TIE!

A surprise tie in this very-popular-for-voting category, from a big list of contenders; you all have your favorite watering holes, that’s for darn sure! Both are in the Gold Zone; both have many years of service and throngs of satisfied customers that keep coming back.

At the Purple Onion, owner and gad-about-town Howard Gable knows what people want, and so Happy “Hour” goes all day. The venerable spot is known and loved by many, and is home to great food, live entertainment and a community of folks who feel like “the Onion” is their very own “Cheers.” Add big, well-made adult beverages – at great prices – all day, and well, you’ve got a winning formula.

Hotel Las Flores, also M!’s 2009 winner, is legendary for its Friday Happy Hour, from 5-7 p.m. Here, drinks are strong and 2x1 – dos por uno – with no “fine print.” Regulars know to (ahem) plan for a taxi ride home, and chances are you’ll be dancing to the live music before the night is over. The bar opens onto the beach with seating inside and out. It’s beautiful, it’s fun and hey, it’s only once a week, so why not? - JB