Getting happy isn’t always the easiest thing to do.  Some go for Ben & Jerry’s, some turn to Christian Dior.  Those who lean on their good friend Jose Cuervo know that there’s nothing quite like Happy Hour.  We’ve rounded up happy hours for you before, but there are some that are particularly haute and its high time you broke out of your happy hour rut – because what’s happy about a rut?  Whether you go for some liquid happiness at a discount or for the post-office, loosened-tie people watching is up to you, all we know is that when the clock strikes 5pm, these haute 5 happy hours give Disneyland a run for its money as happiest place on earth.

Akasha

Please nobody tell the powers that be at Akasha that their happy hour starts at 5pm on Eastern Standard Time.  As of now, their happy hour starts at 2pm, runs through 7pm, and generally spreads joy to all who know about it.  The Culver City outpost of organic ingredients and shockingly tasty Sweet Potato Fries offers food and drink at prices like $5 – $7 even when its still light out and your boss could get legitimately mad at you for drinking.  Order one of Akasha’s signature cocktails with the Lamb Sliders and order another cocktail for dessert.  It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.

Akasha is located at 9543 Culver Blvd in Culver City (310) 845-1700

25 Degrees

When you usually find yourself imbibing at the Roosevelt Hotel, it’s not exactly in an effort to save money.  That was then.  Now, the hotel’s restaurant 25 Degrees, known for their delectable burgers, hosts happy hour from 3 – 6pm where selected cocktails, beer, snacks, milkshakes, and certain wines are half off.  Settle in to one of the mahogany leather banquettes or perhaps find yourself a seat at the bar and order a Guiness Milkshake and a side of French fries and you’ll feel that sneaking sensation called happiness in no time.

25 Degrees is located at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood (323) 785-7244

Copa D’Oro

A large part of Santa Monica’s contingency wakes up at 6am to do one of the following activities: yoga, surfing, trading with New York.  What that means for consuming alcohol is that its got to start early.  At Copa D’Oro the drinking begins at 5:30pm and includes such classic choices as a Dark & Stormy, a Moscow Mule, an Aviation, and an original Daiquiri at $5 until 8pm.  For those who’d rather not have that early conference call with a hangover, there’s wines and beers on the happy hour menu as well as four food options – Ham & Cheese, Turkey, PB&J, and Nutella sandwiches.  Just because you’re early to bed doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

Copa D’Oro is located at 217 Broadway in Santa Monica (310) 576-3030

Wilshire

Wilshire’s happy hour, Monday through Saturday from 5 – 7pm, may not be the cheapest in town, but its up there with the most delicious.  Their specialty cocktails on offer include the Razbo, Tropical Kiss, and a Pomegranate Margarita all for $9 and their dolled up hamburgers (with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and Applewood Bacon) are $12, but order up a $6 glass of wine, with an $8 serving of Mac and Cheese or Kobe Beef Sliders.  Sit inside or indulge in the summer-like weather we’ve been enjoying while other cities slowly thaw.  Play this happy hour whichever way you please, just remember sometimes you have to indulge to get happy.

Wilshire is located at 2454 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica (310) 586-1707

Ciudad

Susan Feniger knows how to get happy.  Her restaurants include Border Grill, Ciudad, and Street and they’re all outfitted with smiling staff, brightly colored décor, and menus that everyone can get excited about.  At Ciudad, in Downtown LA, they’ve got such a fabulous happy hour, you’ll be counting the seconds until it starts at 4pm.  Nothing beats $3 tacos, $5 bites (like quesadillas and empanadas), and drinks for $4.50.  These aren’t just any drinks either – think Mojitos, Margaritas, Caipirinhas, Sangria, and selected beers and wines.  In a city like Los Angeles, it should come as no surprise that one of the most fun happy hours has a particularly Latin accent.

Ciudad is located at 445 S. Figueroa Street in Downtown LA (213) 486-5171