by Carly Milne

Hit the Pool for Happy Hour

Happy hour is a time-honored tradition, but let’s face it—how many of us, with the cutbacks and belt-tightening—are actually partaking? Well, it’s time to loosen up. Put on your most stylish flip-flops and dip back into your wallet to enjoy one—or all—of these recession-friendly happy hours, situated poolside for maximum summer enjoyment.

Kick things off at West Hollywood’s Chamberlain Hotel, where the rooftop pool is an oasis in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. Gauzy cabanas circle a pool that acts as the scene-setting centerpiece, sharing space with comfy settees and conversation-friendly bar tables. The vibe is laid back and casual, and the view is spectacular. Enough about the scenery, what about the menu? For $7, patrons can enjoy wines and delicious cocktails like the Sexy Devil Martini (a blend of Stoli vodka, cranberry, vermouth and lemon) and the French Kiss (champagne and St. Germain with a dash of club soda), but don’t forget about eats. The organic chicken lollipops are fantastic, as are the lobster potstickers. The Wii-equipped cabanas are available to rent as part of Chamberlain’s “My Urban Retreat” program.

Over on the West Side, Cameo Bar at Santa Monica’s Viceroy Hotel has two happening happy hours that take place around the hotel’s pool. Summer Fridays is held every Friday from 2-6 p.m. You’ll definitely want to skip out of work early to partake in their deals, because the earlier you go, the cheaper they are. Arrive at 2 p.m. and glasses of wine, beer and well drinks are only $2, with prices increasing by $1 per hour until 5:59 p.m. Drinks aren’t the only treats on the menu, though. If your belly is grumbling, tuck into small-plate goodies like a fried chicken and biscuit slider ($2), oysters on the half shell ($3) and mini cheese quesadillas with salsa ($4). Plus, book a cabana and you get 50 percent off bottle service.

Don’t miss out on Cameo’s Tuesday happy hour event, Taste of Tuesday. Drop by each Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. for $5 cocktails—including house-made sangria—and samplings of ceviche, star anise pork belly with ginger slaw and barbecue chipotle shrimp and oysters on the half shell.

Hitting up blue on blue at the Avalon in Beverly Hills means hanging out for Groove on Blue, a poolside happy hour event that takes place from 7-9 p.m. Set to the sounds of DJ Grand Marquee, who spins a mix of electro and indie music, happy hour enthusiasts can enjoy the signature cocktails for $8 and follow it up with a sampling of side dishes hearty enough to make a meal. Sip a Blue Avalon, or try the weekly Groove Punch, crafted with house-infused alcohol and freshly squeezed juices made from blue on blue's rooftop garden and local farmers’ market ingredients. Then, nosh on mini bacon-cheese burgers with cheddar, smoked bacon and garlic aioli, or smoked salmon with cucumber, crispy lavosh, crème fraiche and fried capers. Yum!

So if you’re worried about breaking the bank to celebrate the end of your work day, don’t be. Happy hour is better than ever. Just don’t forget your shades.

the details

Chamberlain Hotel
1000 Westmount Dr., WeHo
chamberlainwesthollywood.com

Cameo Bar
1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica
viceroysantamonica.com

blue on blue
9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills
avalonbeverlyhills.com