An End of Summer Affair on South Lake Union

This past week, two of my girlfriends and I ventured down to South Lake Union for a classy, yet affordable flair at Daniel's Broiler.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and after a long day at the office, I was ready for a good class of wine. I was happy to see their wonderful Happy Hour menu when I first sat down.

We each had a $5 glass of wine and then decided to try a few small plates. The great think about the food at the DB Happy Hour is that in addition to discounted group appetizers, they also have some wonderful small plates. We each decided to indulge in a adorable slider with shoe-string cut fries. Only $3! Wanting a little seafood fix, Brittney and I also split the Popcorn Shrimp, which was to die for and only $5.

With Happy Hour EVERY day of the week from 4p.m. to 6:30p.m. and 9p.m. to close, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Daniel's at an affordable price.

A Little Thai for One of the Last Times!

If you attend the University of Washington, you very well know that University Avenue is home to MANY Thai restaurants.

Although I did attend school there for 4 years, I must say I have not been to every single restaurant in town. For one of the last times that I will ever eat on the Ave, I tried a new Thai restaurant, Banana Leaf Cafe, which believe it or not has a happy hour!


Banana Leaf Cafe is located on University Ave. and 40th.

From 4p.m. to 7p.m., Monday through Friday enjoy some of your Thai favorites for $5 to $8. The only catch is that it is cash only.



I had the Phad Thai, which I typically get and it was a ton of food! I took some home with me after only being able to conquer about half the plate, and after filling my to-go box, still had to leave some behind.

I would definitely recommend Banana Leaf Cafe to anyone looking for a cheap, fast bite!

Citrus Splash in Edmonds!

It has been oh so long since I have blogged! I must rave about a local place that I went to for the first time just over a month ago. Five Bistro in Edmonds is the perfect combination of sophistication and class with its unique ambiance, complete with rustic furniture and refurbished decor.


I had to take a picture of their cute water bottles, served out of old white wine bottles with the number 5 printed on the side.



Although my friends and I didn't go to Five for Happy Hour. I have to rave about their Greyhound. Made with fresh juice from half a grapefruit, it was a refreshing way to start my meal.

For dinner, I had the Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, organic arugula, grape tomato and garlic olive oil pizza and yes, it was just as good as it sounds.

Although the weather wasn't nice on that particular day, they had a great looking back patio with couch seating and heat lamps. I think it will be calling my name later in the summer!

I've Fallen in Love on Lake Union

Sometimes, you just get lucky and find those hole-in-the-wall restaurants that turn out amazing. That was the case this afternoon at the Citrus Lounge on Lake Union.

It was a beautiful afternoon and with the sun shining in through the large windows of the restaurant, summer finally felt as those it was on its way.

It was the perfect day to try their classic Lemon Drop that came with added citrus flavored slushy. I felt like I was at some tropical resort. The Lemon Drop, along with many other unique drinks was on their Happy Hour menu for only $5.

Citrus Lounge's drink Happy Hour specials are Monday through Friday, 3-6p.m. and all day Sundays. There food Happy Hour specials run Monday through Saturday, 3-6p.m. and 10p.m. to close.

Since we were there during their food Happy Hour, we just had to order some small plates! We all split a small Caesar Salad, Kobe Beef Sliders (that were amazing,) and, you guessed it, a giant plate of nachos. All small plates ran from $5 to $6 and there was plenty of food to go around.

Kobe Beef Sliders, Sorry it's a bit blurry.

Although the feel of Citrus seemed like it would turn into a night club later in the evening, with its white walls and modern lighting, it was a great atmosphere to share a sunny afternoon Happy Hour with friends!

Not so Much a Fiesta on Queen Anne

Last Tuesday, we celebrated by friend Brittney's 22nd birthday with Happy Hour at Laredos Grill.Nestled on the corner of Taylor and Aloha on lower Queen Anne, we were hoping to get some cheap margaritas but we were proved wrong.

Id like to start by saying, if you change your Happy Hour menu, make sure that you change your menu in all places that it may be advertised. I was hoping to get a margarita during their late night Happy Hour for $4, but supposedly, they don't offer it any longer. This was very disappointing to some of our friends who go to Laredos almost weekly for their wonderful Happy Hour. Although their paper menus in the restaurant explained the menu change, which now only offered discounts on house wine and Tecate beer, their online menu and Foursquare application, still continued to advertise the other pricing.

We kindly asked for them to honor their online pricing and were honestly declined quite rudely. I hate to give a bad review, but with prior experience in customer service, I know I would never speak rudely to my customers.

Although a disappointing experience, some of our friends did stay behind to explain their loyalty to Laredos and ask what may have happened on that particular evening. The manager kindly offered them a $30 gift certificate as well as deals at the bar for future trips they may make to Laredos! It ended up working in their favor!

It goes to show that it doesn't hurt to ask if something doesn't seem quite right!

Excited to head to Happy Hour on Lake Union tomorrow night! Look for a post later this week!

One of the best Happy Hours Seattle can ask for...

Tomorrow begins one of the best Happy Hours that Seattle can ask for. Thats right...Starbucks will be selling half-price Frappuccino beverages from 3-5p.m. But, it's only for a week! You have from May 6th-May 13th to get your hands on one at this great price!
And with Starbucks new Frappuccino menu that they unveiled last summer,there are plenty of different flavors and concoctions that can be created.

I am ready to try the new Coconut Mocha Frappuccino. You may see me in line tomorrow!

What Frappuccino flavor will you go for during their Happy Hour?

Bloglovin

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Restauranteers: A Meal Fit For A King

Check out my article on everthing William and Kate dined on, appearing on Restauranteers today.

