When you think about it, ‘Happy Hour’ is a pretty well-named Australian pastime. There’s nothing that draws a smile better than a cheap drink and bite to eat with friends after work – and while we admit most Happy Hours these days last much longer than an hour,doesn’t that make them all the more happy? We quizzed some of Sydney’s happiest venues on what deals will put a smile on your dial. So grab a copy of the BRAG from the front bar (if you haven’t already) and kick back with a drink…

THE PALACE HOTEL

Get happy: On Fridays, $4 selected schooners – James Squire range, Little Creatures and Tooheys New, plus house wines and sparkling between 4-7pm.

What to see and do: When you’re not in on Fridays, check out Mexican Wednesdays with a chilli challenge.

For our ears: Acoustic soloists Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm.

The vibe: Great food, great beer and wine and a great place to unwind with friends.

Where: 730 George Street, Haymarket – Capitol Theatre light rail stop is at the door.

For more info, check outThe Palace Hotel website.

THE WORLD BAR

Get happy: Happy Hour 5-7pm, seven days a week, with $5 house drinks and $7 top shelf.

What to see and do: Enjoy gourmet pizzas and top shelf at bottom dollar on our leafy Bayswater Road terrace. Email [email protected] to reserve a table.

For our ears:Check out the regular weekly events, full of talent from Australia and overseas. Monday is Latin and jazz night; there’s fun and dancefloor action for Coyote Tuesday; get your bass fix every Wednesday with The Wall; it’s indie tunes on Thursday for Kicks; live bands on Friday for Mum; the best in dance music production on Saturday for Cakes; and Terrace Comedy each Sunday.

Where: 24 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross

For more info, check out The World Bar website.

RUBY L’OTEL

Get happy: Monday to Friday, get the most value for your money with Happy Hour 4-6pm and Friday’s $10 cocktail or $30 jug of the week. Don’t miss a bargain drink offer of a $10 jug of ale or $10 cleanskin bottle of wine with any meal purchase Monday through Friday.

What to see and do: Food, music and alcohol, that’s our motto. Fine food, fine wine and fine company is what we strive for with an extensive menu that goes above and beyond just standard pub fare. Come and enjoy live entertainment six nights a week from Tuesday to Sunday and dive into our new wine list, which features Beelgara Estate’s The Vines as our hew house range as well as the Pepperton collection which is sold exclusively at Ruby L’otel.

For our ears: Live music Tuesday through Sunday starting with Ruby Tuesdays, an eclectic mix of original music hosted by Scott Gibson of The Fallen Gentry. Wednesday highlights local bands while Thursday boasts open mic night. Fridays boast a three-band special called Bands on Stage while Saturday rocks out with one feature artist every week. Sunday rounds out the week with legendary rockers such as Chris Turner, Mick O’Shea and MMM, otherwise known as Matt Ross, Mark Evans and Mick O’Shea… you don’t want to miss Sunday nights.

The crowd: Ruby’s has a bit of everything for everyone. We are a family-friendly pub and hotel with a mix of patrons from local businessmen to young families and local punters. Our craft beer selection brings in a younger crowd who want a good place to drink with the right selection of beer.

The vibe: Ruby’s is a great place to have a good lunch or dinner, or hold your next function or event in our back bistro and beer garden. The front bar is a place to enjoy the live music and spend the night with family and friends.

Where: 68 Victoria Road, Rozelle

When: Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4-6pm.

For more info, check out the Ruby L’otel website.

THE WORKERS BAR AND KITCHEN

Get happy: Beers are only a fiver on Wednesdays, cocktails are two for one from 5-9pm on Thursdays, and every Friday from 5-7pm all local tap beer and cider is $5, all house wines are $5 and our premium house spirits are only $6.50.

What to see and do: Every month on Anything Can Happen Wednesdays we’ll have something on, be it comedy, live music, bingo, trivia, films… and on Sundays? Think chilled: a lazy rooftop lunch, with giant Jenga, ping pong and sport on the big screen. Every other night is a regular dance party.

For our ears: We have live music once a month, DJs from 9pm every Friday and Saturday and sweet acoustic tunes every Sunday from 3pm to help you relax while you play giant chess on the rooftop.

The crowd: Relaxed. If they’re keen for a bite to eat (our new burger menu is awesome), a fancy cocktail from our rad bartenders and a bit of a dance, you’ll find them here.

The vibe: We can do it all – perfect for an after work cocktail, a lazy weekend lunch or a dance until the wee hours (we have the latest licence in Balmain).

Where: L1/292 Darling Street, Balmain

When: Every Wednesday from 5pm for $5 beers and $1 wings, every Thursday from 5-9pm for two for one cocktails and every Friday from 5-7pm for our regular Happy Hour.

For more info, check out the Workers Bar And Kitchenwebsite.

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