Hey folks, it's been a while but we've been happy hour-ing all around town and have started a new blog feature. This page will give you all the daily drink & happy hour specials for each day of the week.
So get out there and enjoy happy hour! You deserve it!
Albuquerque's Daily Happy Hour & Drink Specials
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Happy Margarita Day!
Does anyone still read this thing?
If so, please take note: according to this article, today is National Margarita Day.
As Burqueños, I feel we have an obligation to celebrate this holiday. Nearly every happy hour in town features a margarita special, so get out there!
I have personally been enjoying the happy hour specials at Garduño's quite frequently lately. In addition to $4.99 house margaritas, you can enjoy free bean dip and chilaquiles, half-price appetizers, and $0.50 taquitos. Assuming they don't consider National Margarita Day a happy hour-limiting holiday*, I'd recommend stopping by today!
More to come, maybe, eventually.
*The HH505 crew ventured to Garduño's at Winrock for a Valentine's Day celebration, only to discover that happy hour food prices were not valid on the "holiday." On Valentine's Day?!?! SERIOUSLY?!?! Negative points for Garduño's.
If so, please take note: according to this article, today is National Margarita Day.
As Burqueños, I feel we have an obligation to celebrate this holiday. Nearly every happy hour in town features a margarita special, so get out there!
I have personally been enjoying the happy hour specials at Garduño's quite frequently lately. In addition to $4.99 house margaritas, you can enjoy free bean dip and chilaquiles, half-price appetizers, and $0.50 taquitos. Assuming they don't consider National Margarita Day a happy hour-limiting holiday*, I'd recommend stopping by today!
More to come, maybe, eventually.
*The HH505 crew ventured to Garduño's at Winrock for a Valentine's Day celebration, only to discover that happy hour food prices were not valid on the "holiday." On Valentine's Day?!?! SERIOUSLY?!?! Negative points for Garduño's.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Check Out the New Local IQ
That's right friends, my favorite bartender/brother Andrew Martinez and my favorite local haunt the Monte Vista Fire Station will be featured in this week's Local IQ. If you've been searching for a new and refreshing summer tequila drink he's mixed up a cocktail that will surely delight the taste buds. (I tried it last week and it is very awesome)
So don't forget to pick up this week's edition of Local IQ and go in on Thursdays to get a taste of this amazing drink!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Drinko de Mayo
It was a beautiful spring evening. As the pink glow of the sunset was cast upon the majestic Sandia Mountains, I had just turned in my final paper for the semester and was ready to get my drrriiiink on.
I convened with Spenatalie and Co. on the patio of Nob Hill Bar and Grill to begin our celebration of Mexico's heritage and pride.
This spring soiree had been in the plans for many days. It originally included me, Spenatalie, and our good friend Morgan (a single male lawyer from Harvard taking apps for a significant other). However, since we are so popular it eventually turned into a large gathering which included a notable local celebrity, Byron Morton.
We sat on the patio and enjoyed the perfect spring weather, cheap $2 well drinks, $5 margaritas, $1 off drafts and delish discounted appetizers.
Since it was Cinco de Mayo, I had to begin the evening with a margarita. While I am more of a fan of a blended margarita, this one was served on the rocks with a lightly salted rim. It was still excellent. I then switched to several diet coke and vodkas. I also enjoyed a trio of tostadas.
Our party began with three and ended with 10...all seated at a table for four. Our waiter did an excellent job of keeping our glasses full, stomachs satisfied, and checks separated.
The delicious, cheap food and drinks, amazing company and great customer service give this happy hour two thumbs up from me.
Moral of the story: *Dont go on Mondays but go every other day of the week.
* They are closed on Monday :(
I convened with Spenatalie and Co. on the patio of Nob Hill Bar and Grill to begin our celebration of Mexico's heritage and pride.
This spring soiree had been in the plans for many days. It originally included me, Spenatalie, and our good friend Morgan (a single male lawyer from Harvard taking apps for a significant other). However, since we are so popular it eventually turned into a large gathering which included a notable local celebrity, Byron Morton.
