Happy Hours

Chains, schmains--these independent venues serve up bargains with a smile:

Bar Deluxe, 1710 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, (213) 469-1991. Typical of this Hollywood hot spot, Bar Deluxe forgoes the usual happy hours for its own variation--i.e., Rolling Rock brews are two bucks each night till 10:30. 21 and over, cover varies.

Casa Vega, 13301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 788-4868. The Valley’s answer to El Compadre (the ever-fabulous Hollywood Mexican restaurant known for its flaming margaritas and star-studded clientele), Casa Vega has all the right moves: It’s extremely dark, it’s always packed, it serves dinner till 1 a.m. every night, and from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, all food and drinks are discounted and nachos are free. 21 and over, no cover.

Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub, 8240 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 656-0100. This popular watering hole keeps jammin’ in day-trippers every day of the week between 4:30 and 7 p.m., when it’s the happiest place on the Strip, with $2 off all appetizers and $1 off all cocktails. 21 and over, no cover.

Goldfingers, 6423 Yucca St., Hollywood, (213) 962-2913. Every Sunday in March, Goldfingers will be serving up free food and $2 drinks from 3 to 9 p.m., allowing clubbers to head home early and get some proper sleep for a change. 21 and over, no cover.

Lucky J’s, 1119 S. Olive St., downtown Los Angeles, (213) 748-3646. A favorite spot for the KXLU-FM (88.9) radio crew, who turn out on Wednesdays between 5 and 7 p.m. for the buck-off drink specials and a little downtown ambience. 21 and over, no cover (also on Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m.).

Mermaid, 11 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, (310) 374-9344. With all the new theme-park-like bars in the ‘hood, this venerable beach-front eatery still has the most ample happy hour spread, serving up variations on the meat-and-potato front from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday. 21 and over, no cover.

Muddy Moose at the Sportsmen’s Lodge, 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 755-5000. If Fred and Barney weren’t prehistoric cartoons, they’d be hanging at the Moose on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., sipping on half-off cocktails and chillin’ to some live entertainment. 21 and over, no cover.

Now Voyager, 4017 Riverside Drive, Burbank, (818) 843-3337. Forget happy hour: At Now Voyager, it’s happy day. From the time the place opens at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, $1.50 will go a long way (it’ll get you a domestic brew or a well drink). The Burbank club has been here for more than 30 years. 21 and over, no cover.