Cocktail Therapy: SD Cocktail Lounges

We all get it: that itch during the weekday for the weekend that looks like a lifetime away. Whether it's back-to-back meetings, traveling during the weekdays, annoying co-workers, or all the above, a cocktail sure looks good at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. This cocktail therapy seems to do the trick at easing our weekday blues better than an Adderall and a Xanax.

If you have the weekend-can't-come-fast-enough blues and the permanent frown on your face shows it, head out to one of our fav spots like U-31 in North Park. Happy Hour goes to a forgiving 8:30 p.m. for those of you who work late, and if you are there on a Thursday, remember to ask for Kristi. 

Unlike your therapist, you don't have to pay her by the hour, and you don't need a prescription for her list of over-the-counter favorites. If you're parched and like a twist on a regular soda pop, a Doctor Comfort will have you feeling warm and fuzzy in no time. U-31's Strawberry Russian, made with Stolichnaya Vodka, pink lemonade and Triple Sec, is the perfect mix of sweet and smooth to brighten your mood and give your face the youthfulness only a smile and utter relaxation can bring. One of Kristi's personal favorites is a shot called Washington Apple with a taste true to its name and the Seattle-esq bar-mosphere. For more information, visit myspace.com/u31sandiego.

Sure, the talented bartenders and mixologists in San Diego can't be your shrink for couch time, but their cocktails, martinis and spirits sure ease the weekdays a little.

Discover a few other cocktail lounges that are sure to turn that weekly frown upside down, without needles, Botox or a prescription.

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge in East Village
Leather seats, southwestern accents and gritty-goth chandeliers give this bar-mosphere the feel of youth, danger and mystery. You almost expect the guests to be too good-looking and have no reflection. Happy Hour goes to the late hour of 9 p.m., so whether you are there for cocktail therapy or to meet your Edward Cullen, you won't miss out even if you're a work-a-holic. A larger lounge and entertainment venue, El Dorado has a jukebox and pool tables for kicking back with friends or plays host to a variety of DJs and live bands. For more information, visit Eldoradobar.com.

Martinis Above Fourth in Hillcrest
Located in the heart of Hillcrest, Martinis Above Fourth is an award winning martini bar that also offers casual fine dining. The atmosphere is swanky and modern with a cocktail lounge inside and out. Can't afford the swank? Try its 2-4-10 Happy Hour, which runs Tuesday through Saturday to 7:30 p.m. You can get $2 Coronas, Wells and house wine, and $4 ten-ounce martinis. For more information, visit Martinisabovefourth.com.

West Coast Tavern in North Park
West Coast Tavern is a staple neighborhood spot in North Park for good reason. Its daily happy hour is just out of this world and perfect to beat the weekday blues every day of the week. Try $3 wells, draft beer and house wine. And pair your stiff one with a discounted small plates food menu of $5 items. Stay for more of it's impeccable, finger-liking menu that includes delights such as Miso Glazed Wild Sockeye Salmon, Tavern Chicken 'n' Waffles, lamb sliders, bacon and bleu cheese flatbread and more mouthwatering dishes. For more information, visit Westcoasttavern.com.

Discover more San Diego nightclubs and follow our Nightlife blog for more tips and trends.