When drinks alone won't cut it for post-work provisions, hit these spots with affordable plates perfect for both the palate and pocket.

MAIALINO (ITALIAN)

The Scene: An elegant and quiet bar area with a wood beam ceiling and views of Gramercy Park.

The Deal: $6 will get you a draft Peroni or a glass of wine (a featured white and red), but the real draw is the seriously tasty selection of savory bar snacks like charred suckling pig hearts served with peppers for just $6.00, or prosciutto-wrapped sweetbread and mushrooms for $13.00.

Essential Info: 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday-Friday at the bar. While the food is not technically part of the happy hour offering, the plates are moderately priced, flawlessly prepared and totally worth it. The happy hour drinks and snack menu are also available at several tables within the bar area. Service is included, so no need to tip.

Nearby: Play some ping pong at SPiN, see some stand-up comedy at The Stand or catch some improv at The PIT.

LURE FISHBAR (SEAFOOD)

The Scene: With an iconic dining room resembling a massive luxury yacht, it's not surprising that this subterranean space attracts its fair share of expense account action at dinner. But during happy hour, the bar stools are filled with slack-tied suits looking to drop a little less coin for a drink and a dish.

The Deal: Drinks include a selection of $9.00-$10.00 cocktails, $8 glasses of wine and $6 beers. The food offering is extensive, with discounts on small plates of seafood, oysters and sushi.

Essential Info: 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday-Friday at the bar. Get there early, as seats are all occupied by 5:30 PM.

Nearby: Complement your bar snacks with a plate of fantastic $10 pasta at Osteria Morini or head to Botanica for cheap drinks and tunes.

SCHILLER'S LIQUOR BAR (CONTINENTAL BISTRO)

The Scene: A magically atmospheric neighborhood staple from New York's undisputed king of restaurant ambiance, Mr. Keith McNally. Happy hour hosts a handful of locals and long-time regulars at the horseshoe zinc bar.

The Deal: $20 pitchers of frozen margarita, sangria and punch, plus half- price cocktails and wine by the glass and an $18 half-gallon growler of draft beer. Food includes $1.50 east coast oysters, solid sliders (2 for $5) and other snacks like tender fried calamari, deviled eggs and nachos.

Essential Info: 4:00-7:30 PM, Monday-Thursday, 4:00-6:00 PM Fridays at the bar. Bartenders are not always forthcoming about the happy hour offerings, so make sure to ask for the menu.

Nearby: Follow your savory fare with sweets from the iconic Economy Candy.

HECHO EN DUMBO (MEXICAN)

The Scene: With dueling bars occupying two storefronts, you'll have plenty of space to settle in, provided you arrive by 6:00 PM.

The Deal: The drink menu features a variety of superb margaritas at only $8, supplemented by several beer-based cocktails. An impressive selection of snacks run from $3.00-$9.00, including a small, but sick, serving of steak tacos and an excellent tuna tostada.

Essential Info: 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday-Friday at the bar.

Nearby: If you're down for another outstanding dining deal, walk over to DBGB to enjoy a high-end hot dog and craft beer for just $10.

ELENI'S (COOKIES + CUPCAKES)

The Scene: A spacious shop inside Chelsea Market specializing in nut-free cookies and fancy cupcakes.

The Deal: Score a sweet deal on dessert, when all of the typically pricey items behind the expansive glass display case are 40% off. Skip the 6-pack (in both beverage and body) and savor some bomb Boston Cream cupcakes instead.

Essential Info: The deal begins two hours before closing daily (6:30-8:30 PM Monday-Friday, 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday, 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday).

Nearby: If you're able to make it in time, swing by Chelsea Market's stellar (and very popular) seafood happy hour at Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar from 4:00-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Or, after picking up your dessert, head over to the High Line Hotel and snag a seat in the stunning courtyard, where you can pair your cupcakes with a cup of Intelligentsia Coffee.

NIU NOODLE HOUSE (CANTONESE/DIM SUM)

The Scene: A comfortable and quiet West Village space with plenty of seats, worn wood furnishings and friendly service.

The Deal: 30% off all dim sum plates, plus $4 drafts, $6 glasses of wine and $7 cocktails.

Essential Info: 4:00-7:00 PM daily. Beers from the small, but respectable (Hitachino, Anchor Steam), draft list are sometimes served warm, so you may want to stick with bottles (also $4). 3 plates per person is plenty of food.

Nearby: Check out two historic West Village spots for cheap bar burgers and live music.

ZEST (JAPANESE)

The Scene: A somewhat nondescript, yet comfortable, LES eatery where you will have no trouble finding a table.

The Deal: $3.50 will get you any dish from the HUGE happy hour menu, including everything from gyoza to sushi rolls. There's also plenty of discounted drinks and $10 pitchers of Sapporo.

Essential Info: 3:30-7:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, 12:00-7:00 PM Saturday-Sunday. The rolls are hit or miss, but the "mini" dons are pretty substantial and totally satisfying happy hour fare.

Nearby: Hit 169 Bar, an excellent dive for dancing and cheap drinks, featured on this oyster happy hour itinerary.