Happy Hour in Portland, Oregon

Invented by the United States Navy in the 1920s, the term "happy hour" was originally the description of on-ship performances designed to bring relief and distraction to sailors at sea. In Portland, Happy Hour has stayed true to form and can be found everywhere from burger joints to dive-bars. To find your welcome distraction from a grueling day at work, or to celebrate the passing (or failing) of finals, here are three of the best happy hours after work.

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub
Find them: 112 SW Second Avenue
On the web: www.kellsirish.com/portland
Call them: (503)227-4057
Happy Hour: From 4pm - 7pm Monday to Friday, 10pm to Midnight Monday to Thursday, and from 7-10 pm on Sunday.
What they are famous for: Kells was rated the #1 Irish Restaurant and Pub in the nation by Tom Horan (a well known restaurant critique - find the review here) , but what they are really famous for is their annual Kells St. Patrick's Irish Festival.
The best of the Happy Hour menu: Whiskey wings, fresh oyster shooters and sweet potato fries for $3.

Saucebox
Find them: 214 SW Broadway
On the web: www.saucebox.com
Call them: (503) 241-3393
Happy Hour: From 4:30pm - 6:30pm Tuesday to Friday, 5pm - 6:30pm Saturday.
What they are famous for: Saucebox is known for its trendy atmosphere, modern music and delicious Pan-Asian and Pacific Island eats.
The best of the Happy Hour menu: $2 beers, $4 cocktails and noodle dishes under $4.

The Cheerful Tortoise Sports Bar and Grill
Find them: 1939 SW Sixth Avenue
On the web: http://cheerfultortoise.com
Call them: (503) 224-3377
Happy Hour: From 3pm - 6pm Monday to Friday, 10pm - Midnight on Sunday.
What they are famous for: As an active sponsor for Portland State University Athletics, it's only fitting that they are the spot for poor college students to go and watch their favorite games, sing karaoke, or visit for Wing Night and Legendary Beer Night celebrations.
The best of the Happy Hour menu: Microbrews, potato skins and chili dogs for under $3.

To find more of the best happy hours after work, or to find an after work happy hour in a neighborhood near you, check these helpful sites out:
http://portland.citysearch.com
http://www.barflymag.com