Wash That Happy Hour Drink Down With Some Good Grub
Written By: Ashlee Polarek
The origin of the term “happy hour” dates back to the first World War, and referred to a period filled with entertainment like live music, dancing, movies and boxing to help reduce boredom for the sailors. During the prohibition era, Americans began using the term in relation to drinking, and in the 1960s, restaurants took the term and began selling drinks and snacks at reduced prices, aka the happy hour we know and love today! Now, thanks to our boozy ancestors, we have an hour filled with delicious eats, gorgeous and yummy cocktails and time spent, guilt-free, with friends.
La Quinta Happy Hour
Solano’s Bistro
Must Order: Brie Brioche Burger
The Brie Brioche Burger from Solano’s is like no other. Carefully sandwiched in a fresh, fluffy brioche bun is a juicy Kobe beef patty carefully topped with fresh lettuce, a slice of gorgeous tomato, red onion and brie cheese. Owner and Chef Francisco Solano incorporates flavors in his meals from his native Mexico City, with those found up and down the West Coast.
Native Knowledge: Wine down even more on Wednesdays with half off all wines at Solano’s.
Work, Work, Work, Work: Before Owner and Executive Chef Francisco Solano opened Solano’s Bistro, he spent 12 years as the executive chef at The Club at PGA West.
78075 Main St, Ste 105
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.771.6655
La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar
Must Order: Baked Scallops
Each day at La Quinta Cliffhouse and Grill and Bar offers a special kind of happy hour specific to the day, but one happy hour staple you have to try is the baked scallops. You get your choice of raw or baked oysters served with a tasty lemon butter sauce.
Native Knowledge: At the La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar, Taco Tuesday isn’t just reserved for Tuesdays anymore. Taco lovers can grab fish tacos and margaritas for special prices on Thursdays, too. Now that’s something to taco-bout!
#Views: Come for the food stay for the views. The La Quinta Cliffhouse’s outdoor patio offers stunning views, a waterfall and a massive stone fireplace perfect for those chilly desert evenings.
78250 Highway 111
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.360.5991
Fortun’s Kitchen + Bar
Must Order: Fried Chicken, Biscuits and Gravy
Fortun’s Kitchen takes happy hour beyond sliders and chips and salsa. At Fortun’s, you can dive into a delicious plate of fried chicken, biscuits and gravy. Crispy country fried chicken smothered in a finger-licking gravy served with homemade flaky buttermilk biscuits, and a perfectly fried egg. It will knock the socks off grandma’s old recipe.
Native Knowledge: If you’re in the mood for dessert, Fortun’s happy hour menu doesn’t disappoint. Grab a slice of the Coconut Cream Pie featuring bourbon whipped cream, coconut custard, caramel sauce and more.
78085 Avenida La Fonda
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.564.8744
Ashlee is a freelance writer with a focus on travel, lifestyle and food. After obtaining her degree in Journalism she took the world by storm teaching in South Korea and giving motivation speeches across the United States. She can often be found on road-trips, plane rides and cooking up her favorite meal from her most recent travels. The anti-homebody loves a good hike, good book and a day spent with friends.