We sat on the patio and enjoyed the perfect spring weather, cheap $2 well drinks, $5 margaritas, $1 off drafts and delish discounted appetizers.
Since it was Cinco de Mayo, I had to begin the evening with a margarita. While I am more of a fan of a blended margarita, this one was served on the rocks with a lightly salted rim. It was still excellent. I then switched to several diet coke and vodkas. I also enjoyed a trio of tostadas.
Our party began with three and ended with 10...all seated at a table for four. Our waiter did an excellent job of keeping our glasses full, stomachs satisfied, and checks separated.
The delicious, cheap food and drinks, amazing company and great customer service give this happy hour two thumbs up from me.
Moral of the story: *Dont go on Mondays but go every other day of the week.
* They are closed on Monday :(
Friday, May 7, 2010
Ibiza at Hotel Andaluz
After a long, tough week at work you deserve a cocktail. Sometimes you need tequila poppers and bar food and sometimes you need a fancy martini and want to feel like a VIP. If you're looking for option number two, Ibiza at Hotel Andaluz is a great choice.
Picture a rooftop patio overlooking the city, the pink sunset on the Sandia mountains and beautiful people sipping beautiful drinks. This is what you'll find during happy hour at Ibiza. (Note: The beautiful people here are not the "beautiful people" you'll find at ridiculous places like Imbibe. Ibiza caters to the downtown professional types. The popped collar and ghetto folks aren't the clientele.)
The specials tonight included $4 drafts, $5 well drinks and $6 Pomegranate Cucumber Martinis. Now I know that sounds strange but the martini was crisp, refreshing and just tart enough. We also moved from the patio to sit at the bar and were pleasantly surprised by the great service and enthusiastic staff inside as well.
Later in the evening Ibiza also doubles as a nightclub. More research on the nightclub aspect coming soon.
If you want to go a little more low key Andaluz has an open lounge area and cabana seating in the downstairs lobby. The lounge is open during the week and the cabanas can be reserved for special occasions. These are great for small groups. It's a quiet, intimate setting where you can actually hear the person sitting next to you. They also offer entertainment in the lounge. Check out the schedule here.
All in all, I'm really impressed with Hotel Andaluz and Ibiza. I'll definitely be recommending this for future outings.
Picture a rooftop patio overlooking the city, the pink sunset on the Sandia mountains and beautiful people sipping beautiful drinks. This is what you'll find during happy hour at Ibiza. (Note: The beautiful people here are not the "beautiful people" you'll find at ridiculous places like Imbibe. Ibiza caters to the downtown professional types. The popped collar and ghetto folks aren't the clientele.)The specials tonight included $4 drafts, $5 well drinks and $6 Pomegranate Cucumber Martinis. Now I know that sounds strange but the martini was crisp, refreshing and just tart enough. We also moved from the patio to sit at the bar and were pleasantly surprised by the great service and enthusiastic staff inside as well.
Later in the evening Ibiza also doubles as a nightclub. More research on the nightclub aspect coming soon.
All in all, I'm really impressed with Hotel Andaluz and Ibiza. I'll definitely be recommending this for future outings.
Virgin Happy Hour- Limited Time Only!
SO I just found out that Starbucks is currently doing a Frappuccino Happy Hour promotion - half price Frappuccinos every day from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. through May 16.
BONUS- Starbucks has recently made Frappuccinos more customizable for those of us who don't want 500 calories with our mid-afternoon icy caffeine treats. So if your liver needs a break from our traditional happy hour recommendations, and you can get off work before 5:00, head to your local Starbucks for a creamy, fatty, frozen treat.
IN OTHER NEWS we ventured to Nob Hill Bar and Grill for Happy Hour- Cinco de Mayo edition, but I promised MG I'd let him post on that experience. So, to MG- hurry it up already!
BONUS- Starbucks has recently made Frappuccinos more customizable for those of us who don't want 500 calories with our mid-afternoon icy caffeine treats. So if your liver needs a break from our traditional happy hour recommendations, and you can get off work before 5:00, head to your local Starbucks for a creamy, fatty, frozen treat.
