By Cindy Anderson

Come the first days of May, you may find yourself thirsty for sun, sangria and salsa. So slip on your sandals and spice up your Happy Hour with south-of-the border flavor. Dine for less dinero and get a taste of Mexico and beyond via some of the area's best Latino restaurants.

Andina
Happy Hour: Mon - Sat 4:00 - 6:00pm
Food specials: $1 - $2
Drinks: $5 exotic cocktail specialties
Atmosphere: Upscale and warm South American flavor
Andina's Peruvian style interior is more high-style Lima than Machu Picchu, with high wooden-beamed ceilings, copper-topped tables, painted stucco walls and a huge, captivating fireplace. Choose from few, but interesting and delicious ethnic small plates like skewers of marinated chicken, beef heart or grilled octopus.

Cha Taqueria
Happy Hour: Daily 3:00 - 6:00pm and 9:00pm - Close
Food specials: $2 - $5
Drinks: $3 beer, $4 wine, $5 sangria or margaritas
Atmosphere: Modish, minimalist Mexican touches
From the same owners as the local Cha! Cha! Cha! chain, Nob Hill's restaurant version is more refined and elegant overall. It's a big open space with a cool, artsy white divider and rough, lofty touches. Now is the season to enjoy their outside patio. You may need some English translations for the wide array of authentic, gourmet Mexican specialties on the menu.

Casa del Matador
Happy Hour: Daily 4:00 - 6:00pm and 10:00pm - Close
Food specials: $4 - $5
Drinks: No discounts
Atmosphere: Ornate, old-world Mexican
A handsome and sexy interior worthy of the title "Matador" greets you at entrance with stunning, wrought iron artistry, gilded mirrors and rustic stucco walls. A huge, centrally located circular fireplace makes an especially inviting impression. Happy Hour offers an array of taco styles, nachos, quesadillas, salad and soup that perfectly complement a margarita or one of 75 varieties of tequila.

La Calaca Comelona
Happy Hour: Mon - Sat 8:00 - 11:00pm
Food specials: $1 - $6
Drinks: Bartender's choice discounts (varied)
Atmosphere: Festive, fun and unique Mexican city style
You'll feel like you are on a Mexican vacation at this Day-of-the Dead-inspired taverna named "The Hungry Skeleton." You'll be greeted by bright colorful walls and Mexican-style folk art at every glimpse and turn. Their menu offers truly authentic items like many varieties of tacos, grilled cactus, spicy potatoes or even grilled grasshoppers!

Oba!
Happy Hour: Daily 4:00 - 6:30pm and Mon Thurs 9:30pm - Close (food only)
Food specials: $4 - $6.50
Drinks: $3.75 margaritas, beer or wine
Atmosphere: Colorful and sleek Latin in the Pearl
Oba is a long-standing favorite of most Happy Hour afficionados. This popular and festive restaurant offers a dazzling and flavorful mix in both food and flair reflective of the Caribbean, Mexico, Cuba and even the American Southwest. Their menu at Happy Hour has discounts of their best appetizers including jerked fries, coconut prawns, ceviche, prime rib coyotas, salad and black bean hummus.

Pambiche
Happy Hour: Mon - Fri 2:00 - 6:00pm and Fri and Sat 10:00pm - Close
Food specials: $3 - $4
Drinks: $2.75 beer and wine, $4 sangria
Atmosphere: Charming streetside Cuban café
Pambiche captures the essence of Cuba and its colorful and lively sidewalk eateries. A languid afternoon visit here is the perfect anecdote for escaping winter's chill — or to torch up the heat on a hot summer day with one of their spicy tapas or empanadas. They also have some of the best desserts in all the world.

Trébol
Happy Hour: Daily 5:00 - 6:30pm and 9:00pm - Close
Food specials: $2 - $6
Drinks: $4 margaritas, sangria or wine
Atmosphere: Airy yet striking high-style Mexican
Yet another mucho delicious-o Hora de Feliz and a great annual Cinco de Mayo party to boot. Off the beaten path on North Albina, but worth seeking out, Trébol takes pride in using extra fresh, seasonal ingredients and their Happy Hour menu highlights homemade soups, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas and tacos. Try all 70 tequilas and get a free t-shirt!