Pantages Martini Bar and Lounge, 200 Victoria St., 416-362-1777
A sleek and central setting provides the perfect backdrop for a pre- theatre tipple. Be warned: three fruity martinis (just $5 each between 4 and 6 p.m.) and you may be tempted to put on your own rendition of Dirty Dancing.

Prohibition, 696 Queen St. E., 416-406-2669
Though the name suggests otherwise, the booze flows freely at south Riverdale’s answer to the upscale pub. Along with killer fish and chips and the odd Stones singalong, happy hour (half-priced mixed drinks and beer from 3:30 to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday) is a winning tradition.

Sweaty Betty’s, 13 Ossington Ave., 416-535-6861
Ossington’s original outpost—still a grungy gathering ground for the ironic eyewear set—offers discount draft from opening until 7 p.m. There’s no better chaser for (full-priced) sake, the house favourite.

Souz Dal, 636 College St., 416-537-1883
This quiet and cozy date-night hideaway may mix the best mojito in the city ($5 every Monday). The fact that it costs less than your average vanilla soy latte is just the cherry—make that mint sprig—on top.

Brant House, 522 King St. W., 416-703-2800
A mix of Bay Street boys, ad execs and King Street condonistas make for a pretty and polished crowd, but these days, even the well-coiffed classes can appreciate a good deal. Rum and Cokes, gin and tonics and most other basics are $3 Wednesday through Friday, from 5 to 9 p.m. If nothing else, it helps offset the cost of bottle service on the weekend.