The only thing better than an early afternoon cocktail is a cheap early afternoon cocktail. Luckily, many of L.A.’s hottest restaurants slash their drink prices during the pre-dinner hours, so you can relax after work and leisurely imbibe without sacrificing your paycheck or your desire for a swanky ambiance.

BOA Steakhouse
9200 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 5-7 p.m.

This Sunset Strip steakhouse and celebrity hot spot (I happened to see David Spade when I was there) serves up wine, beer and cocktails for $7 and under and offers a happy hour food menu featuring small plates for $5-13. To get the most bang for your buck, try the BOA Infusion cocktail, a mix of vodka, pineapple and watermelon priced at only $5, and the shrimp and feta pizzetta, which will fill you up for only $7. Not only are the happy hour prices more than reasonable, but the venue itself offers plentiful outdoor seating on plush sofas in a serene atmosphere. Just steer clear of the ahi tuna sliders: the portion is almost comically tiny.

(Gabrielle Olya)

Chef Michael Mina serves up modern American fare in this Phillip Starke-designed restaurant. The upscale décor makes diners feel as if they have walked into a library of someone’s private mansion, with plush couches and chairs (complete with fur throws) arranged between a marble bar and book-lined shelves. The happy hour entails half-off all specialty cocktails (the Cucumber Pom Deluxe is a perfectly refreshing summer beverage) and starters (which include not one, but two Kobe beef options, yum!), and they even bring you complimentary nan and Greek yogurt, so you are sure to leave satisfied.

Ciudad
445 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 4-7 p.m.

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, Ciudad is a brightly-colored mini oasis among the tall buildings that surround it. Ciudad happy hour includes $5 mojitos, margaritas, caipirinhas and sangria, as well as a happy hour menu featuring $3 tacos and $5 guacamole –and the guac will not disappoint! Get there early and snag a seat in the outdoor patio area to take advantage of the remaining summer nights.

Luna Park
672 S. La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 4-7 p.m.

This charming Miracle Mile spot offers a 2-for-1 special on regular-priced drinks, appetizers and pizzas. You can’t go wrong with one of their mojitos, and don’t miss out on their truffle mushroom pizza: big enough for two to share and amazingly delicious. The dimly lit venue offers cute private booths as well as an outdoor seating area, a perfect atmosphere to unwind in.

Reach reporter Gabrielle Olya here.