Oh happy hour, how you taunt us so, with your half-price drink specials and tasty hors d'oeuvres.

You'll find some incarnation of this after-work diversion at nearly every neighborhood bar and pub - but suppose you're in the mood for something more posh? Long Island restaurants are hosting high-class happy hours, when you can sip cocktails, socialize and nibble on savory snacks in beautifully designed spaces. Here are but a few suggestions of spots to relax and unwind.

WAVE Lounge: Danfords Hotel & Marina, 25 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson, 631-928-5200, danfords.com

Crowd: Mostly early 30s and older
Specialty: The WAVEtini, a beachy mix of Malibu rum, Stoli Vanilla vodka and Blue Curacao.

Happy hour at WAVE, tucked inside Danfords, is quickly becoming an after-work hot spot in Port Jefferson. Located right on the marina, the restaurant's lounge has a tapas menu (think shrimp boats, bruschetta) and half-priced drinks every weeknight from 4 to 7.

Sweetwaters: 470 Wheeler Rd., Hauppauge, 631-348-0808, sweetwaters.net

Crowd: Mid-30s to early 40s
Specialty: Bellini-tini - vodka, peach nectar and champagne

The Friday happy hour crowd here is decidedly corporate, flowing in from the many industrial offices in the surrounding area. Among the perks: Free hors d'oeuvres, half-price drinks and an outdoor front patio in the summer. Don't leave without trying the fondue, be it the cheese-blend appetizers or the chocolate dessert fondues.

FOUR: 515 Broadhollow Rd. (Route 110), Melville, 631-577-4444, fourfoodstudio.com

Crowd: Late 20s to early 30s
Specialty: Pitchers of white peach sangria

In terms of décor, few places rival Four Food Studio (having a 1,000-gallon tropical fish tank helps). The two-year-old happy hour scene is still absolutely raging with hordes of metrosexuals who dress the part. Prices are steep, but the blow is lessened by summertime outdoor seating and unusual nibbles, such as "grilled chilled" seafood plates.

Rein Bar & Bistro: 45 Seventh St., Garden City, 516-877-9385, gardencityhotel.com

Crowd: Late 20s to early 40s
Specialties: Chimay Blue Grand Reserve, Trappist Ale

You won't find any happy hour gimmicks here, where the focus is elegant sophistication. Expensive cocktails are served atop an onyx bar - plush leather and impressive artwork abound. Live music Thursday-Saturday makes a visit even more worthwhile.

B.K. Sweeney's Parkside Tavern: 356 Broadway, Bethpage, 516-935-9597, bksweeneys.com

Crowd: Early 30s to 40s

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