An excuse to eat on the cheap in gussied surroundings

Akinori Sushi

Use of marinades distinguish the Edomae style of sushi this spot is known for, and Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30–7pm you may experience select examples at reduced prices. Start with the $10 yellowtail sashimi with truffle oil, and for style points order the $8 poki salad — negi-marinated ahi served in a margarita glass topped by seaweed and fried leeks. Belly up to the sushi bar, order a $3 pint of Sapporo or $4 large sake, and marvel as you watch the sushi chef build masterful dishes at this underrated restaurant that serves some of the most exotic fish in town.

Catania

A Coastal Italian theme doesn’t go to waste at this stylish new La Jolla restaurant and ocean view bar. A smattering of Italian-brewed craft beers go for $7 from 3–6pm daily, along with select cocktails and wines by the glass. If 7 bucks sounds steep for a happy hour pint, remind yourself these imported brews cannot be found on tap elsewhere in town, including Birra Del Borgo’s Perle Ai Porci, a saline oyster stout brewed with oyster shells and bacon that must be tasted to be believed. Eleven-dollar wood-fired pizzas made from imported ingredients complete a joyful Mediterranean afternoon.

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Known for its piranha skull wall, mermaid statues, and ocean liner steam room motifs, Ironside really cements its reputation with a raw bar.​ For an excuse to eat oysters on the cheap in such gussied surroundings, hit the bar from 3–6pm weekdays, when Ironside Selects go for a buck a shuck. These Puget Sound oysters have been cultivated specifically for this restaurant, which buys every last one to serve here with a shallot and champagne vinegar mignonette. Load up on selects, delve into some of the other oyster offerings, and wash ’em down with a 25-percent-off glass of sparkling wine.

JRDN

Spend your evenings with an ocean view and some swank at this Tower 23 hotel lounge. Each weekday from 4–7 the bar offers $4 draft beers and well drinks, with select wines at $5 a glass. Step out of the Crystal Pier surf to soak up a sunset; save 3 bucks on small plates including mussels and ceviche; and hang out with stylish girls wearing summery jumpsuits. Try it on a Monday for $7 specialty cocktails including a killer house Negroni. Three hours of valet validation anytime add to its worth as a place for grown-ups to drink in PB.

Patio on Goldfinch

If you haven’t sipped tequila at this verdant Mission Hills bar and restaurant, your tequila game is suffering.​ I do mean sip, because this place stocks a nice sampling of drinkable and affordable complements to the delicious house sangrita, including Fortaleza, Clase Azul, and Tequila Ocho. Some of the latter has been oak-barrel aged on site, giving it a nuanced “extra añejo” flavor akin to scotch. If you question what constitutes affordable, take $4 off your tequila from 3–6pm daily with happy hour specials including $4 drafts, select half-price cocktails and wine, and several reduced price small plates.

Solterra Winery & Kitchen

This urban winery gives North County beach denizens a tony wine and tapas happy hour from 3–5:30pm daily, till 10pm on Monday — which gets lively for a Monday. All vintages are made on site using grapes from in or around Sonoma, with wines by the glass running between 4 and 7 dollars, including the chance to try an occasional varietal that’s only served by the bottle during regular hours. You’ll save a few bucks on select tapas, but to drink wine of this quality at this price — that’s reason enough to take the afternoon off and spend it here.

URBN St Brewing

The URBN brand has been expanding its reach throughout the county, and lately expanded its beer- and pizza-friendly happy hour east to its brewpub. From 3–6pm Monday through Friday, pints of any made-in-house beer are a dollar off, with $2 off tasting flights in case you want to see what they’re all about. But your best bet is to settle on one beer, order a pitcher, and earn a free pepperoni pizza for your thirst. And if you get the late-night munchies in El Cajon, Friday and Saturday they bring this happiness back from 10 to midnight.