alley cat oyster bar
Why we love it: Drink in its Cuyahoga River views while dining on East Coast-inspired food such as shrimp cocktail and crispy oysters during a 3-6 p.m. daily happy hour. "The side that faces the river has garage doors, and they just open up so you can see and feel the river," says chef and owner Zack Bruell. Try this: Latin loaded fries ($7) with braised beef, jalapenos, cilantro, pepper sauce, crema and Parmesan. 1056 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-574-9999, alleycatoysterbar.com
crop rocks
Why we love it: Take rock 'n' roll-themed food and drinks for a spin during its 5-7 p.m. weekday happy hour. "The inspiration here was the love of music," says chef and owner Steve Schimoler. Try this: Steve's Infamous Shrapnel ($6), house-cut fries with ground beef, pickles, peppers, onions, barbecue sauce, mustard and Sriracha. 1075 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-902-7110, croprocks.com
flip side
Why we love it: Beef up your meal with half-off select drafts, $5 wines and well drinks during this burger spot's 3-6 p.m. weekday happy hour. "We take the fine-dining, chef-driven edge into a burger concept," says owner Shawn Monday. Try this: The Say Cheese Burger ($5) made with grass-fed local beef and your choice of cheese. 1050 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-938-9266, flipsideburger.com
lago
Why we love it: Get a taste of chef and owner Fabio Salerno's family recipes — think white balsamic and rosemary chips or mussels — during the Italian spot's 3:30-6:30 p.m. weekday happy hour. "It's been something special to be able to see people that are outside of my family kind of identify with it," says Salerno. Try this: Lago pizza ($7) with roasted tomato, coppa and smoked mozzarella. 1091 W. 10th St., Cleveland. 216-862-8065, lagoeastbank.com
the willeyville
Why we love it: Known for elevating comfort food, chef and owner Chris DiLisi built his 2:30-7 p.m. daily happy hour menu with options such as fried chicken skins and pimento cheese spread to give guests a taste of his creativity. "People want to come in and not spend as much money," he says. "We highlighted the items we make in-house so people could enjoy them." Try this: Pulled pork slider ($1.50) made with local grass-fed pork, Carolina-style barbecue sauce, house-made coleslaw and a house-made brioche bun. 1051 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-862-6422, thewilleyville.com
