What makes a good happy hour?

These days, it seems like there are so many happy hour options out there that it's hard to find those really good ones when you want to. I think it all comes down to what you really look for in a good happy hour, though.

Is it the ambiance? Like outside seating or live music. Could it be the delicious (or free!) food that comes with the after-work special? Maybe it's the crowd—whether it's people you see every afternoon or an eclectic mix. But I have a feeling that for most us it comes down to the drinks. Some deals are unique (like mystery beer buckets or flip-a-coin specials), while others are just downright cheap.

To me a good happy hour comes down to time. It's hard for a lot of day-jobbers to make it between the 4-7 p.m. mark sometimes. So if places have extended hours—or ever better, two happy hours in a day—they really get my vote. Take Jack's Bistro, pictured, which does $2 off appetizers and drinks from 5-7 p.m. and then again from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. It's always nice to have that second chance.

But what do you guys think? What makes a good happy hour? And what are your go-to spots around town?

[Image: courtesy of jacksbistro.net]