IN OTHER NEWS we ventured to Nob Hill Bar and Grill for Happy Hour- Cinco de Mayo edition, but I promised MG I'd let him post on that experience. So, to MG- hurry it up already!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
annnnnd we're back.
Spring is here (sort of…. we won’t count that snowstorm this past weekend) and therefore happy hour has returned! There was really no good excuse for its disappearance, and we all had plenty of happy hours in those dark winter months…. I really have no good excuse for my ten-month blogging absence.
Anyhow, I was inspired to revive Happy Hour 505 after visiting Nob Hill Bar and Grill last week between the hours of five and seven. My group of three enjoyed 6 drinks and our tab was a mere $16. I decided I must return for further research with my co-bloggers, MG and Mirevj. Unfortunately, our adventure led us here:
Being Monday, we ventured across the street to Mirevj’s familiar Monte Vista Fire Station. I’ll be honest- I’m not usually a huge Monte Vista fan. When I’ve been there at night, it’s usually dark, crowded, and too loud to carry on a conversation. Today, though, the bar was empty when we walked in just after 5:30. The sunny, quiet open space was perfect for catching up over 75 cent tacos (a special every Monday). The bartender made me a delicious margarita while Mirevj played it safe with a Shirley Temple and MG enjoyed a Blue Moon. After a margarita, three Blue Moons, two Shirley Temples, and ten tacos, our bill came to $22.
Verdict: Monday Happy Hour at Monte Vista = success. Hopefully we'll make it back to Nob Hill soon....
HHR: A
Anyhow, I was inspired to revive Happy Hour 505 after visiting Nob Hill Bar and Grill last week between the hours of five and seven. My group of three enjoyed 6 drinks and our tab was a mere $16. I decided I must return for further research with my co-bloggers, MG and Mirevj. Unfortunately, our adventure led us here:
Being Monday, we ventured across the street to Mirevj’s familiar Monte Vista Fire Station. I’ll be honest- I’m not usually a huge Monte Vista fan. When I’ve been there at night, it’s usually dark, crowded, and too loud to carry on a conversation. Today, though, the bar was empty when we walked in just after 5:30. The sunny, quiet open space was perfect for catching up over 75 cent tacos (a special every Monday). The bartender made me a delicious margarita while Mirevj played it safe with a Shirley Temple and MG enjoyed a Blue Moon. After a margarita, three Blue Moons, two Shirley Temples, and ten tacos, our bill came to $22.
Verdict: Monday Happy Hour at Monte Vista = success. Hopefully we'll make it back to Nob Hill soon....
HHR: A
Monday, September 21, 2009
Grape Kool-aid, a Throwback to Your Childhood
It's been too long. I know we've missed each other. Let's celebrate another post on the HH505 website (yes, it finally happened) with learning how to make a Grape Kool-aid.
Mix together in a glass and drink. Tastes just like grape kool-aid.
And there we have it kids! Childhood memories with an adulthood twist! Now let's have some drinks.
| 1 shot(s) | Grape Pucker |
| 1 shot(s) | Triple Sec |
| 2 shot(s) | Vodka |
| 1 splash(es) | Sprite |
Mix together in a glass and drink. Tastes just like grape kool-aid.
And there we have it kids! Childhood memories with an adulthood twist! Now let's have some drinks.
Friday, July 10, 2009
sum sum summertime
Due to the overwhelmingly packed summer schedules of Mr. Green and Mirevj, we're pretty behind on our group happy hour outings. I, on the other hand, have been keeping up with my commitment to happy houring in the 505. From Tuesday wing nights at Monte Vista to Wednesday $2.50 pint nights at Copper Lounge, I've been out there-- just neglecting to blog about it.
It's been especially hot in the 505 these days, so my current number one recommendation is a cool drink on the patio of Blackbird Buvette. As Mirevj noted earlier this summer, Blackbird has a charming patio and a lovely menu. Try the brie quesadilla with a pint of Marble Wildflower Wheat. You won't regret it. Gecko's in Nob Hill also has a nice patio, but you may have to wait for a table. O'Neill's has a great patio, but expect high prices and interesting clientelle. If you're feeling somewhat ritzy, I'd recommend Seasons rooftop Cantina. It's affordable during happy hour (Monday - Friday 4:00-6:30 and again from 9:00-10:00) and the calamari is delicious.
