What makes you happy? If it’s oceans of cheap alcohol, Ponti’s happy hour won’t float your boat. The emphasis here is on ambience and on food. More than a dozen tasty plates are offered, some half-priced for the daily happy times (4 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close), others well-priced from the regular bar menu. Ponti’s deck, opening off both bar and dining room, is legendary, a narrow, cool balcony looking down on the tree-shaded green waters of the Ship Canal. I can recommend every dish from personal experience: ahi poke, avocado, and wontons ($6.50), Cajun prawns with watercress ($5.50), spicy pan-fried oysters ($4)— everything. Unfortunately, it can be tricky getting those prices. In the bar, you’re cool, but if you want to be cooler and get out on the deck, make sure you nab the single table that’s invisibly protected by the bar aura, or you’ll find the food on your bill charged at menu prices. Getting served is sometimes a problem, too, because if you’re there for happy hour you’re shunned by the regular waitstaff, which can be a little frustrating. Also frustrating is Ponti’s strict definition of “well drink,” which means that anything more complicated than a gin and tonic will cost you full price. But there is that view. And that food. 3014 Third Ave. N., 206-284-3000. QUEEN ANNE