It happens to the best of us — that after-work happy hour drink stretches into a happy evening far surpassing the $1 draft and $5 cocktail deals. But just like everything in life, happy hour now also comes full circle in the form of late-night specials during the final hours before last call. Edited by Beth Stallings; by Chuck Bowen, Jennifer Bowen, Katie Dragga, Christina Ipavec, Jason Lloyd, Brittany Moffat, Andy Netzel, Kim Schneider, Colleen Smitek, Beth Stallings, Erick Trickey, Michelle Venorsky and Jim Vickers
MUST TRY:
Make sure the tamale cakes (reguarly priced $6.95) are one of your
choices among the three street plates for $12 special. They combine the
cool taste of guacamole and sour cream with a cornmeal cake and a punch
of ancho chile. OTHER FARE:
For a good variety, pair the tamale cakes with the mini angel hair
pasta quiche ($5.50 off special) and the rainbow smelt tempura with
chile dipping sauce ($6.95 off special). FREE ADVICE: These little guys come in bite-sized portions to share, so no need to bust out the knife and fork to split them up.
MUST TRY:
A half-order of Michael Symon’s legendary mac and cheese ($5) smothered
in goat cheese and accented with sweet rosemary. You can add chicken at
no extra cost. Don’t be turned off by the fact it’s a half-order. This
is a rich dish. OTHER FARE:All
for $5, you can try steamed mussels spiced with chorizo and garlic,
rotating flatbreads, fried Brussels sprouts and the Lolita burger with
fried egg and bacon. FREE ADVICE: Get there at least 30 minutes early to snag a table in the small bar, or you’ll be out of luck. Blake’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar Mon-Fri, 8 p.m. - close 9 Main St., Crocker Park, Westlake, (440) 892-3474, hydeparkrestaurants.com
MUST TRY:
Every happy hour menu has a slider, but not like these two Philly
cheese steak sliders ($3.95) piled with roast beef and a block of
melted cheddar cheese. It’s worth ordering if only for the fried onion
sticks on the side. OTHER FARE:
Half-pound hamburger with fries ($1.95), Mexican pizza with refried
beans and barbecue chicken ($1.95), 10 spicy Asian chicken wings
($1.95) and spicy ahi tuna bites ($3.95). FREE ADVICE:
With four options for $1.95 and five more for $3.95, it’s hard not to
shrug and say, “We’ll try one of everything,” especially because the
variety of dishes is as crazy as the deal. When you get that feeling,
we say go for it.
