Top five happy hour spots to get you through the holidays

by Nicole Lisson
- The Capitol Hill Times - 

With Thanksgiving gone and Christmas on the horizon, money is tight. Thankfully, there is a long list of happy hours on the hill, where the food is cheap and the booze is even cheaper. With the help of some hard research, I found the five best happy hours where there aren’t any greasy buffalo wings in sight.

Barrio Mexican Kitchen and Bar
1420 12th Avenue
Happy Hour
Early:  Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Late: Monday through Thursday 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Friday and Saturday 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
www.barriorestaurant.com
If you are in the mood for some late night tacos, Barrio is the place to go. The Al Pastor taco ($3.50 each) has thinly sliced pork shoulder with sweet caramelized pineapple. For the vegetarian, there is a roasted beet option that has toasted pumpkin seeds drizzled with chipotle vinaigrette. There is also an assortment of antojitos from seared Albacore Tuna Tostada ($6) to Mini Pork Stew ($7). A fruity glass of sangria will run you back $6. On Monday’s, tequila is half priced.

Dinette
1514 E. Olive Way
Happy Hour
Monday through Saturday
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Late: Friday and Saturday 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
www.dinetteseattle.com
This cozy Capitol Hill restaurant serves rustic European fare. A soft pretzel is served with a beer laden cheese dip ($5) that is pure comfort food, while the goat cheese stuffed dates are bright and tangy. If you want to feel like James Bond, a well martini is $6. So come on, gather a group of friends and check out Dinettes ever changing happy hour menu.

Ba Bar
550 12th Avenue
Happy Hour
Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
http://babarseattle.com
When you walk into this bustling restaurant, you feel as if you have been transported to Vietnam. The fresh cucumber salad ($4) is a great way to start your meal. It cleanses your palate for the knockout pho. There are three choices; Pho Tai Nam ($7), Pho Ga ($7) and Mi Bo Vien ($6). Pho Tai Nam has Painted Hills Brisket and London Broil which makes for a rich broth.  Wash it down with a Leah Mariia ($6).

Anchovies and Olives
1550 15th Avenue
Oyster Power Hour
Sunday through Thursday
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to Close
http://ethanstowellrestaurants.com/anchoviesandolives
If you are a huge fan of oysters, this power hour is for you.  A variety of oysters are served for 1 dollar a piece. You can wash them down with $2 Peronis or $5 prosecco. It’s a deal that nobody should miss.

Artusi
1535 14th Avenue
Happy hour
Daily 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and
10 p.m. to Close
http://artusibar.com
Chef Jason Stratton is the brainchild behind this chic and sophisticated restaurant.  It should be no surprise that the menu changes seasonally, making it always a delight to visit. If you are in the mood to linger, Artusi lops off $5 dollars any wine bottle during happy hour.