Tiny Victories

This cozy cocktail den just west of the Bishop Arts District has a patio and happy hour that winks and says, "Well, hi there, neighbor." Inside a small shrine to Bob Ross evolved randomly; a bartender just put something on one day, the next day a repeat customer asked why the famed happy little clouds painter wasn't back on the TV. He's been a part of the regular programing since then. They're serious about drinks, but amicably. Try something under the "classics" section, all of which are historical pillars of the cocktail industry, like the 1944 mai tai with rum, Cointreau and orgeat. If you want something fun, try a recession-proof priced House Shot made with "bad decisions."   The snug bar offers half-priced cocktails from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and all day Tuesday. It's a great place to catch up with old friends during the week, and a place to make new ones on the weekend when the vibe gets turned up.