10 great happy hours in the South Bay

While happy hours are embedded into today’s culture, the social practice of gathering for scheduled merriment is said to have started over a hundred years ago. The U.S. Navy began organizing entertainment periods — happy hours — in the early 1900s so the sailors could commingle, smoke, imbibe, and entertain themselves. As expected, these "sessions" caught on rapidly and grew in popularity over the next several decades with other military branches and civilians.

However, the fact that happy hour became so widespread led it to become regulated in certain places. Several states ended up banning happy hour deals to curtail binge drinking, disorderly conduct, and drunk driving. California is not on the restricted list, however, so we can enjoy the perks of happy hour nationwide.

Here in the South Bay, the good news for customers is that restaurant proprietors have recently offered some of their best tipples and dishes at bargain rates to bring back pre-pandemic crowds. And who doesn’t love a good deal, especially in this economy? The flip side is that the hours tend to be pretty limited, with fewer menu options available.

Here are 10 under-the-radar gems in the South Bay, including a few that have coveted weekend specials. Grab some work colleagues, volleyball buddies or date and hit these spots up; keep in mind that prices, menu options, and hours are all subject to change. And like most things in life, moderation is key, so please drink responsibly.

The Wood Urban Kitchen (Inglewood)

Craft cocktails from The Wood

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Jackie Grubs

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The Wood Urban Kitchen

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Inglewood has become a hot destination over the last few years, primarily due to the SoFi Stadium/YouTube Theater complex that T. Swift, Beyonce, the Rams, and Chargers call home. The town of 100,000 robust boasts a proud history highlighted by several LA Lakers titles, hip-hop stars, and the Hollywood Park casino and racetrack.

Still, to some, it was never really known as a dining destination. That has all changed recently as fans and visitors have been flocking to many of the decades-old soul food and Caribbean walk-ups before and after events, and the once-quiet Market Street District is now the place to be.

The Wood Urban Kitchen, a lively barbecue grill and sports bar right in the heart of the action, is worth swinging by for a drink, some flavorful smoked meat, a DJ spinning tunes, and wall-to-wall games. Though not as cheap as other places on this list, the Wood’s evening and late-night happy hour menu includes discounts on some of the best food and cocktail options at a reasonable fare.

Fill up on $13 brisket sliders, $8 fried zucchini, $15 brisket chili fries, $6 domestic beers, and $10 blueberry margaritas before heading down to SoFi, or stick around and soak up the vibe instead.

Proud Bird (LAX)

Entry way to the food stalls and aerospace artifacts: Look up for a WWII plane.

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Samantha Alvarado

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Specialty Restaurants Corp

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There is an old proverb that states, “What is old is new again,” which perfectly applies to the esteemed Proud Bird.

Opened in 1967, just a few hundred feet from an LAX runway, the Proud Bird was a popular fine dining restaurant for almost 50 years, but it fell on hard times in the early 2000s. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the venerable institution returned as a micro food hall and aerospace museum in 2017, thanks to original owner David Tallichet’s son John taking over after his father passed.

Out went the dated menu and ambiance; in came BBQ pitmaster extraordinaire Kevin Bludso and celebrity chef Ted Hopson to modernize the dining experience. Multiple gourmet food stalls were added, including Bludso’s BBQ, a build-your-own-pizza station, and a chicken and waffles stand, and the beverage program was completely revamped.

Now, there are several replica planes on site, as well as exhibits dedicated to pilots of yesteryear. There is also a lovely outdoor space and kids’ play area so friends and family can watch massive jumbo jets take off and land at one of the world’s busiest airports.

On the drink side, the Mile High Bar’s happy hour is limited, but $4 beers, $5 house drinks, and wines, and select $8 cocktails Tuesday through Sunday afternoon are hard to top. There are occasional food specials, but the real draw is the aerospace-themed entertainment spread throughout the venue, including the real-time digital takeoffs and landings map. Grab a pop or two, poke around the food bazaar, explore, and enjoy the views.

Enjoy a pint, chicken tenders and waffle fries while plane spotting.

