Santa Barbara Happy Hour: The Hungry Cat

From the first sip of my Happy Hour cocktail, the first thought that came to mind: A good drink doesn't have to be a stiff one.
Our server recommended the Greyhound proper, a standard for the Hungry Cat's comers and goers. My greyhound was perfectly proportioned - complete with Plymouth Vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, garnished with a sliver of candied grapefruit.
This place screams quality. Fresh ingredients. Sophistication. Our $1.50 Fanny Bay oysters tasted as if they came straight from the ocean. The horseradish, freshly grated. Something tells me they make their cocktail sauce on the spot as well.
The cured arctic char was a good choice. The cured char, toasted pistachios, and honey yogurt added contemporary touch to plain ol' grilled Naan and yogurt.
The feel of the Hungry Cat strikes a modern pose. From their menu, to their style of service, to the dark stained furniture. The type of place where the artsy folk like to congregate. And in my case, the perfect place to catch up with great company.


Happy hour runs from 3-6p.m. daily. Half off all cocktails, drafts, and cocktail of the day. $1.50 oyster of the day.

Santa Barbara Happy Hour: Bistro 1111

Since I've moved into my new apartment on East Beach, I've been nothing but smiles.
I'm footsteps away from the beach, footsteps away from the park - and I've recently discovered that I'm footsteps from a great happy hour.
Bistro 1111 at the Hotel Miramonte hosts a DAILY happy hour (7 days a week!) from 4-7 p.m. which includes 2 for $5 domestic bottles, $5 wines by the glass, $5 appetizers and wanna-be rum runners.
Overlooking East Beach, Bistro 1111 anchors the East Beach Happy Hour scene because it's the only one! The most enjoyable part of my time there had to have been the fresh pilsner glasses for each beer. Unlike most places who do 2-for-1's and give you both beers at once, our bartender Coleen gave me each of my domestic bottles one at a time, with a fresh chilled glass.
Bistro 1111 also serves their bar menu until 11 p.m. on weekdays and until 12 a.m. on the weekends - a new option besides Jack in the Box for anyone looking for a late night bite on the East side.