Low-Cost Libations at Lola's

The same local establishment that invented that curious, light-green elixir known as the appletini also happens to have a happy hour that's exceptionally easy on the wallet.

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day of the week, on Fairfax offers superb cocktails, including their apple martini, for a mere $6. There is also lots of food, with numerous items from Lola's regular menu, on offer for a lowered cost. Everything falls between $5 and $7.

Among the offerings, you'll find several different mini-pizzas, including BBQ chicken and mixed-vegetable, as well as chicken satay, empanadas and fried calamari. Worth a mention is the particularly good hummus, more vibrant and spicy than you'll usually find anywhere outside of a Middle Eastern hole-in-the-wall on Santa Monica Boulevard.

One of the better meal-like options is the grilled cheese and tomato soup, safe but very satisfying versions of each, and a generous plate of food for $6.50. It's a great dish to pair with their crisp pear cider, also on the happy hour menu for only $4.50.

If you're trying to come in under $10, there are numerous tactics you can take. For instance, you could go with someone else, each get one of the killer martinis, and then share a platter of the very good sweet potato fries. You can also pair most of the menu options with a beer on tap for $3.50, a full meal that will still keep your wallet satisfied. 

This is not a raucous, party-time happy hour. Rather, it's a chance to indulge in a bit of class without paying through the nose. The atmosphere is all dark lights and warm colors, handsome without feeling intimidating.

It's a great place to go for a quiet drink and conversation, or to ignite a little early-evening romance. When your night starts off with this good of a martini for this low of a price, call me crazy, but it has to bode well for the rest of it.

Lola's

Location: 945 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood

Happy hour: Monday-Saturday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 4-7:30 p.m.

Order: Grilled cheese and tomato soup ($6.50); pear cider ($4.50); dirty gin martini, extra olives ($6).