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Samantha Alvarado

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Specialty Restaurants Corp

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Tapizôn Bar and Kitchen (El Segundo)

It might sound surprising at first, but Brazilian cuisine is very prevalent in the South Bay and the greater Los Angeles area as a whole. Fogo de Chão, the global churrascaria empire, has been packed since it opened on the Rosecrans corridor in mid-2022.

Casual places like Panelas and Brazilian Plate House have been around longer, serving home-style meals in Redondo Beach and Torrance, respectively. Don’t forget about the much healthier açaí spots that tend to have lengthy morning lines, namely Paradise Bowls in Manhattan Beach and Açaí Republic in Torrance.

Crispy cheese fritters known as dadinho de tapioca from Tapizôn.

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Felipe Marcondes

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Tapizôn

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El Segundo’s Tapizôn Bar and Kitchen can also be added to the list of cafés Brasileiros in the area; this relative newcomer is on the corner of Main and Pine underneath the Ô sign. Open since late 2021, Tapizôn is slinging traditional Brazilian dishes like pao de queijo, feijoada, and picanha with innovative twists in an elegantly tropical indoor/outdoor space.

The drinks are also flowing, so be sure to try a traditional caipirinha cocktail made with cachaça liqueur, a Leopoldina craft beer, or a ‘cafezinho’ which is a strong coffee brewed with pure Brazilian beans mixed with a pinch of brown sugar and cream.

A popsicle-infused caipirinha at Tapizôn.

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Felipe Marcondes

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Tapizôn

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Open Tuesday through Sunday, the weekday afternoon happy hour menu includes most of the menu’s marquee starters, or "pratinhos," at modest prices and is a good intro into some of Brazil’s most famous food and drink. To get the full picture, make a point to come back and try some of the non-happy hour items too, like the churrasco mixed grill plate alongside a cup of pumpkin soup topped off with the delectable tapioca brigadeiro dessert.

X Speakeasy (Manhattan Beach)

If you’re in the mood to try something off the beaten path, but still hidden in plain view, downtown Manhattan Beach just so happens to have not one but two unique cocktail joints within a few blocks of each other. The first, X Speakeasy, occupies the side annex of David Slay’s newest venture Fête, a hip French-Mediterranean bistro. Although quarters are tight, the lounge uses minimal space, live music is on most evenings, and delightful small bites and appetizers are brought over from Slay’s kitchen next door. Oysters, deviled eggs, steak tartare, and hummus with freshly baked pita are available during “Magic Hour,” and beer, wine, and cocktails are half off. X is worth visiting before word spreads.

The steak tartare at X Speakeasy.

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John Trenz & Jessie Hopkins

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X Speakeasy

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The other watering hole is Sand Bar 66, which resides on the corner of Manhattan Avenue and 9th underneath the notorious members-only 900 Club. Sand Bar is smaller than X, but it was recently remodeled to resemble an airy beachfront cottage. Like X, Sand Bar, relies on the 900 Club’s kitchen, so service can run a bit slow since upstairs orders are the priority. However, expect items like meatballs, lamb chops, sliders, and wings complemented by standard cocktails with mid- to top-shelf brands.

Between the two, X is this author’s pick based on the better specials and extra breathing room, but there’s no harm in trying both and deciding for yourself.

Rockefeller (Hermosa Beach)

If you think overseeing operations for one restaurant is difficult, consider the stress of running three plus being an active partner in at least two others. Hat tip to South Bay natives Chris Bredesen and Allen Sanford for doing just that with the Rockefeller franchise, a trio of reputable gastropubs in Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo that have been thriving over the last decade.

The Manhattan Meatballs at Rockefeller in Hermosa Beach.

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Chris Bredesen

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Rockefeller

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The two developed a business relationship in the aughts through a few other ventures. Still, the Rockefeller locations (and the BeachLife concerts for Sanford) have been the most prolific for the pair.

Rockefeller has a lot of similarities to another notable mini-chain in Simmzy’s, but the former owns the South Bay brunch, burgers, and beer market share, in this writer’s opinion. The specials are the main differentiator, and Rockefeller’s $2 burgers on Tuesday evenings — valid with purchase of an alcoholic drink or two non-alcoholic drinks — and weekday happy hour are big hits with its clientele (RIP to dollar oyster Mondays, a previous deal no longer available).

