January is the longest, greyest, most broke-ass month of the year when traditionally we refrain from all indulgences.
But, if I may offer a counterpoint: have you seen the news?
Clearly stronger remedies than daily runs and hot yoga are required for these fraught times, and these banging Happy Hours may help the painful minutes fly.
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For Sipping on Something Surprising: Bar Susu
Michelin-recommended and offering a steal of a deal? Get in! Head to Susu for their daily slice of the good life for less between 5-6pm when you can score a cheeky 35% off their excellent natural/low intervention wine list, plus 20% off snacks. Impossible to make any kind of recommendation as to what to have as the menu changes so often, so I’d recommend going with whatever your server is currently most excited about.
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For Comfort (and Booze): Mum’s the Word
Comfort and hella cheap drinks await on Commercial Drive at Mum’s the Word, which has a terrific happy hour 2 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and all-day Sunday. Smash down on gooey grilled cheese Fife Bakery sourdough sandwiches with provolone and onion jam for $8 accompanied by oh-so very many $5 lagers, highballs and shaft cocktails (Smirnoff, Kahlua and Habitat coffee).
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For a Bookend of Happy Hours: Bar Gobo
Is there anything more delightful than double-dipping Happy Hour? Bar Gobo offers up the chance to try their superb Michelin-recommended fare Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m., and again from 9 to 11 p.m. On offer: the by-the-glass selection of truly interesting and delicious global wine picks and classic cocktails for $9 plus tasty, well-proceed snacks (I’m looking at you, purple Pemberton potatoes with baba ghanoush, dill and za’atar, $11).
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For a Sweet Deal: Craffles
Happy Hour isn’t just for snacks and booze. Start your week day between 8 and 9 a.m. with a sugar high deal at Craffles: coffee and a liège waffle for just $5 on Davie Street. Not up on your waffles? Liège waffles are the ones with caramelized pearl sugar; sweet and delicious, savour them plain.

