June 6, 2008 -- Once a year in mid-June, you may be lucky enough to take pops out on the town for Father's Day (June 15). Save yourself some dough and still give dear ol' Dad a special treat at a nice restaurant's happy hour. Below are some tough, dark, sophisticated, and of course, masculine places perfect for all types of dads, dudes - and dames, too. Keep these classics in mind and enjoy Dad's company for less all throughout the year:

The Crown Room
Happy Hour: Tues - Fri 4:00 - 7:00pm
Food specials: $3 - $7
Drinks: $2 off specialty drinks
Atmosphere: Vegas-style showcase lounge
This Old Town spot really is "old school lounging at its best," as their website claims. The large, open nightclub space features '50s-style vinyl, oversized lounge booths, dim lighting and even a stage for Elvis impersonators. Choose from a dozen Mediterranean-style appetizers including spanikopita, stuffed mushrooms, artichoke romano, lemon chicken, shrimp cocktail and sirloin beef tips. Go all out and take Dad to dinner using the free entree coupon in the Happy Hour Guidebook.

Gold Dust Meridian
Happy Hour: Daily 2:00 - 8:00pm and all day Sunday
Food specials: $3 - $5
Drinks: $3 beer and wells, $4 wines
Atmosphere: Sophisticated, ‘60s-style den
Take pops back in time to the hip cocktail scene of his youth, give or take a few years. The Gold Dust Meridian is steeped deep in authentic retro charm that is at once swanky and ultra-cool. The stellar Happy Hour menu follows period style and includes bar olives, deviled eggs, grilled cheese (served with soup and salad), crackers with dips and mac and cheese.

Jake's Grill
Happy Hour: Mon - Fri 3:00 - 6:00pm, Mon - Thurs 9:30pm – Close, Fri - Sat 10:00pm - Closeand Sun 3:00pm - Close
Food specials: $1.95
Drinks: No drink specials
Atmosphere: Old-world, stately and warm dining room and bar
Housed inside the gorgeous and impressive Governor Hotel, Jake's is both traditional and classy, yet friendly and fun. Their $1.95 Happy Hour menu is legendary in Portland (fame carries over to Jake's Famous Crawfish and owner McCormick and Schmick's restaurants, too). Here, your father can enjoy a full-size cheeseburger or chicken sandwich with fries for, that's right, only $1.95! Also on the menu are prawn skewers, pot stickers, mussels, bruschetta or hummus plate.

Holden's Bistro
Happy Hour: Mon - Sat 5:00 - 6:30pm
Food specials: $3 - $5
Drinks: $5 house cocktails, $1 off beer and wine
Atmosphere: Simple, quiet and handsome urban retreat
Holden's is a sleek, masculine loft-style lounge that exudes warmth and character. Outside seats and open air "garage" door will set you up for enjoying the summer breeze while you sip and sup. Happy Hour basics are done up extra-deliciously and include crab nachos, spring rolls, shrimp tacos, burgers, quesadillas, fries and salads.

North 45
Happy Hour: Daily 4:00 - 6:00pm
Food specials: $2 - $6
Drinks: $4 well
Atmosphere: Rich, homey and non-smoking world travel-themed pub
The dark wood walls make the interior of this neighborhood spot very cozy, plus there's a huge patio beer garden in back. Happy Hour offerings include their phenomenal pommes frites, artisan breads, lime shrimp, calamari, bruschetta, ahi tuna poke, antipasti, and fruit and cheese plate. There is a free sandwich coupon in the Happy Hour Guidebook.

Shula's
Happy Hour: Mon - Fri 4:00 - 6:00pm and 9:00pm - Close
Food specials: $2 - $5
Drinks: No specials
Atmosphere: Sleek steakhouse packed with sports memorabilia
This is an extra-perfect choice for Father's Day, since two of Don Shula's sons followed in his footsteps and became football coaches just like him. Shula's is located inside the Marriott Hotel, up the grand staircase, through the mellow side lounge, to the austere but unpretentious bar area. Pop will become a big fan of the place and it's near-perfect Happy Hour food like melt-in-your-mouth steak bites, BBQ shrimp, salad and crab cakes. Shula's has phenomenal steaks, so it may be worth splurging on a full dinner. You can use the half-off coupon in your Happy Hour Guidebook.

The Uptown Billiards Club
Happy Hour: Tues - Fri 4:00 - 7:00pm
Food specials: $10 prix fixe rotating menus
Drinks: $10 wine pairings
Atmosphere: Rich, old-world pool hall
Wow! This place is in a class all its own with five impressive and delicious dinner courses. Each menu is designed around a certain country and paired with select wines to match both the theme and each course. Past presentations have included "Spring in Chile" and "The Rain in Spain." Uptown also stands out as a high-class pool hall, with luxurious appointments while the billiards room is tucked away and non-smoking. Get a cue and make a really fun night of it!

(All happy hour specials and prices are subject to change)