The happy hour menu rotates occasionally, but the scrumptious meatballs, chips and guacamole or queso, and truffle macaroni and cheese are $6 each — an absolute steal. There are also a few local craft beers and select reds and whites on offer, and you can easily get full and happy for less than $40.

L & B Coastal (Hermosa Beach)

A love of cycling is front and center at L&B Coastal.

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Jeff Szpylman

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L&B Coastal

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Fish tacos are to Southern California what lobster rolls are to the Northeast: polarizing regional dishes that will stir up strong feelings within natives from both coasts. Should the fish be grilled or fried? Lobster chilled with mayo or warm with butter? What type of tortilla is best?

The debate could go on for a while, but there is one thing that I think we can all agree upon — not much beats a fish taco or a lobster roll with an ice-cold beer on a warm summer day.

I am partial to grilled fish tacos with light slaw and warm lobster rolls with butter, but I know others feel strongly about different preparations, which is all part of the fun.

Thankfully, there is a new seafood shack in Hermosa that just so happens to serve all of the above with a focus on lobster and beer (thus the name Lobster & Beer Coastal, or L&B Coastal for short).

Connecticut-style lobster roll with potato wedges at L&B Coastal.

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Jeff Szpylman

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L&B Coastal

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Loosely affiliated with the Lobster and Beer mini-franchise that has a few other locations in L.A., L&B Coastal took over the sizeable lot that used to house Hot’s Kitchen. The building was refreshed to imitate a breezy surf shack, and the menu is dotted with quality seafood options.

Maine- and Connecticut-style lobster rolls are available along with lobster tacos, lobster mac, lobster bisque, lobster tails, and grilled tilapia tacos. There are also several craft beers on tap, a short but decent wine selection, and summery 48-proof cocktails like a Paloma, spicy margarita, and sangria. The best part about L&B Coastal is the daily happy hour, though, especially since one of the main drawbacks of lobster is the high price point.

As a tradeoff, L&B’s happy hour menu includes some of its best-sellers at steep discounts, including the lobster tacos for $11.50, shrimp roll for $13.50, lobster quesadilla for $12.25, lobster mac bites at $7.50 for 4, and a $5.50 draft IPA. The lobster rolls remain at a total price of just under $22, but throw one or two in for good measure and let the discourse continue.

Georgia's Lounge (Redondo Beach)

Only one place has morphed from a biker bar to a modern speakeasy in the area, and that’s Georgia’s Lounge in Redondo Beach. Housed in a nondescript charcoal gray building along the Aviation curve between a dental office and triathlon store, Georgia’s opened in late 2018, completely revamping the notorious punk rock dive Gasser Lounge that departed a few years prior.

Beer and tacos at Georgia’s Lounge

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Keary Bixby

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Georgia’s Lounge

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Named after one of the owner’s grandmothers, Georgia’s has a moody vibe, an excellent cocktail program, rotating beers on tap, and a short but diverse food menu. Where else can you find a hanger steak, caprese on sourdough, chicken street tacos, warm naan with hummus, and a pumpkin espresso martini?

Georgia’s is mainly known for its signature cocktails, which range from classic riffs (the "Grandma Georgia" Old Fashioned staple) to funky (the "Garden Martini" is a mix of gin, lemongrass, fortified wine, and bergamot) to "healthy" (the "Drink Me" has tequila, carrot, honey, ginger, and lime). Still, the beer and wine offerings are also unique and constantly changing based on seasonality and feedback from regulars.

The absolute best part? Prices are affordable on the standard menu, with all cocktails in the $15-16 range, and the daily happy hour that runs Tuesday through Saturday lightens the load even more. Throw on a blazer and head over to Georgia’s — you won’t be disappointed.

Hudson House (Redondo Beach)

You can't help but pook up at the bar area at Hudson House.

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Kate Failor

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Hudson House

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Located on PCH in the commuter-heavy stretch between Hermosa and Redondo, it is almost impossible to miss Hudson House. Just look for the bright, ornate mural filled with stick figures, caricatures, doodles, and other random symbols, and you’ve arrived. Though the interior is not as colorful as the exterior, the tasteful yacht club motif is still warm and welcoming, and the menu reflects the gastropub’s unpretentious mood as well.

