If younger Italians are choosing to break with tradition and linger after office hours for a drink, the proverbial abundance of the Italian spread has not been abandoned. Even if their counterparts in other countries are doomed to nachos with Velveeta and dried rounds of baguette with mystery paté, Italy's cocktail bar guests enjoy an impressive range of taste treats from pasta with pesto to curried chicken, cous cous and polenta with sausage.

In a very short time, Milano has become the Happy Hour capital of Italy. In some zones, like the Navigli, little cocktail bars have sprung up like mushrooms after a rainfall. Each one is distinct in its menu and decor. Popular themes are Indian, hi-tech and Western. Cocktail favorites include the mojito, caipiriña, Negroni, margarita, daiquiri and numerous others from both the standard and not-so-standard lists.

For the new cocktail generation, the concept of formal dinner has fallen by the wayside: no more fixed hour for a ritual evening meal. The formal table setting has been replaced by tiny plates, filled and refilled from the buffet to the accompaniment of a great cocktail. In view of Italy's increasing number of singles, many of whom live at home into their thirties, the trend answers the demand for somewhere to unwind after work and meet with friends in the intimacy of a bar.

Among Milano's more interesting bars:

SHU:
Open only a few months in the city center, SHU has quickly developed definitely "in" status! The decor is somewhat peculiar, if very, very cool: the long bar is lit in up in an acid green and the techno-furnishings consist of metal chairs (signed by Philippe Starck) with seats of clear plexiglas. Happy Hour from 18:30 - 21:00 offers a wide range of cocktails accompanied by crudité and warm savory treats of meat, fish, vegetables and pasta.
Via Molino delle Armi agolo con Via Chiusa.

ROIALTO:
Behind Corso Sempione. The ebony bar was imported from Havana to underscore the strictly 50's Italy decor, with red candles on the tables and jazz in the background. The Roialto boasts outdoor seating around a rooftop pool in summer.
Via Piero della Francesca 55.

COLONIAL:
Set against a jungle, the decor is enhanced by designs that recall aboriginal, Indian and Indonesian art, carved wooden statues from Africa and hunting trophies. Happy Hour: 18:30 - 21:30; features optimal tropical long drinks, hot and cold snacks.
Via Edmondo De Amicis 12

JULIEN CAFE':
cocktail and ethnic buffet featuring spring rolls and chicken wings in chilli sauce.
Via Maggi 6

ATM:
The epitome of Milanese creativity, this bar is located in a former Public Transport station.
Bastioni di Porta Volta

VOLO:
Realized in keeping with the principles of feng shui. Full to bursting in summer, largely owing to it's beautiful garden. Aperitifs served at Happy Hour from 18:00 - 21:00; generous buffet.
Viale Bligny 39

GARDEN GALLERY:
Housed in a gallery with dizzyingly high ceilings, the decor all marble and red velvet. After Happy Hour ends at 21:00, the bar becomes a disco hosting theme events.
Via Meravigli 3