C’mon Roseville, get happy! – Best Happy Hours

We'd be comfortable in wagering that Rosevillians are some of the happiest people in the state of California –if not the entire U.S.! So, it should probably be expected that Roseville has its share of quality happy hours to keep our spirits high. We'd like to share a few of our favorites with you:

McCormick & Schmick's – When a restaurant's website claims to have a "Famous Happy Hour," the expectation bar is set rather high. Given this nationally-established premium chain'scommitment to the craft of "mixology" (they say you won't find any blenders at their bar – all drinks are to be made by hand), you can consistently count on a good time here. The Roseville M&S continues the chain's tradition to offering local craft beers and wine along with a selection of staple cocktails. Seasonal food can also be found at deal prices. You can even check in advance what's on the menu for the Roseville location at the M&S website. Monday through Friday 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. 1194 Roseville Parkway (in The Fountains shopping mall).

Il Fornaio – Sometimes only an Italian wine or Lemon Drop made with real Italian Limoncello will due. This Roseville location of the popular fine dining Italian restaurant chain serving up amazing dishes from award-winning executive chef Maurizio Mazzon also serves up a favorite happy hour for locals. Enjoy $5 select appetizers, pizza wines and cocktails Monday through Friday 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., plus $3 beers. Now that's amore!

Ruth's Chris – Sure it's a chain. But there's a reason why a steak from Ruth's Chris remains as popular as it has – because it's a darn good steak, period! And Ruth's "Sizzle Swizzle Swirl Happy Hour" is a darn good happy hour, too! And how could it not be? You get to sample the best of Ruth's Chris Steakhouse food and drinks for only $7! Food like seared ahi tuna, tenderloin skewer salad and crab BLT with zucchini fries, and drinks including pomegranate martini, Ruth's Manhattan and select wine and beer. Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.

La Provence – Roseville's tasty offering of fine French and Mediterranean cuisines also happens to have a tasty happy hour as well. Drink specials are paired with a selection of $5 appetizers including Fondue d'Épinards et Artichauts (spinach, goat cheese and artichoke fondue, served with grilled flat bread) and Pissaladière aux Saucisson (pizza with salamis and provolone cheese). Plus, what French-inspired happy hour would be complete without Escargots (Snails sautéed in a basil garlic butter with mushrooms on tartine with Shaft's blue cheese $10)? Tuesday through Saturday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Paul Martin's American Bistro – Paul Martin's founder (also the founder of P.F. Chang's and Flemings Steak Houses) is famous for his unique restaurant concepts. His "Taste of Paul Martin's" happy hour is no different. Small plates and signature cocktails ranging from $5 to $13 can be enjoyed daily from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Grab a drink and head out to the wrap-around patio in the summer to relax with talented local jazz bands. Check out our post on the full restaurant here!

Zocalo – Along with its bustling sister location in downtown Sacramento, the Roseville Zocalo nestled in the Fountains mall has become a favorite for happy hour among locals looking for an authentic Mexican experience (i.e. NO piñatas or sombreros!). Inspired by Mexico City's majestic town square of the same name, Zocalo aims to continue its heritage as the city's center for political and social gatherings. Seven days a week from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., you can sample beef empanadas, tacos or nachos for $5 and wash them down with a $3 Mexican beer, $5 sangria or $7 hand-crafted Margarita, among other drink specials.