The term "happy hour" is most easily traced back to the days of Prohibition, when folks would sneak into a speakeasy and soak up some early evening booze before heading out to dinner at a law-abiding restaurant. Thus, we often consider happy hour an afternoon event, but that's proving to be some seriously outdated thinking.
The late-night happy hour is a surging phenomenon, as bars hope to keep their stools occupied a bit longer with the promise of drink and food discounts. It's hardly an isolated fad, as evidenced by the wide range of establishments getting happy later into the night.
The downtown Spokane location of MacKenzie River Pizza Co. features an eye-catching post-dinner happy hour (8-9 pm) offering $2 well drinks and $3.50 pints, as well as an expansive appetizer menu full of the sort of stuff that goes well with a good beer. Staying downtown and moving later into the night, there's also Steelhead Bar & Grille (9-11:30 pm) where you can get a massive schooner of beer for just $6, as well as discounted cocktails and wine. And if you're not sure what to eat, Rock City Grill has big and diverse food menu.
If you're on the South Hill, stop into Hugo's on the Hill after 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (9:30 on other nights) for $3 pints, $3.50 wine and half-priced appetizers. You can get in on all that while either bowling or trying your hand at one of the card tables.
Out in the Valley? Stop by Twigs Bistro (or any Twigs location in the area, actually) and get one of their renowned martinis for just $6, in addition to other specials. Staying in the martini vein, but heading east to Post Falls, The Oval Office at the White House Grill features $5.50 martinis and a robust appetizer menu.
This is just the tip of the whiskey-soaked iceberg, friends. Take a look at the accompanying listings for more late-night specials and get used to the new and more flexible meaning of "happy hour."