Handhelds such as the pretzel bun burger, loaded street dog with tots, and shrimp and lobster roll are all quite popular. Southern influences are also apparent with items like the sweet corn cake, cheddar serrano grit fritters, and brown sugar pork ribs available.

Still can’t figure out what you want? Give the fish tacos or fish and chips a shot, and save space for a chocolate chip skillet cookie, bread pudding, or cheesecake. The happy hour menu is slightly more limited food-wise, but there are plenty of options to mix and match, and prices are significantly reduced. Libations-wise, cocktails like The OG (tequila, serrano chiles, watermelon, lime, and agave) and Sunny Daze Mule with pear are almost half-off or give the $6 draft Skyduster lager a shot instead.

The regular menu, which also includes brunch, has many more options, but the happy hour menu makes up for its pricing. And I’d be remiss not to mention that the original Hudson House proprietor was Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson, who passed the torch on to current owners Kate Failor and Ashley Failor in late 2020. The transition was smooth since the quality and creativity remained top-drawer (with some help from the mural).

The exterior mural at Hudson House is impossible to miss.

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Vida Modern Mexican + Tequila (Redondo Beach)

There is no shortage of cost-effective Mexican restaurants across the greater South Bay, and most locals have their go-tos (ours are Tacos El Goloso in Hermosa and El Sombrero in Manhattan). However, significantly fewer places in town are serving such a wide variety of well-executed and reasonably-priced dishes like Redondo Beach’s Vida, opened in October 2021 by Mickey Mance of legendary Mickey’s Deli in Hermosa and Justin Essman of Tower 12/Baja Sharkeez fame.

Taco flight from Vida

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McKenzie Walton

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MW Marketing

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The pair sought to add a more contemporary yet casual take on Baja-focused cuisine to the Catalina Village district of Redondo Beach, and the primary focus is on "craft" tacos and ceviches.

The most efficient move is to go with a few friends or a date and order one or two tacos from each category (surf, turf, veggie, and elevated or ’por vida’) and share. Throw in a few sopes, a cup of albondigas soup, and scallop ceviche, and you’ll be more than full for just around $100, including drinks. Even better, Vida also offers several specials, including Margarita Mondays ($6 margaritas), Taco Tuesdays ($3.50 street tacos), and a well-rounded weekday happy hour running Monday through Friday afternoons that includes discounts on most of the tacos and ceviches as well as an $11 Cadillac margarita.

Though Vida’s plain décor could be improved ever so slightly, the menu is extensive, service is solid, and prices are pretty fair given the quality and portion size. Don’t go too crazy on the addictive Tajín-seasoned chips since you’ll need to save some room for the rest of the meal.

Madre! Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria (Torrance)

The American dream is truly attainable — just ask Ivan Vazquez, owner of Madre!, about his journey. Long story short, he was born in Oaxaca, moved to L.A. in his teens, started from the bottom at Baja Fresh and worked his way up to regional management, and then left to open four Oaxacan restaurants/mezcalerias across L.A. County in honor of his mother.

Oysters topped with chapulines at Madre!

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Annie Goldenberg

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White Oak Communications

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For those less familiar, Oaxaca is a Mexican state southeast of Mexico City with a proud culinary history, and mole and mezcal are the region’s most famous food and drink, respectively.

There are several other dishes and beverages indigenous to Oaxaca, such as tlayudas (similar-ish to pizza but with a tortilla "crust"), chapulines (grasshoppers), and pulque (a thick agave-based liqueur). Vazquez does his best to include as many Oaxacan specialties as possible in his four Madre! locations (Palms, West Hollywood, and Valencia are the other three), but mole, mezcal, and grilled meats get the most shine.

The Torrance location usually has nightly live music, and weekday happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., offering tacos, tortas, oysters with chapulines, and mole enchiladas in addition to house mezcal, tequila, margaritas, and draft beers all at cut-rate prices. It can get crowded, so be sure to snag a reservation before heading over just to be safe.