Happy (Holiday) Hours

While many restaurants in South Lake Union have been back to full-service dining for more than a year, one thing is noticeably absent from more than a few dining menus—happy hour options. Pre-pandemic, restaurants like 2120, Cactus, and others in the neighborhood drew robust business during that post-work, pre-dinner sweet spot. But for now, they are pushing pause until more workers are back to offices in the neighborhood.

Luckily there are still plenty of spots in the neighborhood that offer a good old fashion happy hour (check out our previous happy hour roundup for other options).

Katsu-ya Seattle

Sushi and robatayaki chef Katsuya Uechi brings signature dishes like crispy rice with spicy tuna jalapeno, creamy popcorn shrimp tempura, and more to SLU. You can find a wide selection of traditional nigiri and modern rolls at Katsu-ya Seattle for lunch and dinner, and in between from 5 to 6pm Monday through Friday, enjoy light bites like edamame or crispy salmon skin and a Sapporo draft for $3. Open handrolls, seafood salad, Japanese ceviche, a small hot sake, and a glass of cold sake all run $6. And for $9 you can fill up on select sashimi and assorted sushi, plus red and white wine offerings. 122 Westlake Ave N, katsu-yagroup.com

Cinque Terre Ristorante

This Italian gem in the heart of The Regrade offers some fantastic deals on food and drink every day from 3 to 6pm and 9 to 10pm, with a bonus hour Friday and Saturday until 10pm, and all day on Sunday. Sidle up to the bar for half off all bar menu food items (think grilled Mediterranean octopus, pizza margherita, beef carpaccio, and more), $22 bottles of wine, a half dozen oysters for $12, and more. 2001 Westlake Ave, cinqueterreseattle.com

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