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Don't worry, be happy! There is no need to resort to backyard barbecues for thrifty summer celebrations. Whether you're in search of an after-work cocktail, or you're welcoming the weekend, happy hours don't have to drain your wallet.
From super-cheap drink specials and deliciously inexpensive hors d'oeuvres, restaurants along the Shore are feverishly competing for business with theme nights, free food and cheap drinks -- many with priceless views. One hint: Be willing to veer off the beaten track to save the most money and find the most interesting entertainment.
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave., Lake Como: Twenty- and 30-somethings flock to Bar A Tuesday nights to "beat the clock,'' where Miller Light Drafts start at 50 cents a drink and increase each hour until midnight. Show up before 8 p.m., and avoid the admission charge. www.bar-a.com or (732) 681-7422
Wonder Bar, Fifth and Ocean avenues, Asbury Park: On Sundays, there's no admission charge to see "Doo Wop on the Deck,'' with oldies and cars from the old Asbury ""circuit.'' The bar boasts $3 Yuengling bottles seven nights a week. www.wonderbarsburypark.com or (732) 502-8886
Sand Bar Restaurant, Brielle Yacht Club Marina, 201 Union Lane, Brielle: Happy hour, 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, includes dollar-off glasses of wine, $2.75 to $3.75 draft beers, $4 Skyy vodka drinks and half-price appetizers. www.sandbarrestaurant.com or (732) 528-7750
O'Toole's Irish Pub, Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park: Concert-goers can stop in after a show and finish the night with $3 Coors Light drafts and $4 Beamish Irish stout drafts. O'Toole's has some inexpensive munchies on its menu, many costing less than $10. (732) 775-3381
O'Neill's Bar, Grill and Guesthouse, 390 E. Main St., Manasquan: Have $5? Take advantage of O'Neill's five-hour happy hour from 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays with $5 martinis, $5 Coors Light pitchers and a $5 food menu. The bar frequently has live entertainment with no cover charge. www.obgg.org or (732) 528-5666
OCEAN COUNTY
Broadway Bar and Grill, 106 Randall Ave., Point Pleasant Beach: A favorite with local seafarers, the Broadway holds a special morning happy hour from 7 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday with 50 cents off all drafts. For beach bums who prefer to sleep in, the later happy hour runs 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. (732) 899-3272
Tuckerton Beach Grille, 1000 S. Green St., Tuckerton: For a romantic view of the bay and distant Atlantic City, step out onto the deck. Stop by between 3 and 7 p.m. seven days a week for the happy hour: $1.50 domestic drafts, $3 house liquors and $4 house wine specials. With $4 chicken quesadillas and wings for 50 cents, you can penny-pinch and enjoy a priceless view.
www.tuckertonbeachgrille.com or (609) 294-3600
The Ark, 401 Route 35 North, Point Pleasant Beach: For one of the longest happy hours at the Shore, visit the Ark between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday for $2.25 domestic bottle beers and $1 off drafts and all drinks. Best of all, the hot buffet from 4-6 p.m. is absolutely free. www.thearkpubandeatery.com or (732) 295-1122
The Sawmill Cafe and Green Room, 1807 Boardwalk, Seaside Park: The real deal at the Sawmill is a slice of pizza and soda … one of the least expensive combos on the Boardwalk. From 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, enjoy a $1 domestic draft. Or, visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays to take advantage of $5 bloody Marys and mimosas with $2.50 refills. (732) 793-1990
Plantation Restaurant, 7908 Long Beach Blvd., Harvey Cedars: Lounge in the Plantation's Floridian decor and rattan furniture without paying Palm Beach prices. The restaurant, snuggled between the bay and ocean, has $2.50 mojitos made with fresh ingredients and $2.50 domestic bottle beers during its happy hour, 4 and 7 p.m. every day. www.plantationrestaurant.com or (609) 494-8191
L.A.'s, 635 Route 72 East, Stafford: Head inland to local favorite L.A.'s for $3.50 appetizers and $2 drink specials during happy hour, 4 to 7 p.m. every day. On Friday and Saturday, the bar turns into a club with a disc jockey. Best of all, there is no cover charge. www.las-restaurant.com or (609) 978-6565
Specials change seasonally. Call ahead to check promotions and events.
