There are a lot of things that make a bar successful, and without question, a good happy hour is one of them.  Nearly every, pub, bar, tavern, restaurant in town has a signature twist intended to bring us in to partake.  And with so many to choose from, how do you choose?  Many favorite watering holes are because of perceived value, cheap prices, large selection, something unique and quirky, or a combination of them all.  Fortunately for you, I've labored to drink and eat my way across the South Sound in search of some of the best available.

The Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor is already well known by locals, and it is not an accident that they are busy during happy hour.  There are several $2-$3 bites like fried pickles, oyster shooters, twice baked potatoes that when combined with the view are worth the trip across the bridge. Additionally, you will find your favorite seafood options as well, and for just $7, I recommend the king salmon sliders.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m., 2925 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, 253.858.3982, www.tidestavern.com

Sometimes a bar just needs a certain vibe to keep you coming back, and the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia is that kind of place.  There always seems to be something going on, and the buzz inside is undeniable as locals call this the Broho.  During happy hour, cocktails (known to be strong here) are just $2.50, and micro beers $3.  Add outdoor seating in the beer garden and you have success.

Happy Hour: Daily 3-7 p.m., 119 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.4153

Sixth Avenue on the north end of Tacoma isn't short of places to eat and drink, but The Crown Bar has mastered the happy hour business.  Offered twice daily, and all day Monday, there are also other offers throughout the week, such as 39-cent wings on Wednesdays or Taco Thursdays.  If a casual atmosphere, $5 sliders, $6 nachos, or even fries for just $2.50 doesn't excite you, then come in for one of the fun combinations such as tots and Jell-O shots for $10 or Apple Cider and a shot of apple whiskey for just $9.

Happy Hour: Monday all day, Tuesday-Sunday 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight, 2705 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4177, www.crownbartacoma.com

The Crown Bar’s apple whiskey and cider. Photo credit: Dutch Randall
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At Dillinger's Cocktails and Kitchen in Olympia, you have the opportunity to step back in time, to the days of the speakeasies where mixed cocktails got their start.  Dillinger's carries the tradition of unique drinks from the past and adds several new twists.  If you like your drinks stirred, shaken, or you just prefer something traditional like an old-fashion made with single barrel bourbon, then step into Dillinger's and ask your server to suggest a food pairing.

Happy Hour: Monday-Saturday 3-6 p.m., 404 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.515.0650, www.dillingerscocktailsandkitchen.com

Dillinger’s Cocktails and Kitchen’s English Martini. Photo credit: Dutch Randall
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The Top of Tacoma has two happy hours daily and other weekly specials like $3 tall boys on Tuesdays, $2 well drinks on Wednesdays, and $3 mimosas and bloody marys during brunch hours. The main draw here is cheap drinks. During happy hours, Rainier drafts are just $1.50 and pitchers for $5.

Happy Hour: Daily 2-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to closing, 3529 McKinley Ave. E., Tacoma, 253.272.1502, www.topoftacoma.com

The Ram Restaurants' best happy hour selling point is location, location, location.  Whether you find yourself in Puyallup, Tacoma's waterfront or Lakewood, The Ram is just minutes away with discounts on drinks and food twice daily.  But head in quickly while the summer menu features fresh, seasonal creations and famous house beer.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing, 3001 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.756.7886, www.theram.com; 103 35th Ave. SE, Puyallup, 253.770.5501; 10403 156th St. E. #101, Puyallup, 253.445.1000; 10019 59th Ave., Lakewood, 253.588.9617

If you want arguably the best pizza in Tacoma, Tacomans know it's a quick trip to the Cloverleaf.  During their happy hour you can also enjoy premium drafts for just $3.50 to go along with your favorite slice.  Happy hour food offerings include a handful of options for under $7, such as baguette sliders, chicken alfredo, or even hot pretzels.  But when I'm where the pizza is this good, I just enjoy my affordable beer with a pizza, like the House Favorite of pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m., 6430 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.1111, www.cloverleafpizza.com

In Olympia, the Westside Tavern has built a customer base on great food and a rotating collection of draft beer.  If you haven't checked them out yet, come in during happy hour and enjoy unique sharables like BBQ pulled pork nachos, Thai fried brussel sprouts, or the portobello fries.  Then wash it all down with your choice of a local, seasonal brew.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m. and all day Sunday, 1815 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia, 360.915.7839, www.thewestsidetavern.com

Crockett's Public House in Puyallup has built its business on simple basic food made well. If you visit during happy hour, you have the chance to try even more affordable bites and adult drinks.  The happy hour variety is wide, ranging from kettle corn for just a buck, to several $5 choices like mini cheeseburgers, crispy fried zucchini, and assorted flatbread pizzas.  All drinks are also $1 off during happy hour.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m. and all day Sunday, 118 E. Stewart, Puyallup, 253.466.3075, www.crockettspublichouse.com

Crockett’s Public House’s happy hour sliders. Photo credit: Dutch Randall
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The Forum in downtown Tacoma has a lot to offer anyone that finds themselves downtown; in addition to a creative menu, the beautiful historic atmosphere combines well with some of the most creative cocktails you are likely to find anywhere. During happy hour there are discounted appetizers starting at just $5, well drinks and draft beer for $3.50, and the signature cocktails that make the visit something special for $6.50.  Stop in and try a pineapple upside-down cake, a bee's knees, or even the signature Mai Tai.

Happy Hour:  Monday-Saturday 2-6 p.m., Sunday-Thursday 9 p.m.-midnight, and all day Sunday, 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.830.2151, www.eatattheforum.com

Everyone deserves to be happy, so come check out any of these happy hours and fight for your happiness now!