You work hard during the day. You have duties to fulfill at home in the evening. If you have time, try to spend an hour or two doing something you enjoy in between. You deserve it. Readers keen on imbibing a post-work cocktail or regional craft brew, take note of these trending Seattle happy hour haunts.
Anchorhead Coffee Co.
Anchorhead Coffee’s new-ish downtown cafe is a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive from AMLI 535. Anchorhead’s sophisticated coffee is reason enough to visit. The daily hour makes it even more compelling. Enjoy smoked trout, a pretzel bun caprese sandwich, and other small bites at reduced prices. Fancy adult beverages like prosecco and wine are also served.
Bar Vacilando
Chill vibes reign strong at Bar Vacilando, whose alluring patio was one of Capitol Hill’s hottest new outdoor spots last summer. Happy hour, from 3 to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, means dollar discounts on draft beer, house cocktails, and well drinks. Sliders and other small bites are available for .
El Gaucho
This premier northwest steakhouse is definitely upscale, but happy hour makes wining and dining at El Gaucho somewhat more affordable. Happy hour runs from 2 to 6pm on Monday through Friday and 5pm until close on Sunday. Several burgers, a steak sandwich, and tuna tartar are all on the menu. Handcrafted cocktails are 0, local drafts , and high-end wine pours start at . El Gaucho’s Bellevue outpost is a 15-minute stroll from AMLI at Bellevue Park.
The Helm
This Fremont bar has one of the best-value happy hours in town. Drop in between 4 and 6pm Monday through Friday for off craft cocktails, selected wines, the beer of the day, and nearly all food items. Rainier tallboys are . The Helm is a five-minute drive from AMLI Wallingford.
Japonessa
Japonessa’s downtown Seattle location had been a happening happy hour spot for over five years before Bellevue’s Lincoln Square location opened last spring. The Bellevue outpost, right across the park from AMLI’s downtown Bellevue apartments, has been bustling from the get-go. It’s one of only a couple Bellevue happy hours serving discounted food and drinks after 6pm. Stop by between 6:30 and 8 for discounted sushi, rolls, and sake drinks.
MBar
This South Lake Union happy hour makes Chef Jason Stratton’s Mediterranean dishes and creative craft cocktails easier on the wallet. MBar’s happy hour, hosted on the rooftop restaurant’s exceptional patio, is best enjoyed on nice days. Specials are available daily from 4 to 6pm. MBar’s Fairview Ave. entrance is a five-minute walk from AMLI 535.
Mamnoon
Beloved Capitol Hill dinner spot Mamnoon introduced lunch, brunch, and happy hour to its offerings around a year ago. Drop in between 4 and 6pm for discounts on wine, beer, cocktails, and Mediterranean plates including hummus and deep-fried cauliflower. Mamnoon is a five-minute drive from AMLI’s South Lake Union apartments.
Tavolata Capitol Hill
Ethan Stowell’s Tavolata 2.0 is one of the best Seattle happy hours to crop up in the last year. Classy vermouth cocktails sell for , wine and prosecco for , and select craft brews for daily between 5 and 7pm. Homemade pasta dishes, salads, and a salami board are also available for discounted prices. Tavolata is also a five-minute drive from AMLI South Lake Union.
Volunteer Park Cafe
Happy hour just arrived at this North Cap Hill institution in October, and it’s changed the game for some loyal patrons. VPC’s happy hour is only offered Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 to 6:30pm, but it’s a bargain. Several types of pizza, flatbread, a seasonal salad, and cocktails are discounted by 50-percent or more. Neither the portion sizes nor the strength of the pours is reduced.
White Swan Public House
Happy hour rolls around twice a day at Dan Brugge’s new waterfront venture, a 10-minute walk from AMLI 535. Specials are available on rockfish, shrimp, smoked trout dip, and fish and chips. The poutine of the sea is popular, as is the happy hour oyster bar. Wash your seafood down with discounted beer, cider, cocktails, or wine. Happy hour runs Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6pm and Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10pm.
Young American Ale House
Mediterranean restaurant Golden Beetle is permanently closed, but Maria Hines did not leave her prime Ballard location. At the end of October, the Beetle’s gastropub replacement opened its doors. The Young American Ale House is three blocks east of AMLI Mark 24 on Market Street. Visit between 4 and 6pm for discounted beer, wine, cocktails, and locally sourced comfort food.
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