tapas & Wine Room has a Spanish-style happy hour special every day from 4 to 7 p.m. and again, just in time for summer, from 10:30 p.m. to midnight. Champagne, mimosas and sangria are just $4, saketinis are $6 and red and white wines range from $4 to $7. Every dish on the discounted food menu is just $5. Albondigas, Croquetas, Ceviche de Pescado, Salchicha con Repollo and Patatas Bravas are a few of the items up for grabs.
Related: Best Mojitos In Los Angeles
Chrystal Baker is a freelance food, events, culture travel contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine, Frugivore Magazine and Politic365. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere, as well as the Farm 2 Plate Culinary Club site.
