By: Andrew Silverstein

St. Pete, you're so dignified. With tons of business professionals roaming about town during the week, USF students dilligently studying for their degrees, and office workers clacking away at the keyboard from 9 to 5, you'd think this busy city is square central.

Oh, but don't fooled friends.  St. Pete gives new meaning to the phrase "Work hard.  Play Harder".  When 5 o'clock hits, you can bet the ties come loose, the hair let down, and the Happy Hours come out in full swing.  Here are some great ones around the St. Petersburg area.

Red Mesa Cantina - For modern and inventive Mexican in a lively, decor-filled atmosphere, Red Mesa is the place to be in Downtown St. Pete.  Located right in the heart of it on 3rd Street and 1st Avenue South, Red Mesa is a favorite gathering spot for city-dwellers in downtown.  Enjoy happy hour every day from 3 to 7 p.m with $3.00 Cantina Margaritas, $1 off ANY Beer, $3 Well Drinks, $3.25 Cantina Red or White Sangria, and $3.25 Cantina Wines.

Sake Bomb - Don't be fooled, Sake Bomb is way more than, admittedly, delicious sake.  This new Downtown bar serves up the best in draft beers, wines, and more as well.  Best of all, it's cheap!  Sip on a brew, watch the game on the big screen, play some of their arcade games, or just sit on the patio and enjoy bustling Central Avenue.  Happy hour is every day from 5 to 8 p.m. with 2-4-1 Pabst Blue Ribbon pints, saketinis, hot sake, sake bombs, and Bud Light drafts.

Crowley's - If you're looking for a real, Irish pub in Downtown St. Pete, check out Crowley's today.  Boasting an old-world feel with Irish menu staples like Irish bangers, shephards pie, and more, Crowley's will get you feeling Irish in no time.  Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. with $2 domestic drafts and $1 off microbrews.

Bella Brava - Bella Brava is  a St. Pete institution.  Serving up the best in contemporary and classic Italian to Burg-Dwellers in their new Beach Drive digs, Bella knows what it takes to bring in a crowd and keep them coming back for more.  Enjoy a tasty libation in this ultra-modern, yet surprisingly affordable restaurant during the "longest happy hour on Beach Drive" every day until 7 p.m. with $1.99 Bud Light drafts, $2.99 wells and $4.79 sangria and house wines.

Cafe Alma - If you're dining in Downtown St. Pete and aiming to strike that perfect balance between great taste and affordability.  This quaint cafe offers a plethora of regional cuisines from Greek to Spanish, all with an creative and often-delicious touch.  Happy hour runs every day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays 4:30 till close with 2-4-1 drinks and half-price tapas.