This summer, I’ve been enjoying happy hour hopping at various restaurants in New Orleans, particularly on Oak Street where there’s a wealth of options for budget-friendly outings. The idea is simple: combine happy hour deals at nearby establishments for a delightful evening that supports local businesses.

I recently focused on two gems along Oak Street, each offering enticing food deals. My first stop was Sukeban, a Japanese-style tavern that specializes in temaki (hand rolls) and exquisite seafood. During happy hour, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30-6 p.m., Sukeban offers a rotating menu of affordable combos.

On the day I visited, I enjoyed a tempting pairing of onigiri—a sushi rice ball filled with tuna and wrapped in nori—alongside a juice box of premium sake for just $15. For $20, I tried a platter of two temaki: one filled with spicy shrimp and the other with squash and avocado, accompanied by a spicy cabbage salad.

Beers are also discounted by 25%, which makes it a great time to sample unique brews like Koji Gold, a crisp lager crafted using fermented rice.

After Sukeban, I headed to Aguasanta, a contemporary restaurant with a Mexican twist, where the happy hour (Monday to Thursday from 4-6 p.m.) offers substantial appetizers for $8 and $5 off specialty cocktails. What’s more, Aguasanta adds an element of chance to your happy hour experience; if you roll a six on their dice game, your food is free—a feature that definitely adds excitement.

During my visit, I had a taste of several dishes including pulled brisket piled high on buttery toast, mini arepas topped with birria-style beef, skewered shrimp, and crunchy salmon tartar tacos. The cocktails were equally impressive, showcasing lesser-known spirits and creative combinations.

For those embarking on a happy hour adventure on Oak Street, here are the details:

• Sukeban, 8126 Oak St., Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30-6 p.m.
• Aguasanta, 8312 Oak St., Monday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m.

Additionally, Oak Street is rich with more options for drinks and snacks, including Oak & Ale, Juan’s Flying Burrito, and Oak Street Brewery, each with their own unique offerings to round out a great evening of happy hour hopping.