In other happy hour news, I'm dying to try out Artichoke Cafe's new happy hour deals. Artichoke has always been my favorite fancy dining location in Albuquerque. Hopefully my Happy Hour 505 co-bloggers will get their priorities straight soon and we'll check it out for you all. Until then, happy patio-ing!
In other happy hour news, I'm dying to try out Artichoke Cafe's new happy hour deals. Artichoke has always been my favorite fancy dining location in Albuquerque. Hopefully my Happy Hour 505 co-bloggers will get their priorities straight soon and we'll check it out for you all. Until then, happy patio-ing!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The New Happy Hour in the 505 Tasty Treats
Since the poor blog has been a wee bit neglected I'd like to add a new little piece to our reviews.
As a former bartender, I believe the savvy bar hopper should not only know which places to go to throughout the week, but should also know how to make their favorite beverages at home. So, I'd like to start posting one drink recipe each week along with bar reviews (Yes, there will be a new one soon. I promise!!).
This week, I'll start with one of my favorite things to drink and to make. It can be shaken and strained to make a shot or strained over ice to make a tasty little drink.
Red-headed Slut
1 part Jagermeister
1 part Peach Schnapps
2 parts Cranberry Juice
*I like to finish mine with a squeeze of lime but that's just me.
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain to make a shot or pour over ice to make a drink.
Sweet, fun and a little crazy- Just like we like 'em!
As a former bartender, I believe the savvy bar hopper should not only know which places to go to throughout the week, but should also know how to make their favorite beverages at home. So, I'd like to start posting one drink recipe each week along with bar reviews (Yes, there will be a new one soon. I promise!!).
This week, I'll start with one of my favorite things to drink and to make. It can be shaken and strained to make a shot or strained over ice to make a tasty little drink.
Red-headed Slut
1 part Jagermeister
1 part Peach Schnapps
2 parts Cranberry Juice
*I like to finish mine with a squeeze of lime but that's just me.
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain to make a shot or pour over ice to make a drink.
Sweet, fun and a little crazy- Just like we like 'em!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Diamond in the Downtown Rough
I'll just come right out and say it- I like to go downtown on the weekends. I like to go dance, watch the frat boys get crazy and see the homies cruising around with their spinnin' rims. I will say however, that you can only go to Distillery and have your $2.50 Jager shots for so long before you start looking for another great place to go get a decently priced drink, perhaps without the drunk kids yelling and going on.
We have found that place. The Blackbird Buvette- a beautiful oasis in the downtown noise.
(Buvette (boo-vet)- French meaning "Refreshment Bar")
I had gone there once before this weekend for an Abq Web Geeks meet-up but I didn't get to stay long enough to give this little gem a real review. This past Saturday we spent the majority of our evening there enjoying the great staff, awesome priced drinks and super-cool hidden back patio.
The small patio in the front would be enough to give any people watcher a whole evening of fun. The back patio is a little different. Once you walk out the door it's like you've taken a secret passage and been transported to a big city. Towering buildings with exposed brick walls surround you a pergola provides great shade and nichos, complete with veladoras, bring back a little Nuevo Mexico to the big city feel.
They offer a great menu including breakfast, and drinks will not put a huge hole in your wallet, in fact a round of drinks for my friends only cost me $21 (much more affordable than a Moloneys or Lotus). They have a full bar and offer lots of beers on tap, wine and one of my favorite vodkas- Hanger.
The staff was friendly, energetic and knew how to make a great drink. They handled our big party well and even had a minute or 2 to come take a picture and dance with us. Finally, they had a great DJ inside playing music that made you want to get up and get moving. (Click here for the live entertainment shedule)
All in all I'm VERY impressed with this awesome little place. I'll definitely be stopping in again for a drink, some food and maybe try out the front patio this time. :)
We have found that place. The Blackbird Buvette- a beautiful oasis in the downtown noise.
