Don’t Worry, Be Happy Hour! 6 Places Where Every Hour is Happy

The historical roots of Happy Hour date all the way back to the early 20th Century – the term is actually derived from American Naval slang in the 1920s. After World War I, happy hours were periods of time when sailors could engage in relaxing activities to relieve themselves of the drudgery of life at sea.

These days we head to our favourite venues for drinks and meal deals to make Happy Hour even happier…why limit happy to one hour?

Here are six places where every hour is happy:

Modern flair meets culinary excellence with signature dishes crafted with care at Calamari Kitchen & Bar on Hunter Street in Newcastle West. Step into a rustic and stylish vibe of exposed brick, wine racks and cane pendents, along with intimate tables and banquette seating to suit all moods and occasions; from carefully crafted cocktails to a mouth-watering selection of dishes, everything is designed to tantalise taste buds leaving you craving more.

 

Say cheers to Happy Hour every day from 5 pm-7 pm for all your favourite drinks such as a Smoked Old Fashioned, Elderflower Whisky Sour and classic Margarita, to go with street food snacks like lamb samosas with mint yoghurt, or homestyle calamari in a sauce of onion, sherry vinegar and red chilli. Those with more ravenous appetites opt for railway goat curry, steamed rice, garlic naan and papadums.

Fresh and modern, The Virgin Kitchen on Main Road in Daylesford marries cultures and unites taste buds. By day this contemporary and vibrant dining destination is the place to hang out alfresco in cane chairs and take in the beautiful gardens while perusing a laidback café-style menu; at night it transforms into a stylish restaurant with sparkling glassware, potted palms and moody lighting, ideal for romantic rendezvous.

 

Wednesday is Locals’ Night with beautiful seasonal meals on the menu for just $39 per person – think starters like olives and housemade focaccia, followed by lamb ragu pie, pomme purée, crushed peas and mint, or coq au vin – braised chicken legs, mushrooms, pancetta and soft polenta – accompanied by a beer, wine or soft drink. 

Follow the aroma of delicious smokiness to The Woodhouse Bar and Grill on Williamson Street in Bendigo. This steakhouse and red gum grill is a local favourite presenting a rustic dining experience, where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in front of the fire, or dine in the temperature-controlled alfresco area.

 

Join the crowd for the Express Lunch meal deal with two courses plus a beverage for just $60 per person, or three courses for $70 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; think dishes like Sher Wagyu beef tartare with caviar and potato hash to start, followed by confit of duck with a cassoulet of du puy lentils, jamon and Toulouse sausage, or barramundi, wood-roasted leek, sorrel, carrot, calamari, caviar and lemon myrtle beurre blanc.

Discover Torquay’s burger experience like no other at Gypsy Burger on Zeally Bay Road. Originally born as a food truck, this Great Ocean Road dining destination and catering business lives in a beautiful sun-drenched spot opposite Taylor Park with market umbrellas alfresco for soaking up rays on balmy days.

Indoors rocks an eclectic vibe with cartoon-style murals, recycled timber and potted greenery as guests chill out with Happy Hour every weekend from 3 pm-5 pm on Saturday and Sunday; expect to devour half-price wings, $5 wines, $4 pots, $12 cocktail specials and $10 Aperol Spritz, along with live music on both days as well as a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained.

Discover a welcoming space to rest, recharge and connect over delicious food at Millie Mae’s Pantry on Nat Thomas Street in Penneshaw. This Kangaroo Island garden café invites lingering alfresco on a cosy deck with your four-legged friend as they sip a pup cup and graze on a pup patty, while you peruse a menu to satisfy all tastes made with fresh local ingredients.

 

Locals mean a lot at this dining destination – there’s a 10% discount to all local customers on food and beverages seven days a week - stop in for breakfast and enjoy avocado, halloumi and housemade hot honey on toast, sprinkled with chilli flakes; or join the lunch crowd for a schnitz and bits burger with fried chicken schnitzel, housemade creamy slaw and garlic aioli on a soft damper roll, washed down with a wattleseed Espresso Martini.

Good food that gives you good feels is on the menu at Hashtag Burgers and Waffles on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley. This one-of-a-kind spot delivers a massive variety of burgers for those looking to appease ravenous hunger, all served in a funky, vibe of neon signage, black stools and potted greenery, along with the promise of the best burgers in town.

 

Take advantage of the weekday $10 burger deal available from 11 am-5 pm and chow down on burgs such as Simply Sally – lean beef patty, double cheese, bacon, lettuce, onion, pickle mayo and ketchup – or Pickle Me Elmo with beef patty, onion, cheese, pickles, smoky bacon, ketchup and mustard.