For my money, Caveau Wine Bar offers one of the best happy hours in the city. From 4 to 7 p.m. daily, all wines priced $13 or more are half off; all wines under $12 are just $6. This gives budget-conscious sippers a chance to sample wines that may otherwise be out of reach—a glass of velvety Duckhorn Merlot, for example, or a flute of bubbly Veuve Clicquot. With more than 65 wines by the glass, the international selection of pours is impressive and sure to please.

Equally impressive is the variety of small plates available for sharing. Try the buttery sweet-corn ravioli dusted with toasted pecans, or a plate of mushrooms (pictured) stuffed with sweet Italian sausage, prosciutto, and cream cheese, and served with a dollop of slightly spicy remoulade. The bite-size 'shrooms offer the right amount of spice, salt, and richness to complement a wide variety of wines.

Kudos: Travel and Leisure recently listed Caveau as one of the best wine bars in America.

450 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-3747