After turning 21 earlier this school year, I’ve recently been exploring a whole new side of Los Angeles nightlife and food culture that I had missed out on.

Whether it be a bottle of soju and tteokbokki or a beer and some street tacos, weekend relaxation equates to comfort drinks and food across differing communities and cuisines in L.A. From Korean pochas to local bars, I’ve found some of the best dishes and deals come paired with cheap spirits and drink umbrellas.

But the true crowning glory of drink-and-eat establishments typically occurs in the early hours of the night.

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Happy Hour deals usually take place at odd hours to attract customers, yet they offer some of the most affordable food and drink bundles daily. Varying between restaurants for pricing and time slots, many establishments offer their own variation on Happy Hour deals to draw in crowds or fill tables, promoting a more lively nighttime atmosphere.

In celebration of my birthday and a new leaf turned in dining experiences, my friend and I went on a mission to find a local Happy Hour deal near campus for a “Drinking Dollars” edition of “Dining Dollars.”

Located within the Fryft zone and just a 15-minute walk from USC Village, La Barca is a family-owned restaurant serving Mexican cuisine with a strong Jalisco influence and authentic homemade flavors. Established in 1976, the restaurant has offered a safe space for the Latine community for over 45 years through homestyle comfort foods and welcoming hospitality.

Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, La Barca caters to customers around the clock, with flavorful dishes ranging from shrimp fajitas to beef enchiladas to satisfy any dinner or lunch cravings.

On top of their signature menu, La Barca also provides a separate drinks catalog. Hosting their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on most weekdays and from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, La Barca offers half-priced beer and margaritas with the option of being on the rocks, frozen and mixed with another flavor. The margarita flavors include lime, strawberry, mango, peach and banana — a nice size selection to mix for unlimited combinations.

When guests first enter the restaurant’s charming green door, they are greeted with large, welcoming wooden tables and extensive booth seating. Adorned with various tile decorations and hanging plants throughout, La Barca has a cozy atmosphere where the Mexican influence is reflected just as clearly as the food and aromas wafting from the kitchen.

My friend and I sat at a table and were swiftly serviced with classic tortilla chips and salsa with a nice zing. Our waiter was attentive, reciting our drink combinations from memory without having to jot down our order.

Once our drinks and food began to roll out, it became clear that not only were the aromas and atmosphere entrancing, but the presentation of our meal felt very aesthetically pleasing and organized.

We started our Happy Hour feast with two strawberry margaritas on the rocks adorned with gradient flowers. Contrasting chain restaurants, the bartender added a generous amount of liquor that packed a punch from the get-go and made the $5 payment almost seem criminally cheap. A few sips of the margaritas were all it took for my friend and I to break the ice and share our secrets.

For my main course, I ordered the taquitos rancheros for something mild and light to balance out our strong and hefty Happy Hour. The taquitos had a nice crispy outer shell with juicy, well-seasoned beef on the inside. Paired with comforting refried beans and zesty Mexican rice, the dish was delicious and perfect for those seeking a palette of different textures and tastings.

Although the food menu is priced relatively average among other competing local restaurants, the daily Happy Hour and family recipes set La Barca apart from other trending L.A. bars and eateries.

After a hazy yet fiery first round, I opted for a frozen mango margarita for my second, to switch up the drink consistency and please my slushie cravings. Unfortunately, with the ice blended into the drink, the frozen mango margarita filled me up fast, and I had to tap out sooner than I had hoped.

Giggling and wobbling outside the door, we exchanged a few last whispers of gossip before sharing a Shryft ride home. So, for my 21-and-up audience who wants to experience a memorable and fun yet possibly disorienting evening with friends, I suggest La Barca as your one-stop shop. For those really trying to get the most out of their money, stick with on the rocks and let loose.

Jason Pham is a senior writing about affordable eating and restaurants in his column “Dining Dollars,” which runs every other Thursday.