The Best Eagle Rock Happy Hours

Don't get me wrong, now that my twenties are long gone, I don't actually go out drinking too often. But I do need to voice my complaint about one area of this charming little neighborhood of Eagle Rock that is lacking: There just aren't enough bars! And that means there aren't enough Happy Hours to help those of you watching your pennies in these tough economic times get some cheap eats and drinks with friends once in a while.

But don't fret. I've done some digging and The Rock does have some cool offerings when it comes to Happy Hours and just regular ol' drink and food specials, ranging from $1 tacos at Ernie Jr.'s Taco House to 15 percent off Mia Sushi's fancy-schmancy rolls.

Let's take a look:

(1630 Colorado Blvd., 323-258-8800): This cozy little bar is the favored place for those who like to indulge in a libation or two. The Happy Hour is from Tuesday through Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., and features $3 well drinks and $3 craft beers on tap. But it's not just the great prices that keep Eagle Rockers coming, it's the cool crowd, eclectic jukebox and free darts that make the Boar's Happy Hour hard to beat.

(1833 Colorado Blvd., 323-254-9138): Be careful here. Colombo's drinks are famously stiff and cheap, so one can get into a lot of trouble when the Happy Hour discounts kick in. From Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m., all beer and well drinks are 75 cents off, making a Budweiser $3 and a vodka and cranberry $6. The old-school vibe is what makes me a regular here, though, with its dark wood, red leather booths and wrought iron chandeliers it looks like a scene for a mob hit on The Sopranos.

Fatty's (1627 Colorado Blvd., 323-254-8804): Don't let the fact that this is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant fool you. When I first came to Eagle Rock I thought Fatty's would be greasy, meat-filled comfort food since it was named Fatty's. Right? Wrong. I ordered their BLT and thought I was eating real bacon, not vegetarian "facon," and enjoyed it just the same. Point being, if you haven't gone here because you think it's health food, think again. It might be meatless, but it's yummy as heck. As for their newly formed Happy Hour, it's from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with $3 craft bottled brews, $5 giant cocktails, 25 percent off prosecco and wine by the glass, and a "design your own chili bowl" meal starting at $4.  

(1958 Colorado Blvd., 323-257-2245, www.coffeetablebistro.com/lounge.php): It's nice to have a little variety in our watering holes and Coffee Table Lounge provides the perfect contrast to the Black Boar and Colombo's darker vibes. This bright red and blue sports-bar feel lounge is known for its big screen TVs and guilty-pleasure bar menu. Come Happy Hour time, which is Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 p.m., well drinks are $5 and draft beers (all 20 of them) are $1 off their regular prices. The Munchies menu, which is half priced at Happy Hour, is what gets me though. It includes the devilishly delicious Chili Fries, Chili Nachos, Chips & Salsa, Parmesan and Basil fries (my favorite) and more.

(4741 Eagle Rock Blvd., 323-256-2562): It's easy to get your sushi and sake on when everything on the menu is 15 percent off. That means from Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., favorites like the Eagle Rock Roll (a spicy tuna roll with asparagus tempura fried in a creamy lemon sauce) is only $8.50, Tuna Roll is only $4.25, and Miso Soup with Cilantro is no more than $2 and change. Get there early for a table on the romantic and intimate patio.

(2803 W. Broadway, (323) 256-1298, www.erniejrs.com): Okay, yes, I'm cheating here a bit. Ernie Jr.'s does not have a Happy Hour per se. But what's not happy about their two-for-one regular margaritas on Mondays or their $1 regular beef tacos on Tuesdays and Wednesdays? And, yes, those are all-day specials. That's a pretty Happy Day if you ask me. The food is authentic, the service is great, the margaritas to die for. And those prices simply cannot be beat.

(2005 Colorado Blvd., 323-255-6465) The Oinkster is unassuming from the outside. It seems like just a fast food burger joint. But it's not. It has probably the best burger and fries in town (Belgian fries, yum). And, it serves beer to boot! Their Happy Hour is from Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., with discounts on food and beers, including a burger and fries special for $3.99 with the purchase of any beverage, as well as $1 fries, $2 chili fries and $1.50 pulled pork tacos. Draft beers are all $1 off the regular price.