Staff Picks: CA, LA, Pasadena Happy Hours

If you find yourself in LA, or If you haven’t been to Pasadena lately…new restaurants are popping up all over. ETG has put together a list of our favorite happy hours in Pasadena.

Pasadena’s The Raymond 1886 has exactly what you need! Guests of The Raymond 1886 can enjoy 50% off Well Drinks and Bar Bites. Plus great prices on select wines, craft beers, and cocktails during Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Cocktails, The Raymond 1886, photo by Fried Chicken Sandwich Studios, acuna-hansen; courtesy of The Raymond 1886

Enjoy Executive Chef Jon Hung’s Bar Bites like the Hand Cut Onion Rings served with The Raymond 1886’s aged Worcestershire; the Short Rib Tacos with pickled onions; the Mac-n-Cheese baked with Irish cheddar and gruyère, or the Steamed Mussels served with Angry Lady sauce and Chinese sausage. The Raymond 1886 offers Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; http://www.TheRaymond.com

Or head to Old Town Pasadena, Bone Kettle is serving up original Southeast Asian dishes. Craft beers are available on tap or perhaps a glass house wine is more your speed. Pair your drink of choice with Partner and Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s mouthwatering small plates like the fresh Oysters with seasonal mignonette and granité, or Steak Tartare (St. Helen’s Ranch hangar steak, chili vinaigrette, lemongrass and krupuk). Other options include: Chicken Wings (fried citrus-brined Petaluma free-range chicken wings and charred lime); the Bone Marrow (scallion confit, toasted bread, mizuna, pears and apples), and Bone Kettle’s famous savory Oxtail Dumplings (seasonal mushrooms, leeks and San Bai Su). Delish!

*Chicken Wings, courtesy of Bone Kettle*

Bone Kettle offers Happy Hour everyday Monday through Sunday during lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and every Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.795.5702; http://www.BoneKettle.com

If you love Italian…Mi Piace, is the place to be. This neighborhood favorite will have you feeling extremely happy after enjoying all of their perfectly priced items. Enjoy a classic Calamari Fritti (charred tomato horseradish and a cilantro-lime-jalapeño dipping sauce), or the Hand-Rolled Meatballs topped with Parmigiano Reggiano. Other choices are: Charcuterie and Cheese board (served with assorted Italian meats, Fontina and Parmesan, with a sliced baguette), or an assortment of delicious Pizzas.

*Mi Piace, Meatballs, courtesy of Mi Piace*

Let’s not forget about the half-priced cocktails. Selections include: Ultimate Manhattan (Old Overholt Rye, Dolin Sweet Vermouth and Luxardo cherry); the Stockholm 62 (champagne, Platinum 7X Vodka, fresh lime juice and Chambord, with a sugared rim); or a Gin & Roses (Nolet Gin, lemon juice and fresh raspberries, topped with sparkling Prosecco.) If guests are more interested in “Wining down,” they can sip on one, or more, of the 15 happy hour white or red wines offered. Beer lovers can join in on the fun with options like Stella Artois, Bohemia, Peroni and more.

Mi Piace offers Happy Hour every Monday & Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Mi Piace also offers Wine Tuesday every Tuesday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Champagne Thursday and Seasonal Fine Whiskey Flights every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.3131; http://www.MiPiace.com