One of my favorite questions to ponder is, “If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you want?”

After hours and hours of rigorous self-debate, I have concluded that for me it would be the "Wheel of Time" book series, my Snuggie and Happy Hour.

OK, I know picking Happy Hour is sort of breaking the rules, but along with the other two items, it has become such a staple in my life I feel like I must include it.

My love for Happy Hour mostly stems from first, the fact that I am not much of a chef (just ask my boyfriend) and second, I am on a pretty tight budget (have you heard what has happened with the economy?). So I quickly have become a connoisseur of, and self proclaimed evangelist for, Happy Hour.

I have noticed through my speaking with the masses about the benefits of Happy Hour that the most common complaint is that it usually takes place too early, and getting off work by 4:30 p.m. is not an option.

So, I am taking the time now to spread the word on the most overlooked aspect of the happiest hour in America: Late-Night Happy Hour!

Late-night Happy Hours typically start at either 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. and generally go until close or at least midnight. This means you do not have to rush out of work early to make it, and since it is later, there are usually fewer people and it is easier and faster to get a spot in the bar.

We are very fortunate living in Ballard because we truly do have a plethora of late-night Happy Hour options – almost too many to choose from.

Because I often find it hard to decide where to go, I have come up with a guide for picking the best late-night Happy Hour based on the situation you find yourself in. From after a night out, to a date to sugar cravings, I have listed the ideal Happy Hour for you.

Post Night Out

We have all experienced the “drunken munchies,” and thanks to late-night Happy Hours we no longer have to rely on digging around in our cupboard at home for those stale crackers.

Another benefit to grabbing food after a night out? Putting food in your belly helps decrease the chance of a hangover. Specifically, I suggest a Happy Hour that goes until later and offers some hearty food, such as burgers or pizza. (Avoid spicy food or raw sushi, your stomach will thank you the next morning.)

Some of the best include the People’s Pub or Snoose Junction.

First Date

Happy Hour can be a great idea for a date because it has a more casual feel, and you can order many types of food to share – an easy conversation starter.

My two recommendations for this evening are Ray's Boathouse and Moshi Moshi Sushi.

Ray's is great because it has excellent food and drinks, and if you get a spot by the window, you can still often see a nice, albeit dark, view of the water. Plus if the date goes well, you can come back for a fancier dinner in the restaurant.

Sushi is a great food to share, and Moshi has plenty on their Happy Hour menu. Impress your date by showing off your expert maneuvering of chopsticks and sophisticated palate when you order nigiri and agedashi tofu.

Missed Dinner

We all get busy and miss the typical “dinner time” every once in a while. Whether we get stuck at work, have a flag football game in the evening or have to run errands after work before the stores close, there is nothing better than being served a delicious dinner and relaxing with a glass of wine after the long day.

In this case, I recommend looking for a Happy Hour that serves big portions and food you can easily turn into a meal.

My staple is Matador, where I stuff myself with nachos, quesadillas, tacos, soup or salad.

Lombardi's is also a great choice. Plus, their Happy Hour starts at 9 p.m., earlier than most.

One of those days

Maybe you missed your bus in the morning, fumbled during a work presentation or you read that another one of Jesse James’ mistresses came forward and you just can’t take it anymore.

The best medicine for "one of those days?" A drink with friends.

Fortunately, in Ballard we have some great late-night Happy Hours that offer some fancy drinks at low prices.

I recently discovered Root Table, which has late night specials on wine, beer, well drinks and special cocktails.

And anytime I mention drinks with friends, I must suggest the Ballard-staple Old Pequliar.

Throbbing Sweet Tooth

One of my favorite local late-night Happy Hours is for those of us that aren’t craving booze or a meal – it’s sweets we want!

Well have no fear, Cupcake Royale celebrates the happiest of hours starting at 9 p.m. when they peddle any unsold cupcakes from the day for six for $7 until they run out. (Note: If you go Thursday, you had better not take all the Kates and Royale with Cheeses, as that is Reality TV night, and I am not sure I could make it through a "Hoarders" or "Toddlers and Tiaras" without my usual sugar rush.)

As you can see, there truly is a late-night Happy Hour for any occasion that arises. With the economy in the dumps, we need Happy Hour more than ever. So, put aside the 50-cent Campbell’s soup dinner you had planned, and enjoy some cheap eats and drinks courtesy of Ballard nightlife.

Share your favorite late-night Happy Hour in the comments.

Lindsey Johnson is a devoted Ballardite who loves spending time reading, discovering local eateries and exploring the nightlife Ballard and surrounding areas have to offer. To offer ideas on the latest and greatest activities, email her at ballardafterdark@yahoo.com.