Happy Hour in the Past

In my twenties when I worked in Downtown Cleveland, Happy Hour was meeting at a bar after work for drinks with friends, waiting out the rush hour traffic.  Appetizers were what we call bar food today: Potato skins, wings, etc.   Years later and working in the suburbs, Happy Hour became a thing of the past.

If you go back to the sixties as in the TV series Mad Men, happy hour seemed to be strictly cocktails.  No wine, no beer and never any food!  How did they drink like that with no food to absorb the alcohol?

Today’s Happy Hour as Friday Night Dinner Hour

Thankfully, times have changed.  Happy hour is just as much about the food as it is the alcohol they serve.

Several times I have heard my neighbor Cheryl mention that she loves Happy Hour at Ruth’s Chris, a wonderful steak house in our area.  She said they have great appetizers and drinks for $7.  Ruth’s Chris is a national upscale chain and probably in the top ten most expensive restaurants in our city.  With that being said, it’s a treat to be able to dine on delicious food at such a bargain!

My husband and I ordered three appetizers as our meal.  Spicy Lobster for me, Ahi Tuna for John and a Steak Sandwich with French Fries that we split.   The lobster was amazing and unlike anything I had ever had before.  It was all delicious.

Each appetizer was only $7.  DO. THE. MATH.  It was only $21 for our “dinner” in a 4-5 star restaurant!  We’ve had our share of expensive dinners and are fine with that at times but this was a great alternative to an impromptu casual evening out.

Wine or a Mixed Drink?

My cocktail of choice is wine.  I love Sauvignon Blanc in the Summer (especially Kim Crawford’s from New Zealand) and a variety of reds the rest of the year.  Since we were being adventuresome I decided to try something different and ended up with a Blueberry Mojito.

The Blueberry Mojito was delicious and refreshing.  I was a bit skeptical because I didn’t want anything too sweet but our bartender, Josh, assured me it was very popular and well-loved.  It is made with fresh mint and freshly muddled blueberries, Bacardi Rum and freshly squeezed lime juice. Tall, cool, and berry delicious.

Restaurant Tour

We have decided that it would be fun to work our way through the city on a “Happy Hour” adventure every couple of weeks.  Our friends Chuck and Karen love the Happy Hour at Eddie Merlot’s, another steak house.   It is a great way to find new restaurants, sample their food and know whether or not you want to go back for a more relaxed dinner.

Have you discovered some great happy hours in your city?  How about in your travels?

Cheers & Bon Appetit!