Many of the city's best restaurants and bars become more affordable from 4-7 p.m. (or thereabouts) as the work bell rings and employees across the city hit the playground ready to blow off some steam. But there's no need to drink on an empty stomach — in fact, it's downright irresponsible. But you don't have to resign yourself to wings and artichoke dip, either. Read on and you can have a signature cocktail for a bargain price and score some delectable bites while you’re at it.

• For the cost of a combo meal at your favorite fast food chain, you can instead enjoy menu bites at the QBAR at The Four Seasons Hotel. Everything on the happy hour menu is just $4 including the cocktails. The Drinks: Reds to whites, bottles to drafts and specialty cocktails such as the Fizzy Pomegranate. The Fare: Favorites are the wild mushroom crostini, formaggi flatbread, and meatballs. The Hours: Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m.
  
• While I haven’t made it by McCormick and Schmick's to check out their happy hour myself, the bar menu includes a seemingly famous $2.95 half-pound cheeseburger and fries I keep hearing about. The Drinks: To name a few, $4.95 Lemon Drop and select wines for $5.95. The Fare: Available with a $3.50 minimum beverage purchase per person, the best deals (other than the burger) are the chicken quesadilla, baja fish taco and tomato bruschetta for $1.95 each. The Hours: Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m..
  
• Start your evening off at an elegant pace and stay within your budget at III Forks Steak House. The staff is attentive and the setting is upscale, but comfortable. The Drinks: $5 III Forks Martini, $5 pick of the cellar glass of wine and $2 off any drink. The Fare: Includes a $3.75 Kobe beef slider, $5 bleu cheese beef croustades and $5 bleu cheese chips. The Hours: Monday through Saturday from 4-7 p.m., and Ladies Night is every Thursday from 4 p.m. until close.
  
• The ultra aesthetically appealing Hearsay Gastro Lounge is spacious and vibrant, attracting the movers and shakers of Houston’s business elite. Don’t let the chic decor fool you; the ceilings may be high, but the prices aren't. The Drinks: $2 10 oz draft beers, $4 16 oz draft beers, $6 happy hour wells, happy hour red and white wine by the glass $6. The Fare: Hearsay Hamburger with rosemary parmesan fries $6, grilled chicken sandwich with rosemary parmesan fries $6, warm baked goat cheese salad $6. The Hours: Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m..
  
• Strip House serves up one of the coolest atmospheres downtown. Leaving no excuse not to go out and mingle, this swanky locale recently launched complimentary valet parking. The Drinks: $3 domestic beer, $5 imported beer and $6 well drinks. Also new for the month — Woodford Reserve infusions incorporating flavors like cherry, blackberry and ginger lemonade for $6. The Fare: Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres including tuna tartare, mini burgers, deviled eggs and crab cakes. The Hours: Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m.
  
• Between Midweek Martinis and Two-for-Tuesdays, Voice at Hotel ICON offers some of the best deals around. The Lounge continues to attract the business savvy and Houston hipsters alike. The Drinks: Every Wednesday traditional well martinis are $1 each. The Fare: Two-for-Tuesdays includes your choice of burger and specially paired beer for $10 with a side salad or truffle parmesan fries. The Hours: Midweek Martinis: Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m., and Two-for-Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m.