Seattle: All-you-can-eat happy hour buffets.

Apparently the latest trend in happy hour is the all-you-can-eat buffet, at least here in Seattle. The Seattle Times has the rundown on the downtown hotel lounges that offer all the cheese and appetizers you can eat for one flat rate (usually $12-14).

• Four Seasons - gourmet cheese buffet for $12, and a Northwest-themed tapas buffet for $14. You can get both for $20. About two dozen cheeses, with crackers, dried fruits, and nuts. Buffet is offered daily from 4:30-10 p.m. Lounge happy hour is 5-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, when bar food, beer, selected wine and cocktails cost $5.
  
• The Terrace at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel - all-you-can-eat appetizer deal for $12 and a $12 "endless cheese" deal during happy hour, 3:30-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays.

If you're willing to spend a little more on your happy hour nibbles for a tasty splurge, and you're a big fan of cheese, it might be worth it.