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

Next >>