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.
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