Happy Hours

The right places to wind down the day 

Popular dining destinations deliver serious perks for the post-work crowd. Check out these appetite-pleasing options.

Danton's Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen
the spot: Danton's Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen is a seafood house reminiscent of days gone by. the deal: $4 import and specialty beers, $4 mixed-drinks, food specials. when to go: Danton's does happy hour in the Oyster Bar Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. what to order: if you're in the mood for oysters, this is the place to go. Raw oysters freshly shucked are 75 cents a piece. Cold boiled shrimp are the same price.

Giacomo's cibo e vino
the spot: Chef Lynette Hawkins' fast-casual, Venetian-tapas concept, which reflects Hawkins' "eat little, well and often" mission. the deal: Giacomo's offers its less-than $8, Cichetti Caldi (hot dishes) menu, pairing each plate with a three-ounce pour of Italian wines. when to go: The Cichetti Caldi menu is available after 4 p.m. what to order: Go for the Gamberi al Diavolo-spicy, marinated shrimp, sautéed with garlic and olive oil and served with a slow dough crusty baguette.

Cyclone Anaya's
the spot: Stop by one of Cyclone Anayas' three locations-Midtown, Woodway and Durham-for a mix of margarita-fueled fun and bold, Tex-Mex standards. the deal: Discover wallet-friendly ($4 - $6) plates on Cyclone's recently-revamped, Mexican-inspired, but non-traditional happy hour menu. when to go: Weekdays, 3 - 6 p.m. what to order: Crispy Negra Modelo-beer-battered onion rings and specially-priced margaritas.

Max's Wine Dive
the spot: This upscale dive bar offers a standout wine list, a unique take on comfort food plus a Texas-proud jukebox. the deal: $2 Lone Star beers, $2 off any wines listed by the glass and a $6 food menu. when to go: Max's does happy hour weekdays from 4 p.m.-7p.m. and a reverse happy hour (food only) the last two hours of business Monday through Friday. what to order: Check out the Hoja Santa cheese board with fresh goat cheeses and pair with a Gotham Riesling. Max's fried egg sandwich is also a must have.

Jasper's in The Woodlands
the spot: This heavy hitter brings its homespun American cuisine and ultra-chic decor to The Woodland's Market Street complex. the deal: Everything on the happy hour menu is $5, including several fab specialty cocktails and bites. when to go: Jasper's does happy hour every day of the week from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. what to order: You've got to try the bourbon pulled pork sliders.