Winding down after the workday at the Globe Cafe in Coral Gables. Photo: Pedro Portal/Miami.com

Miami's happiest hours

By Nikki Valenciano

We see you there at work, watching the clock in the corner of your computer as it crawls toward five o'clock, checking TMZ.com yet again, waiting for the day to end. You're itching to break free of your windowless cubicle and leave the workday behind for a friendly bar, low-priced drinks and maybe a free nibble or two.

Here's a guide to the city's best Happy Hours in every business district from Brickell to South Beach (and yes, people do work there...).

Coral Gables
Normally chichi to the extreme, Coral Gables has some of the city's best deals when happy hour rolls around. The Globe proves that logic two-for-one drinks Monday - Friday from 5-7p.m.
The Globe, 377 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables; 305-445-3555. www.theglobecafe.com

It's sometimes hard being a lady, but The Bar, a local fave in the heart of the Gables, knows how to treat a lady. On Fridays, ladies drink for free from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Non-ladies get special treatment, too, with $1 off drafts and $2 off pitchers.
The Bar, 172 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables; 305-442-2730

A worthy jaunt off the beaten path, the Biltmore Hotel eases the pain of a brand-new workweek with Martini Monday, a blitz of half-price martinis (meaning you pay $6-$7) from 6 -11p.m. If live music (and yet more half-price drinks) is your thing, try the Biltmore's Unplugged Thursday happy hour located at the Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill from 6- 11p.m. Every Thursday enjoy light jazz performances by some of the city's best local talent. During the month of January experience the soulful sounds of the Papo Delgado Trio while sipping on half-off Don Julio mixed drinks.
The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305-445-8066. www.biltmorehotel.com

Coconut Grove
If your toxic office atmosphere (ugh, those fluorescent lights!) has you yearning for fresh air and bay breezes, check out Baleen at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa for breathtaking water views, and equally breathtaking drink specials. On the last Friday of each month, Baleen hosts Fireside Fridays from 6-10p.m., where you'll find a different theme and host each month, but discounted drinks and live entertainment always.
Baleen, Four Grove Isle Drive, Coconut Grove; 305-857-5007. www.groveisle.com

On those especially rough days (hopefully they land on a Wednesday) head over Greenstreet Cafe for Whiskey Wednesdays, where the all whiskies are half-price. This Coconut Grove hotspot features sultry lounge music, sexy locals (many of them employees at nearby City Hall) and whiskey drinks ranging from $5 - $10 depending on the brand.
Greenstreet Cafe, 3468 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-444-0244.

Brickell
From chic outdoor venues to Miami establishments, Brickell is Miami's undisputed local happy hour king.

Not far from the area's glossy bank buildings is Tobacco Road, holder of the oldest liquor license in town as well as Miami's most varied happy hour deals. There's a different drink special every day of the week from 4- 7p.m. and live music.  The deal sweetens on Fridays, when you'll also find a free buffet.
Tobacco Road, 626 S Miami Ave, Brickell; 305-374-1198. www.tobacco-road.com

And just next door to Tobacco Road, Indochine joins in on the happy hour fun. There is always something different happening at the homey and tasty Asian bistro from movie nights to karaoke, but one thing always holds constant: $5 cocktails, $4 wine and $3 bottled beer every day from 5:00 - 7:00p.m.
Indochine, 638 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305-379-1525. www.indochinebistro.com

Blue Martini is Brickell's latest hot spot, a Fort Lauderdale import that brings Broward budget goodness to Miami with half-price on food and drinks every day from 4-7p.m., meaning you can enjoy $4 cocktails and $7 martinis. Extra bonus: stick around and you'll hear live jazz on the patio overlooking the ever-hotter scene in Mary Brickell Village.
Blue Martini, 900 S. Miami Ave. Suite 250, Brickell; 305-981-2583. www.bluemartinilounge.com

South Beach
Despite its rep as a high-priced party village, South Beach has a few local haunts with happy hour panache.

Located on the Miami Beach Marina, Monty's Raw Bar stays true to the neighborhood and the working-adult tradition with 35% off beer and half off cocktails Monday through Friday from 4-8p.m.
Monty's Raw Bar, 300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139; 305-672-1148

Even if bowling is a little too Fred Flintstone for your taste, you can get lucky during the work week from 4-8p.m. at Lucky Strike, a bowling alley-slash-bar on Michigan Avenue near Lincoln Road. Get half off all drinks and Monday nights from 10 p.m to 2 a.m. half off drinks and bowling.
Lucky Strike, 1691 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139; 305-532-0307. www.bowlluckystrike.com

Feeling a little romantic on Friday afternoons? Watch the sunset at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach's DiLido Beach Club happy hour every Friday from 5-9p.m.  The first round is complimentary and the second round is just $7 for everyone.  And if those amazing oceanfront views and free entry aren't enough to sweeten the deal, the luxury hotel brings in DJ Snezanna for a little extra flavor. FYI: Entrance is via the Beach Promenade.
Ritz-Carlton South Beach, 1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139; 786-276-4000. www.ritzcarlton.com