By Kayla Louttit

Looking for a choice spot for drinks and a lite bite (also for  a reliably good lunch or dinner) in Fort Lauderdale? Here are my six picks. In the heart of downtown, you’ll find  these top spots on Las Olas Boulevard (and one nearby), home to many world-class shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries and hot spots. Plus, Las Olas is minutes away from the city’s top attractions including Broward Center for Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Museum of Discovery & Science, NSU Art Museum and more.

Grille 401

An upscale buzzy bar scene, Grille 401 offers a trendy gathering spot for locals, colleagues and leisurely visitors for happy hour. With an inside/outside bar and large open windows that open up to the outdoor patio areas, their weekday happy hour features buy one, get one free drinks and half off all appetizers at the bar from 4 to 7 p.m. Try a delicious cocktail like their Passion Fruit Margarita, among many other choices featuring seasonal fruits and herbs. Appetizers range from Grilled Artichokes to Tuna Tartare. Head there early to grab a seat on the outdoor deck to enjoy the fresh air and live entertainment. Also recommended as a great business lunch destination.

401 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 767-0222

Timpano

Known for its mussels, business lunches, live music and piano bar, Timpano is a great place to unwind for happy hour and enjoy a wonderful dinner. From 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at their Starlight Lounge, select mixed drinks, bottle beers and wines by the glass are half-off. Martinis are also discounted during happy hour, including their raved about Lemon Drops, Cosmos and Appletinis. Timpano’s signature martinis, featuring no end of flavored vodkas and fruit purees, are not included in the specials but are worth the splurge. While there are no food discounts during happy hour, the Lounge offers high-end bar food starting at $8 such as Black Skillet-Roasted Mussels, Deconstructed Bruschetta, Beef Carpaccio and Calamari Fritto. Happy hour is also available at some high top seating near the front.

450 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 462-9119

Lobster Bar Sea Grille

Head to the upscale casual Lobster Bar Sea Grille to dine under the glittering white tiles of this fresh, elegant Fort Lauderdale seafood destination. Their special happy hour menu is available Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with $5 glasses of wine, $4 Florida beers, $3 other Domestics, half off all well drinks, half off hand crafted cocktails and a variety of small bites. A highlight of the cocktails is the visually pleasing “French 76” featuring Double Cross Vodka, champagne, lemon and a hibiscus flower. Small bite options from the happy hour menu include Iced Bluepointe Oysters ($1.49 each), Ahi Tuna Carpaccio ($11.95), Colossal Lump Crab & Jumbo Shrimp ($12) and more. Also recommended for special occasions, groups, lunch, a romantic dinner, late night and outdoor dining.

450 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 772-2675

Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille

A coastal chic seafood spot at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas, enjoy fresh organic oysters and highly acclaimed handcrafted cocktails with happy hour at Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille. Offered Tuesday through Saturday, happy hour lasts from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring half off drinks and half off selected oysters. The daily selection of East & West Coast Oysters (regularly priced at $3) are served with cocktail sauce, Florida citrus and red wine mignonette. A sample cocktail is the “My Pear Lady” with vodka, pear juice, cinnamon and thyme. The wine list is extensive too.

620 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 467-2555

YOLO

One of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular restaurants and lounges, YOLO is a top spot for happy hour specials. The happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring half off drinks and half off some appetizers at the bar, outdoor patio and next door O Lounge. The tuna tartare, fire roasted corn dip and szechuan calamari are great, and specially priced for happy hour. On Wednesday, it’s Ladies Night, and women drink free from 5 to 10 p.m. with a $5 donation at the door to a different charity each month. YOLO is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

333 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 523-1000

Market 17

Home to the notable adventurous “dining-in-the-dark” option, Market 17, a unique farm-to-table organic restaurant, is also a great spot for happy hour and just a short drive from Las Olas. With a menu and wine list that changes frequently keeping it fresh and inventive, take advantage of the great pricing on their superior wine selection and creative food that focuses on amazing flavor, freshness and prime sourcing. Happy hour is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. every day of the week with half off all appetizers, drinks, glasses of wine and beer at the bar. Expect quality discounted starters like Heirloom Tomatoes & Local Stracciatella Cheese and Grilled Housemade Flatbread to accompany your happy hour drink(s) of choice. Also be sure to check out their “dining in the dark,” where dinner is served in a blacked-out room forcing you to rely on your senses of touch, taste, and smell to figure out what you’re eating and drinking.

1850 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 835-5507