MarketBar's Prime Nibbles, Perfect People Watching

backcountry5/Flickr

​The place: MarketBar, 1 Ferry Building (at Embarcadero), 434-1100.

The hours: Mon.-Fri. 3-7 p.m.

The deals: Two dozen top-shelf tapas at $1.50-$9 per plate plus wine, beer, and cocktail specials.

The digs: The Ferry Building's most elegant venue: lots of dark wood and polished brass with an inviting bar and that retro-S.F., Tadich-esque atmosphere. When the weather's nice, snag one of the outdoor tables along the Embarcadero and watch the world stroll by.

Linda C./Yelp

Mini-burgers.

​The verdict: In addition to being an especially classy place to unwind at the end of the workday, MarketBar offers one of the best selections of happy hour nibbles in town, from Drakes Bay oysters ($1 each), Castelvetrano olives ($1.50), and a double shot of potato leek soup with green garlic ($3) to brandied chicken liver pâté ($4), lamb skewers with mint chiffonade ($4), smoked salmon bruschetta with goat cheese ($5), and duck confit with Dijon and crostini ($5). Heartier fare is available in the form of fish 'n' chips ($7), mini-burgers ($6), and four varieties of pizza ($9 each). Among the discount whistle-wetting options are Drake's Amber Ale for $4, four wines at $6.50 per glass or $12 per carafe (the Vallevò Montepulciano is a good choice), and $8 martinis, Cosmos, and lemon drops crafted from Blue Angel vodka. There are cheaper post-work venues around the city, but you usually get what you pay for, and the sidewalk seating is a pleasure.

Overall grade: A-