(Buvette (boo-vet)- French meaning "Refreshment Bar")
I had gone there once before this weekend for an Abq Web Geeks meet-up but I didn't get to stay long enough to give this little gem a real review. This past Saturday we spent the majority of our evening there enjoying the great staff, awesome priced drinks and super-cool hidden back patio.
The small patio in the front would be enough to give any people watcher a whole evening of fun. The back patio is a little different. Once you walk out the door it's like you've taken a secret passage and been transported to a big city. Towering buildings with exposed brick walls surround you a pergola provides great shade and nichos, complete with veladoras, bring back a little Nuevo Mexico to the big city feel.
They offer a great menu including breakfast, and drinks will not put a huge hole in your wallet, in fact a round of drinks for my friends only cost me $21 (much more affordable than a Moloneys or Lotus). They have a full bar and offer lots of beers on tap, wine and one of my favorite vodkas- Hanger.
The staff was friendly, energetic and knew how to make a great drink. They handled our big party well and even had a minute or 2 to come take a picture and dance with us. Finally, they had a great DJ inside playing music that made you want to get up and get moving. (Click here for the live entertainment shedule)
All in all I'm VERY impressed with this awesome little place. I'll definitely be stopping in again for a drink, some food and maybe try out the front patio this time. :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I'm backkkk...with some haikus
After a few beers and a dare to write a haiku using an f-bomb, I created this masterpiece. Not only does it fit the proper 5-7-5 format but it also describes the number 1 reason for attending happy hour.
The topic for the previous haiku was the happy hour clientele. I mean, we've all had our fair share of uncomfortable encounters at happy hour so I wanted to warn our readers that they wont know what to expect. We want to keep our fellow happy hour enthusiasts around. If you refer back to our blog from O'Niels, we discuss some of the interesting characters we have ran across.
Sorry but you are going to have to turn your head for that one. I tried forever (like 10 mins) to get it formatted correctly, but that is all I was able to do :( Anyways, one of the great reasons to know where to go for happy hour is because of the wonderful dinner specials. For example, Monte Vista has $1 enchiladas on Wednesdays. That's a steal! Cant beat happy hour dinner prices. Unfortunately, it isn't like tapas in Spain where you get tapa (appetizer) when you order a beer, but hey it is the next best thing!
Last year after I was published in the alibi's yearly haiku edition, spenatalie, mirevj and I were standing in line at Imbibe. We have had numerous terrible experiences there and never understand why anyone would want to go there. Anyways, we had an epiphany. Lets write haikus about how much Imbibe sucks. As spenatalie stated earlier, that night is what encouraged our haiku happy hour. So after months of preparation, I created the above haiku in honor of Imbibe's lameness.
Moral of this bloggg: haiku's and happy hours go together like glasses and tap beer. Also, Imbibe sucks.
It hasn't happened before, but I would like to give you, our loyal readers, a homework assignment. Write a haiku or two and post it as a comment. You probably forgot how much fun they are!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Haikus and Hammertime
Last fall, the amazingly talented Mista G had a few haikus* published in the Alibi. Shortly thereafter, we found ourselves at Albuquerque's ridiculously overpriced and over-hyped Imbibe Cigar Bar and decided that its ridiculousness was definitely haiku-worthy. We decided that an entire haiku happy hour was in order and seven months later we finally got down to business. Here are some selected pieces from Monday night. More will come soon from my co-blogging friends.
Mista G and Mirevj's Casa de Plata Haiku Happy Hour gets an A+
* For any nerds interested (Mista G, I'm pointing at you) the plural form of haiku can be either haiku or haikus. Both are correct.
Mista G and Mirevj's Casa de Plata Haiku Happy Hour gets an A+
* For any nerds interested (Mista G, I'm pointing at you) the plural form of haiku can be either haiku or haikus. Both are correct.
Monday, March 30, 2009
More Wine on a Monday Night!
All dressed up and nothing to do on Monday night? Take your self over to the bar at Scalo Northern Italian Grill in Nob Hill!
