Sophie WIlkins / The BulletinPulled pork tacos at Velvet as part of their daily happy hour.

Velvet

805 NW Wall St., Bend; www.velvetbend.com

Details: Happy hour 5-7 p.m. daily

Deals: $5 specialty cocktail, $3 Boneyard drafts, $5 house red and white wine, $6 for all food

Velvet is one of the most laid back bars in town, with a feel that can only be mastered in a ski town such as this. Footage of downhill skiing and biking is always rolling, and it’s a great place to grab a drink, catch up with a friend and ensconce yourself with pillows on one of their many couches.

Velvet’s happy hour runs every day from 5-7 p.m. and features a variety of little plates, ideal for sampling and sharing. Two house favorites are bacon-wrapped apricot skewers with a sweet soy sauce reduction for dipping, and duck samosas with sweet chili sauce, both accompanied by shaved green onion. The menu features tacos, baked brie and three kinds of sliders, among other items. Wash it all down with a glass of Northwest or organic wine, a local pint or Velvet’s specialty cocktail, the Blue Velvet, made with blueberry house-infused vodka, lemonade and Oregon yerba mate.

— Sophie Wilkins