"Happy hour" is in no way just a brief hour anymore.

What began as a liquor infused party aboard U.S. Navy ships in the 1920s led us to a late afternoon standard tradition of discounted food and drinks in bars, restaurants and lounges. It's the recessionista's best friend. Often including two-for-one specials, cheap taps and half-price rail drinks, drinkers save a hefty chunk of cash by heading out early.

Whether you just finished up a long day at the office, decided to spend a sunny day out on the patio or are looking to crack a deal on food and drink, there are plenty of reasons to embrace happy hour.

And what's better? Happy hour isn't just for the 9-5 after work drinker anymore.

For many bars and restaurants, happy hour now takes on two daily timeslots in the drink schedule. The standard from 4-6 p.m. remains but now late night drinkers get the same cut on food and drinks with a late night happy hour starting at 9 or 10 p.m.

Marcus Restaurants recently instructed Mason Street Grill, The Milwaukee Chophouse and Clear in the Intercontinental Hotel to "double the happy hour" to feature $2 drinks and $3 appetizers. Upping the usual bar food ante with offerings like crab and green chile quesadillas, buttermilk fried clams, bacon wrapped dates and Navajo steak tacos, diners have a duo of delight from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and again from 9:00-10 p.m.

But, food isn't the only indulgence Marcus is happy about. Happy Hour choices like MillerCoors products start at $2 or for just a few dollars more ($3-5) featured wines, cocktails and Bloody Mary's change daily.

Flannery's Bar and Grill invokes a "Late Night Power Hour" from 9-11 p.m. where drinkers can refuel on half-price appetizers and $3 drinks.

Likewise, The Twisted Fork pushes the "happy hour" from 2-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close on Friday and Saturday. Pouring two for one cocktails, Bloody Mary's and margaritas, the North Avenue restaurant lists discounts on a special tapas menu as well.

And the trend is by no means limited to the heavier late night crowd in Milwaukee.

Revere's Wells Street Tavern in Delafield makes patrons happy three times weekly with happy hours from 4-6 p.m. all week long and a second happy hour 9 p.m.-close week nights and 10 p.m.-close on Friday and Saturday. Admitting there aren't enough hours in the day, Revere's bumps up your opportunity to add a daily smile.

So, how happy can the Happy Hour get? Do you take advantage of double the deals?

Use the Talkback feature and let us know if you've started invoking the daily double in happy hour specials.