Happy hour used to be literal. It was 60 minutes when drinks were discounted, a means to entice people to the bar. But the clock can be interpreted loosely, or so it seems. Today an hour can mean two or three. And the menu has expanded to include everything from appetizers to shared plates and more. In fact, it may be possible to go from place to place, enjoying happy hour from noon to night. With options every day, all day, some with views and others in cozy interiors, plus a range of unique offerings, there’s something to meet all your happy hour needs—some of which maybe you didn’t even know you had. Here is a glance at the range of options in Monterey County. Stretching the concept of time, Seaside’s popular Other Brother Beer Co. opens happy hour from 3-6pm on weekdays. The deal is $1 off beers, $2 off wines and some fun bites (think sliders, mini corndogs and pizza toast, among other items). Cibo in downtown Monterey has happy hour in the bar nightly from 4-7pm, and all night long on Thursdays. Indulge without breaking the bank with $5 well drinks, beers, glasses of house wine, and hard seltzers. Get some discounted small bites too, like crispy cheese ravioli, mini pizza margarita and more. Abalonetti Bar & Grill on Fisherman’s Wharf goes above and beyond with happy hour drink spe16 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® EAT + DRINK 2025-2026 DON’T WORRY Happy hour is no longer time sensitive—and it can mean just about anything. By Jacqueline Weixel DANIEL DREIFUSS Estéban Restaurant
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