Those familiar auditory cues signaling the end of another Los Angeles work day fill the air…horns honking, tires rolling mercilessly over patches of freeway pavement, the all-to-familiar screeching of brakes as traffic stops and goes at an almost snail’s pace…and somewhere in the distance the click-clacking of high-heel stilettos worn by the high-powered ladies of the corporate world – dressed to the nines in their tailor-fit skirt suits – can be heard echoing off the walls and floors of trendy cocktail spots as they rush in droves to begin their post-workday celebrations. Indeed, the beginning of Happy Hour has descended upon L.A., coveted as an almost rite of passage when the stress-inducing duties of our jobs become too much to bear.

For the Woodland Hills area, there’s no such thing as a “disappointing experience” when it comes to Happy Hour partying, though there are a handful of locales that seem to stand out like a proverbial sparkling gem from the rest. From awe-inspiring burgers and amazingly tantalizing appetizers to drink menus that would make even the most veteran of cocktail enthusiasts question their own level of expertise, the following Woodland Hills Happy Hour spots are all-encompassing examples of the best this town has to offer.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, located at 6373 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, beckons patrons with an exceptional restaurant experience in an atmosphere inspired by a passion for steak and wine. Paired with what has been called “unrivaled hospitality,” this love of food and premium drink has yielded an exceptionally memorable menu including delicious burgers, appetizers and, of course, cocktails. Every day of the week, Fleming’s offers its popular “5 for 6 Until 7” Happy Hour deal, with five cocktails, five wines and five appetizers all available for $6 until 7 pm.

White Harte Pub, situated at 22456 Ventura Boulevard, has been celebrated as a “British pub so legitimate, Brits actually frequent it.” Nestled in one of Woodland Hills’ centers of social indulgences, White Harte Pub has grown incredibly popular with a plethora of demographics – from the just-turned-21 crowd to the middle-aged Happy Hour set. Boasting such fetching design elements as exposed red brick, dark wood beams and antler chandeliers, the atmosphere here can be described as cozy yet always party-inducing. The pub’s Happy Hour runs from Monday to Friday, four to seven pm, where fine beers on tap and other cocktails can be enjoyed along with scrumptious food. A friendly, comfortable vibe fuses with a touch of London in the Valley at White Harte.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, located at 6424 Canoga Avenue, answers the calls of the more “generally social” crowds looking for a casual after-work spot. Often referred to as “quality casual dining amidst the backdrop of endless craft beers,” BJ’s Woodland Hills location offers these famous craft beers and call drinks for just $4 from Monday to Friday three pm to seven pm and Sunday through Thursday from 10 pm until closing, with $4 martinis, wine and mojitos available.

Monty’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, conveniently situated at 5371 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, promises an intimate and relaxed dining experience, offering something different to local and foreign patrons. When it comes to Happy Hour, this rather distinguished locale presents discounts on cocktails, beers and other drinks from Monday to Friday 4:30 pm to seven pm, in addition to free appetizer selections including fried shrimp and stuffed mushrooms.

When the glistening Los Angeles sun begins to slip behind the distant horizon and the hordes of hard workers begin to feel that need to rejuvenate from an impossibly long day, California’s Happy Hour scene comes to vivid life. In Woodland Hills, a myriad of choices await even the most discriminating of drink aficionados, ready to sweep them away to a stress-free, friend-filled world…even if it’s for just a little while.