Scalo's Monday happy hour makes my inner wine snob jump for joy. Along with great food specials, like $5 bruschetta and $4 Calamari (the best I've had in years), Scalo offers a half-priced bottle of wine special. This means we can actually afford to get those $50 bottles we've always wanted to try, and with financial times like they are it feels good to splurge without breaking the bank.
My brother and I found a seat at the bar with some old friends and enjoyed great wine, food and coversation the whole evening. The bar and waitstaff were knowledgable, friendly and very welcoming. Sitting at this bar was almost reminiscent of my favorite place down the road... (it rhymes with Fonti Mista).
Our bartender (I didn't get his name) was like the fabled bartenders of old Vegas- he knew a martini and cosmo, opened bottles of wine and champagne with the greatest of ease and was quick with a nice word and a refill of your drink.
I will definitely be back for Wine Mondays and their other daily specials. They also have live music throughout the week including local favorites like Chris Dracup and Felonious Groove Foundation check their schedule for upcoming events here.
Ready to dance after that wine? Check out Double Time Dance Studio on Morningside for an $8 beginning Salsa lesson and open dance after you stop at Scalo.
Scalo's Monday happy hour makes my inner wine snob jump for joy. Along with great food specials, like $5 bruschetta and $4 Calamari (the best I've had in years), Scalo offers a half-priced bottle of wine special. This means we can actually afford to get those $50 bottles we've always wanted to try, and with financial times like they are it feels good to splurge without breaking the bank.
My brother and I found a seat at the bar with some old friends and enjoyed great wine, food and coversation the whole evening. The bar and waitstaff were knowledgable, friendly and very welcoming. Sitting at this bar was almost reminiscent of my favorite place down the road... (it rhymes with Fonti Mista).
Our bartender (I didn't get his name) was like the fabled bartenders of old Vegas- he knew a martini and cosmo, opened bottles of wine and champagne with the greatest of ease and was quick with a nice word and a refill of your drink.
I will definitely be back for Wine Mondays and their other daily specials. They also have live music throughout the week including local favorites like Chris Dracup and Felonious Groove Foundation check their schedule for upcoming events here.
Ready to dance after that wine? Check out Double Time Dance Studio on Morningside for an $8 beginning Salsa lesson and open dance after you stop at Scalo.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Absence and Phoenix Makes the Heart Grow Fonder (for the 505 of course)
A small trip to another city will surely either make you wish you lived there or make you miss home. My latest adventure took me to Phoenix, Arizona. Yes Phoenix is a great place full of wonderful shopping, great sports and fun things to do but the whole time we were there we received terrible customer service and ate overpriced food.
Walking into the Monte Vista is sure to make you feel better right away. 99% of the time you know at least 1 person who is there, there's a great food and drink special for that night and on Fridays you'll probably get to see a great local band.
The great drinks, amazing people and yummy food make me realize why this city (and Monte Vista) always makes me want to come back.
Angelo- trying out the new Aha Toro Margarita
Faith, Arlene and me enjoying a Monte Vista evening
Cheers!
Thus, coming back to my favorite Albuquerque hang out was a fresh cool breeze after a hot, rude Phoenix experience.
Walking into the Monte Vista is sure to make you feel better right away. 99% of the time you know at least 1 person who is there, there's a great food and drink special for that night and on Fridays you'll probably get to see a great local band.
The great drinks, amazing people and yummy food make me realize why this city (and Monte Vista) always makes me want to come back.
Angelo- trying out the new Aha Toro Margarita
Faith, Arlene and me enjoying a Monte Vista evening
Cheers!
I missed you 505!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Copper Lounge -The Trilogy
First off, shame on us for taking so long to visit our next location!
We chose Copper Lounge because of the great rumors we've heard from everyone. We've heard talk of the great food specials and the wonderfully-priced drinks.
Our 5:30 happy hour felt a bit strange, since we arrived at the bar while it was still light outside, (dang Daylight Savings Time) but we decided the quest for happy hour knowledge was more important than our own comfort so in we went! I did notice the great new patio they added on and the definite smell of smoke in the entrance from all the smokers who obviously have been enjoying their cigarettes on the new patio. (not my favorite smell but I understand the smokers have to go somewhere)
The bar was pleasantly dark and the entire ceiling in the main bar area was covered in great tin roof tiles. They were great entertainment in themselves.
