"Baby Step To Five O'Clock": A Guide To L.A.'s Best Post-Workday Happy Hours

The Yard

For a city that prides itself so thoroughly on its eco-yuppie, socially regulated sense of community, it's a shame that downtown Santa Monica mostly lacks the kind of institutions that could be considered "neighborhood" spots. I say mostly, however, because of The Yard, a comfortable, unpretentious local favorite with the kind of laid-back atmosphere and superior food and beverage that you'd otherwise have to head north (to Montana) or south (to Main St) to find in Santa Monica. For their 5-7 happy hour, they dish out sliders, fish tacos and a few other $5-$6 bites, and what they lack in variety, they make up for by being absolutely delicious, especially when washed down with a $3 beer or $5 cocktail. The Yard 119 Broadway Santa Monica 90401 [via]