In the corners and off the drags of any given Tacoma neighborhood, you can find restaurants and bars that boast the brilliantly labeled "happy hour" - the magical time that starts while people are still at their desk jobs, and ends before the double Jager-bomb douches hit the streets.  A fine alternative to Maury Povich or re-runs of Cash Cab, the happy hour world is one full of boozy deals and good times, like $1.50 well drinks and half-price cheesy fries. 

And in this happy hour world lives a breed of drinker that has honed his or her daytime drinking skills into a work of art. These people tend to be unemployed, self-employed or about to be deployed. Using a delicate balance of pocket change, alcohol tolerance and choice of location, the happy hour drinker is a true master of their game.

Here are a few of their secrets and a few locations to get you started.

Bar-hop along Sixth Avenue: Barhopping during happy hour is easy to do.  E9, Crown Bar, Masa, Jazzbones and Six Olives all offer an afternoon happy hour with deals ranging from $3 welltinis at Jazzbones to $5 glasses of wine at Crown Bar.

Pace yourself: While your wallet may be able to afford a dozen drinks at happy hour prices, your liver may not. Plus, many bars, like Tempest Lounge on Hilltop, offer a second happy hour closer to the ten o'clock - and it's always a bonus to make it until then.

Befriend the bartender: Don't hesitate to ask for specials, and when you get your deal, if you can, be sure to tip at least the difference that you saved. Your bartender will thank you and your happy hour will no doubt get happier. The Hobnob is good place to practice - the bartenders are awesome and the happy hour prices include half-priced appetizers and $3 micros.

Don't forget to eat: Most happy hours offer cheap menu items as well. Masa offers $4-$5 appetizers. The nachos have a good reputation for being huge, and the Mexi mac n' cheese is tasty.

Find friends: The Top of Tacoma is a definite go-to for those who want to get their happy on. Each day features a new special, like .75 tacos on Thursday. Plus, The F***ing Eagles like to hang at Top of Tacoma, and the joint has $1 happy hour Pabst drafts. Need I say more?

Place to finish it off: Rock the Dock Pub and Grill, formerly known as Dock St. Landing, near the water and known for a stiff drink, is cozy and cool and makes a nice segue into the rest of your drunken evening.

Together, you and Tacoma can rock the happy hour, with good eats, drinks and a delightful buzz - even if it's only three in the afternoon.