We were unpleasantly surprised to find out the food specials didn't start until 7:30 so we consoled ourselves with some draft beer and vodka specials and some full-priced beef nachos. Our waitress was nice enough, the food was good and the clientele...
We chose Copper Lounge because of the great rumors we've heard from everyone. We've heard talk of the great food specials and the wonderfully-priced drinks.
Our 5:30 happy hour felt a bit strange, since we arrived at the bar while it was still light outside, (dang Daylight Savings Time) but we decided the quest for happy hour knowledge was more important than our own comfort so in we went! I did notice the great new patio they added on and the definite smell of smoke in the entrance from all the smokers who obviously have been enjoying their cigarettes on the new patio. (not my favorite smell but I understand the smokers have to go somewhere)
The bar was pleasantly dark and the entire ceiling in the main bar area was covered in great tin roof tiles. They were great entertainment in themselves.
We were unpleasantly surprised to find out the food specials didn't start until 7:30 so we consoled ourselves with some draft beer and vodka specials and some full-priced beef nachos. Our waitress was nice enough, the food was good and the clientele...
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Best Way to Spend a Sunday Afternoon
It's true, we normally write about the new places we've been to lately and tell you, gentle reader, about the food, drinks and merriment of each establishment. Today, however, I'd like to talk to you about an important skill every Happy Hour-er -ess needs to have in their happy hour arsenal.
It all started at my favorite place with a Captain and ginger. My brother, Mista G and myself had all bellied up to the bar.
My next drink was served with a cherry, to which Mista G gave a mischievous grin and grabbed his own cherry out of the garnish tray.
We competed a couple of times just the two of us then invited my brother to join. We soon invited the lovely bartender Nicole and her husband Steve to compete. A new waitress did the honors of counting down and we were off.
We each shoved the stems in our mouths and started twisting our tongues and faces to try to quickly bend the stem into a knot. After about 20 seconds I finished. Mista G finished next, then Nicole, Steve and my brother lagged behind still fumbling with his stem.
What better way to get everyone at the bar involved and having a good time. We all laughed and those of us who didn't finish last celebrated our victories.
Moral of the story- learn to tie a cherry stem in a knot with your mouth and practice your skill among friends. Everyone loves a little good natured competition... especially when there are drinks involved. This activity is sure to make you laugh and possibly make you some new friends. So the next time you're at happy hour and conversation is going downhill challenge someone to a cherry stem contest.
It all started at my favorite place with a Captain and ginger. My brother, Mista G and myself had all bellied up to the bar.My next drink was served with a cherry, to which Mista G gave a mischievous grin and grabbed his own cherry out of the garnish tray.
Our tradition is
- eat the cherry
- have a cheers with the stems
- tie them in a knot as fast as our tongues would let us
*Yes this seems like a very middle school type of competition, but boy is it fun.
We competed a couple of times just the two of us then invited my brother to join. We soon invited the lovely bartender Nicole and her husband Steve to compete. A new waitress did the honors of counting down and we were off.
We each shoved the stems in our mouths and started twisting our tongues and faces to try to quickly bend the stem into a knot. After about 20 seconds I finished. Mista G finished next, then Nicole, Steve and my brother lagged behind still fumbling with his stem.
What better way to get everyone at the bar involved and having a good time. We all laughed and those of us who didn't finish last celebrated our victories.
Moral of the story- learn to tie a cherry stem in a knot with your mouth and practice your skill among friends. Everyone loves a little good natured competition... especially when there are drinks involved. This activity is sure to make you laugh and possibly make you some new friends. So the next time you're at happy hour and conversation is going downhill challenge someone to a cherry stem contest.
Marble...more than a rock
Let me start off by apologizing for my tardiness. I really suck at this blogging thing.
Marble Brewery-
Moral of this bloggg-Marble brewery for happy hour followed by First Friday Night Fractals at the museum makes for a magical time.
