Happy Hour in Dallas

If you expect the third largest city in Texas to offer an equally as large and in-charge dining and bar scene, you're right on the money (and a lot of it, at that). For those seeking an inexpensive avenue for exploring Dallas dining, the answer is happy hour. In Dallas, you'll find fantastic specials featuring unique Dallas cocktails and tasty edibles you'd usually trade for quite the pretty penny. Plan to stop by the following local favorites for a few hours mid-evening, and you'll leave with a happy belly and a happy wallet.

1. Houlihan's

The first thing you need to know is that everything at Houlihan's is made from scratch and that the chefs pride themselves on using fresh ingredients daily. One of my favorite places for happy hour in Dallas, Houlihan's offers half off all beverages and appetizers for just $6.00 from 4:30PM–6:30PM and 9:30PM to close, Mondays through Fridays. The bar area here feels more like a trendy social club than a traditional bar, so whether you're looking for a great place to hang out and watch the game, or you're looking to meet new people, this is the place you want to be after a hard day's work. The atmosphere most evenings is very relaxed, but be prepared for wild weekends, especially during football season. Try a frozen margarita and the Chipotle Chicken Nachos – you'll be hooked after one bite. With small plate menus at small plate prices, you might even decide to stay for dinner.

Houlihan's, 5225 Belt Line Rd, Ste 220, Dallas, TX 75254; 972-386-0689; Happy hour Mon-Fri 4:30PMm-6:30PM, Reverse happy hour Mon-Fri 9:30PM-close

2. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

The next stop on your "tour de happy hour specials" is a Dallas original that makes a mean seafood platter and a deliciously dirty Grey Goose martini. Over the years, Pappadeaux has gained a reputation synonymous with delicious, fresh seafood and rock bottom prices. The atmosphere is very relaxed; no one seems to be in a rush, which in Dallas is a nice change of pace. The decor is rather New American in design but with a great Southwestern charm to it. The dining area is spacious and never feels over-crowded. Happy hour at Pappadeaux's includes $5.50 Grey Goose martinis, domestic draft beer for $3.25, and $5.00 wine by the glass.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 3520 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219; 214-521-4700; Happy hour Mon-Fri 3:30PM-6:30PM

3. Chuy's

Chuy's is, without a doubt, one of the most unique restaurant chains in all of Texas. Serving exceptional Tex-Mex cuisine at prices that will keep both your stomach and your wallet full, this establishment boasts a relaxed atmosphere and an attentive staff willing to go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful meal. One thing you are sure to remember when visiting Chuy's is the décor -- eclectic by design and modern in execution, complete with metal palm trees and a slight hint of the owner's fondness of Elvis Presley. A terrific place to enjoy happy hour in Dallas, Chuy's features cocktails including $3.00 house margaritas and, if you are feeling a little adventurous, the infamous "Texas Margarita" for just $6.00. Domestic drafts are only $2.25. Chuy's famous "Nacho Car" affords free bar food served from the trunk of an American classic.

Chuy's, 4544 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75205; 214-559-2489; Happy hour daily 4PM-7PM

4. The Blue Goose Cantina

When you're craving an authentic approach to traditional Tex-Mex cuisine, there's no better happy hour in Dallas than Blue Goose. The food is terrific and fresh, with tortillas made to order from scratch, and the decor is reminiscent of an old rustic cantina, complete with colorful murals lining the interior walls. The atmosphere is vibrant; you can feel the energy in the air the moment you step inside. It is family-friendly by day and adult oriented by night. Keep in mind that the bar area fills fairly quickly during happy hour. Specials at this Dallas favorite include an entire menu of half-priced appetizers, $3.75 Texas margaritas, $2.50 domestic bottles, and $1.00 off top shelf cocktails. My favorite personal favorite is the Nachos Grande with a Texas margarita.

The Blue Goose Cantina, 2905 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206; 214-823-8339; Happy hour Mon 2:30PM-close, Tue-Fri 2:30PM-6:30PM

5. Genghis Grill

Cheap Dallas cocktails and Mongolian barbecue at its finest – that's a hard combination to top. Offering guests a truly unique dining experience, Genghis Grill prepares each dish over an open steel grill just as it was done during the 12th century. The "build your own plate" menu offers generous portions of traditional Mongolian fare cooked to perfection. Rustic, yet simple decor is a welcoming change from all the bells and whistles that are often associated with dining out in Dallas. Happy hour specials include $2.00 domestic draft beer and $3.00 well drinks, featured daily. The Genghis Sample Platter goes quite nicely with a whiskey sour.

Genghis Grill, 5500 Greenville Ave #402, Dallas, TX 75206; 214-987-3330; Happy hour 5PM-7PM