It’s been called “the readjustment period” – that late-afternoon time slot from which we abandon the daily grind over adult beverages and sundry noshes before slipping back into our normal routines by evening.

Happy hour is also a time when drinks are cheap, and in some cases, the food is free. And whether you arrive cloaked in a business suit or lumber in from the gym, the dress code falls squarely in to an accommodating crossroad of “come as you are.”

Traditionalists say that happy hour occurs from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. But in an effort to promote broader menu deals, many bars and restaurants extend their twilight offerings through the weekends, or begin as early as mid-afternoon. Happy hour can also bleed into the later part of the evening, allowing diehards to keep their cabooses planted at the bar while the regular nighttime crowd rolls in.

Below are several local establishments that earn raves for their happy-hour bargains and the social havens they provide when we’re ready to hang up the day.

1421 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 269-8510

She’s the mother of fine tequilas and the place to go for $3 house margaritas made with Sauza tequila, or $4 margaritas blended with real fruit. Other drink specials include $2.50 bottled Tecate beer and $3 well drinks. Festive and popular, the crowd clusters around the bar and front patio as the spirits flow. Complimentary tortilla chips are available. Happy hour is from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

1236 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 298-0616

The restaurant known for its crafty sushi recently rolled out a summer happy hour program that shaves 50 percent off well drinks and offers Skyy martinis for $3.50 on Thursdays. Sake and various handmade rolls are half price on Mondays and Wednesdays. A small bar offers limited seating, although guests may consume their “deals” in the dining areas. Happy hour is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays; until 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays; and from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.

3940 Fourth Ave., #200, Hillcrest

(619) 400-4500

The big, wide patio bar that hangs over Fourth Avenue seems tailor-made for happy hour. A longtime favorite within the GLBT community, the friendly staff serves up well cocktails for $3, Miller and Budweiser products for $2.75 and various house wines for $3.25 per glass. Happy hour is from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays; and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays.

3175 India St., Middletown

(619) 296-6789

It’s home to the $3 Pink Pussy and lively beer busts, and is the 2005 Nicky Award recipient for Outstanding Women’s Bar. Deals also include $3 tequila shots and $5 margaritas, all of which can be enjoyed indoors or on the roomy patio. Happy hour is from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., Fridays; 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays; and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sundays.

525 Spruce St., Hillcrest

(619) 291-0900

Contrary to popular rumor, this distinctive roof bar atop the historic Park Manor isn’t closing, and will stay open through an upcoming remodel scheduled for January. The bar offers various discounted prices on well drinks, beer and wine, as well as complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Stunning city views and turn-of-the-century ambience attracts a full house every week. Happy hour is from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays.

4612 Park Blvd., University Heights

(619) 291-4043

This New Orleans-style bar with a traditional, light-strung back patio has become wildly popular among the “boys” on weekday afternoons, and is a big draw for the “girls” early on Friday evenings. Drink specials vary throughout the week and include well drinks for $2 and martinis for $3. Happy hour is from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. daily, except Friday Ladies’ Night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

1017 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 297-2056

San Diego’s most established video bar offers a buck off all drinks, including the premium stuff. Its central Hillcrest location and front patio is ideal for people watching. Free pizza from Taste of Italy is served on Fridays. Happy hour is from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., daily.

308 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 491-0400

Happy hour aficionados would be remiss if they’ve never ducked into this popular “decompression” refuge, which flaunts a colorful party patio and an indoor bar with windows opening to the street. Aside from $2 domestic beers and well drinks, the price for munchies is also slashed – chicken strips, quesadillas, pepper poppers and potato skins are all $3. Happy hour is from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

1243 University Ave., Hillcrest

(619) 295-1188

You’ll be hard pressed to find full pours of wine selling for $2 and $3 per glass anywhere but here. Each week the bar offers four reds and four whites in an atmosphere that is relaxed, unpretentious and gay-straight mixed. Happy hour is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

755 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter

(619) 557-0146

Nothing beats a $2 glass of homemade sangria in the summer for washing down a variety of half-priced Spanish tapas. Though a non-gay establishment, the crowd is diverse and professional, and the atmosphere is a mix of old-world Europe and downtown chic. Other specials include $2 mugs of beer and margaritas. And if the sangria strikes an easy chord, get a pitcher for only $10. Happy hour is from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and all night on Mondays.

3815 30th St., North Park

(619) 574-0744

The billiards are free, along with well drinks for $3, draft beer for $2.25 and bottled domestics for $2.50. There’s usually a full house on Fridays when free pizza is served. Happy hour is from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

2321 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill

(619) 696-0071

This modern Mexican restaurant with a secret back patio and subdued atmosphere offers Coronas for $2 on Tuesdays, margaritas for $2.50 on Wednesdays, and 30 percent off all wine on Thursdays. Happy hour is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.