Marble Brewery-
- Nice little dive (By little I mean little...it's a good thing it was warm and people could overflow onto the patio)
- Interesting clientele (I'm not sure how I would describe this...kind of a biker bar, rough looking crowd. Don't go there expecting to find Mr. or Ms. Right)
- Delicious beer (10 different locally brewed pints of goodness on tap and ready for your consumption...I especially liked the Amber Ale)
- Friendly staff (Very attentive to customers and their needs)
- Fun, random environment (Located just north of Downtown in an industrial area)
- Reasonable pricing (I don't remember how much the beer cost so it must not have been outrageous)
Moral of this bloggg-Marble brewery for happy hour followed by First Friday Night Fractals at the museum makes for a magical time.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
cave of wonders
As a professional happy-hourer, I was super pleased with our Monday evening experience at Zinc Cellar Bar. Monday happy hour is billed as “$5 Martini and Movie Mondays.” A silent film was shown on a projection screen and there were 5 different $5 martinis on the menu from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
From the $5 menu, I ordered the Passion Fruit Punch (Skyy Passion Fruit Vodka, OJ, Pineapple & a dash of grenadine) while MistaG had the French 75 (Bombay Gin & lemonade, served with a champagne float.) Both drinks were strong and delicious. Well, at least mine was delicious. Gin tastes like pine tree air fresheners smell, so I can't comment on the French 75. Our waitress was cute and very helpful. She even fixed our wobbly table when she overheard us bitching about it. Bonus points.
Daily happy hour specials include a decent selection of drinks for $3.50 (the Three Olives Cherry Limeade comes highly recommended) and happy hour white and red wine. There are also five or six fancy appetizers on special for $6, including seared Ahi tuna and crispy duck eggrolls. We ordered the buffalo chicken quesadilla and were not disappointed.
Other exciting weekly happy hour deals allegedly include:
Monday-Saturday: 5:00-7:00 p.m. - $3.50 Fat Tire pints and Sauza margaritas, $3.50 house sangria, $4 red and white wines, $6 appetizer specials
Tuesday: 5:00 p.m. - midnight - $7 for a pint of tap beer, pretzel and bratwurst. Count me in.
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. - midnight - 20% off bottles of wine with free cheese platter. Yes. A whole platter of cheese. I will definitely be investigating this ASAP.
Thursdays and Saturdays offer exciting live music. Elaine and I saw a hot boy play music at Zinc once. Maybe you’ll luck out. The winter schedule is posted below.
Overall Zinc HHG: A
+ Extra credit for the informative Web site.
From the $5 menu, I ordered the Passion Fruit Punch (Skyy Passion Fruit Vodka, OJ, Pineapple & a dash of grenadine) while MistaG had the French 75 (Bombay Gin & lemonade, served with a champagne float.) Both drinks were strong and delicious. Well, at least mine was delicious. Gin tastes like pine tree air fresheners smell, so I can't comment on the French 75. Our waitress was cute and very helpful. She even fixed our wobbly table when she overheard us bitching about it. Bonus points.
Daily happy hour specials include a decent selection of drinks for $3.50 (the Three Olives Cherry Limeade comes highly recommended) and happy hour white and red wine. There are also five or six fancy appetizers on special for $6, including seared Ahi tuna and crispy duck eggrolls. We ordered the buffalo chicken quesadilla and were not disappointed.
Other exciting weekly happy hour deals allegedly include:
Monday-Saturday: 5:00-7:00 p.m. - $3.50 Fat Tire pints and Sauza margaritas, $3.50 house sangria, $4 red and white wines, $6 appetizer specials
Tuesday: 5:00 p.m. - midnight - $7 for a pint of tap beer, pretzel and bratwurst. Count me in.
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. - midnight - 20% off bottles of wine with free cheese platter. Yes. A whole platter of cheese. I will definitely be investigating this ASAP.
Thursdays and Saturdays offer exciting live music. Elaine and I saw a hot boy play music at Zinc once. Maybe you’ll luck out. The winter schedule is posted below.
Overall Zinc HHG: A
+ Extra credit for the informative Web site.
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