Drinking Downtown
Bargain Shopping for Happy Hour Bliss
by Emily Ratley
aybe it’s the change in the weather or the holiday season, but I have found myself at happy hour more often than usual. Between the U of A, the 4th Avenue. stretch and downtown we are fortunate to have dozens of spots totaling hundreds of bar stools where you can get cheap drinks, quick snacks, make some new friends, or hang out with some old ones.
I assure you there is something for everyone from the seedy dive bar to the posh martini & wine drinking rooms. Some of my favorites include Che’s Lounge where, quite frankly they are happy all time, offering some of America’s finest swill at rock bottom prices. If Schlitz from a can is not your speed, they also have a great selection of beer and liquor drinks for the more refined palate and the room is open, inviting, and filled with great art. There are some great patios at the Shanty, IBT’s, Frog & Firkin, Cushing Street, and a lovely courtyard at La Cocina. At The Buffet, don’t blink because you’ll miss their happy minutes at 5:45pm & 11:00pm. Samaniego Place is conveniently located by TCC and other theatre venues and offers great specials in the bar area of this historic house.
Now, just because the drinks are cheap doesn’t mean you have to be too. Tip your servers and bartenders generously! Finally, we are talking about liquor consumption. Don’t be an idiot and try to drive after drinking. Bring along a designated driver, call a cab or a friend, or walk if you live nearby. After all, how happy can happy hour be if you end up in the slammer?
BisonWitches
326 N. 4th Ave., 740-1541. Mon-Fri, 3:00 to 7:00—$2.00 shots of Makers Mark, Cruzan Rum, Skyy Vodka, Beefeater Gin, Sauza Tequila.
The Buffet
538 E. 9th St., 623-6811. Daily Happy Minutes at 5:45 & 11:00—get one of what you are drinking at bargain basement prices!
Che’s Lounge
350 N. 4th Ave., 623-2088. All day, everyday—$1.00 High Life, Pabst & Schlitz, $2.00 well.
Cushing Street Café & Bar
198 W. Cushing St., 622-7984. Tues-Sat, 4:00 to 6:00—$2.00 well, draft, bottles, margaritas.
Fat Tuesday
800 E. University Blvd., 798-3287.
Mon, open to 7:00—$2.50 domestic beers Mon-Fri, 4:00 to 7:00—one drink for a penny with every appetizer purchase.
Firefly
509 N. 4th Ave., 623-4484.
Daily, 5:00 to 1:00am—$1.50 domestic bottles & drafts, $2.50 Coronas, $2.00 Sex on the Beach.
Garcia’s
419 W. Congress St., 628-1956. Everyday, 3:00 to 7:00 & Friday 3:00PM to Close—half-off wine, well, domestic drafts, house margaritas & appetizers.
Gentle Ben’s
865 E. University Blvd., 624-4177.
Mon-Fri, 4:00 to 7:00—$2.50 pints & well drinks, $3.00 wings & nachos.
Hotel Congress Lobby
311 E. Congress, 622-8848.
Mon-Fri, 5:00 to 7:00—various daily drink specials and $1 off regular priced cocktails.
IBT
616 N. 4th Ave., 882-3053.
Everyday, 11:00pm to 8:00—$2.50 domestic beer & well drinks Friday, 6:00-9:00 live jazz with Susan Artemis Sunday, 4:30-7:30—benefit BBQ to support different organizations each week.
La Cocina
201 N. Court Ave., 622-0351.
Friday, 4:00 to close—various drink specials, all-you-can-eat buffet.
Maloney’s
213 N. 4th Ave., 388-9355.
Daily, 4:00 to 7:00—$1.00 off all drinks (except bottles), $3.95 appetizers.
North on Fourth
536 N. 4th Ave., 770-1161.
Mon,Wed,Sat, 1:00pm to Close—$1.00 any drink Tues,Thur,Fri, various drink specials, free pool all day.
O’Malley’s
247 N. 4th Ave., 623-8600.
Mon-Fri, 3:00 to 7:00—half-off appetizers, various drink specials.
Plush
340 E. 6th St., 798-1298. Sun,Mon,Tues, 6:00 to close—various drink specialWed,Thur,Fri, 4:00 to 7:00—$2.50 drafts, $2.00 well, various drink specialsSat—usually wine tasting.
Radisson Downtown
181 W. Broadway Blvd., 624-8711.
Mon-Fri, 12:00 to 7:00—Free taco rolls, $2.25 drafts.
Samaniego Place
222 S. Church Ave., 623-0313.
Wed-Fri, 4:00 to 7:00—daily drink specials in the bar area
Friday—Larry Redhouse plays Jazz Piano.
Toma
311 N. Court Ave., 622-1922.
Daily, 3:00 to 6:00—half-off bottles, wine, well, draft, house margaritas, cheese crisps, quesadillas & nachos.
Vaudeville
110 E. Congress St., 622-3535.
Daily—$2.50 Tecate, $2.50 Sierra Nevada & Dos XX lager pints, $3.00 Long Islands (until 11:00), $2.00 High Life with the option of add a shot of bourbon for a buck.
