When it comes to sweet happy-hour deals, it’s usually the smaller joints that have the best bang for the buck. At least that’s what I’d thought. As it turns out, some of the best deals can be found at the larger chain restaurants around the city. Here are three to get you started.
If Macaroni Grill’s $15 entrees make you frown, then visit the eatery when prices get friendlier—a lot friendlier. Every day—yep, even Sunday—the well-known “Italian” eatery offers drinks and pizzas for a steal. From 5 till 7 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. till close, house wines and draft beers are only $3 a piece, crafted cocktails and pizza are each $5. And I’m not talking about crappy coaster-sized pizzas. That’s right: Dinner and a drink for under $10 bucks. The offer is good at the bar and patio and also includes a hefty hunk of warm, delicious bread and olive oil.
P.F. Chang’s happy-hour deals come in at a close second, while a variety of house wines will set you back $5, a jar of sake is only $4 and steamed dumplings (edamame, lemongrass chicken, pork and vegetable) are only $3.25 per piece. Other items include tuna tataki crisp, five-spice spare ribs, and mahi mahi street tacos, each under $6. Creative cocktail enthusiasts will love the yuzu ginger mojito for $6. Happy hour goes from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. to midnight on Friday.
Lastly we come to McCormick & Schmicks, whose happy hour specials make it worth the drive out to West County. Appetizers—spinach dip, nachos, onion rings—are a staggering $2.95. A cheeseburger and fries? $3.95. Seafood lovers will opt for the calamari or mussels in white wine broth—each only $5.95—and oysters are $1.50 each on Wednesdays. Happy hour goes from 3 until 6.30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the bar and patio.