Great Article from Seattle Magazine

There is a great article in the April 2011 issue of Seattle Magazine on some of the best Seattle-area Happy Hour Bites. It's true, if your restaurant doesn't have a Happy Hour, you're not in the cool.

Thanks for the fabulous ideas of some new spots to check out this spring!

Did Hard Rock Cafe Really Rock?

Honestly, not really. I do hate to give a bad review, but let's just say that the Hard Rock Cafe was all about atmosphere and not about food, drinks, or service.
Since the Hard Rock Cafe opened in Seattle in February 2010, it has been one happening place. Three floors of amazing memorabilia and a fun atmosphere with lots of great Seattleites.

Hard Rock Cafe offers Happy Hour everyday from 3-7p.m. in the bar. Well drinks were $4.25 and draft beers were $3 which was a great deal considering they are known for being over-priced. We got a huge plate of nachos (I think that is my general theme for the blog,) to split. They were half price and honestly filled us up so much that we didn't even want dinner after.

But I do have to comment that the service was SO slow. For only 4 other tables in the bar, our waiter and the other waiters around seemed to have more fun talking to each other than worrying about their guests. Maybe it would have been better had their roof-top deck been open. Darn you weather!

And, for food and drinks that weren't out of this world, I don't think I would pay that much, even at Happy Hour prices, to go back again.

I Found The Best Happy Hour App!

New to the smart phone world, I was reading about a Happy Hour app in the lastest issue of my Cosmo magazine. Fancy enough, it's called Happy Hours by Go Time. A fun and easy way to shake things up around Seattle and find some new places to explore. Download it: http://www.gotime.com/mobile

Ay Ya Ya In Queen Anne

My friends had continued to tell me that I was missing out on a fantastic happy hour in Queen Anne. This past week, we ventured to Peso's Kitchen and Lounge on Queen Anne Avenue. It had a great atmosphere: dark candlelit, and plenty of loud jams playing.


They had an extensive menu with many Mexican favorites ranging from 3 to about 6 bucks. Margaritas are delicious as well. I had a strawberry one on the rocks that was actually quite strong. I could hardly taste the strawberry flavoring. Next time I think I would get the Spanish Pomegranate Sangria. It looked to die for! While I really did have an awesome time, there are a few things that I have to comment on:

1. I had to pay for chips and salsa. This is a crime. I understand they need to make money some way, some how, and it was only $2.50, I am used to getting my chips and salsa for free. (It's ok, the fresh salsa made it worth it.)

2. They don't do separate checks. Lesson learned: Don't come with a group of 10 plus people.

3. There Woman's restroom is scary. Please look at how narrow this hallway is:

Celebrate Spring with a French 75

There isn't a more refreshing way to celebrate Spring than with a French 75!

French 75

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 2 ounces gin
• 3 ounces plus 1 tablespoon chilled Champagne
• lemon peel for garnish

Get together a group of gal-pals on a sun-filled afternoon and catch up over a French 75!

Just Killing A Little Time In Everett...

A few weeks ago, I got tickets to an Everett Silvertips game. I headed up north for a Friday night game with Jeff and when we realized that we were a few hours early to the game, why not head across the street for a little Happy Hour at Chopstix!



Now not to burst your bubble, but the piano show didn't start till 8p.m. that night so it was on the quiet side and there wasn't a dance floor calling my name, but their menu made up for it! Half price cocktails and appetizers 4:30p.m.-6:30p.m. Wednesday through Friday and Late Night Happy Hour Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:30p.m.-1a.m.

We started with a few drinks. I had the Dragonberry Lemonade which was "berry" delicious and was like nothing I have ever tasted before.



Jeff had the Sin City Iced Tea which was pretty much like a Long Island in terms of alcohol content but with more of a tropical feel. VERY GOOD!



When it came to order food, we weren't too hungry so decided to split an appetizer. I guess I have been going with my nacho/Mexican food theme lately but we once again ordered a late of nachos. And although we thought we'd be able to finish them all, we were very wrong. The plate was gigantic! And for $6 it was totally worth it!

Having visited Chopstix on a busy Friday night in the past when the piano show is going on, I must recommend to everyone to check it out! It is a ton of fun, great music, loud atmosphere, a great place to bring a large group of friends! Also, this is not on the Happy Hour menu, but try a Malibu Bucket. It's like you're on a Hawaiian vacation!

Ballard Bliss

Could a giant plate of Nachos be $4? Really? You all know my love and obsession for Tortilla chips. But when I got to experience Matador's $4 plate of nachos, I was in complete heaven!


Happy Hour at the Matador goes from 4 to 6p.m. and again from 10p.m. to 1a.m. We all started off with one of their specialty cocktails. I tried the Matador Margarita. It was delicious infused with fresh lime, cranberry, and orange juice.


One hint I did get from my friend Brittany, (and the look on her face with her first sip), is that the La Paloma cocktail is a bit strong! She informed me that with each delicious bite of nachos, she would gulp another sip down.

But to go on about the real reason we where there...the nachos! Just look at this beauty!


And this is just the start of their extensive Happy Hour menu. With some favorite Mexican dishes ranging from $4 to $5 there has got to be something on their menu that you would like.

So some good margaritas, a fun atmosphere and in the cute Ballard neighborhood, and amazing Happy Hour food, head over to The Matador.

Taco Tuesday!

There is nothing like a Margarita on a snowy Tuesday night! That's just what we explored tonight at Sonrisa Modern Mex!

Only $3 Margaritas and 2 Tacos for $2, you can't go wrong. I even took a picture of the menu to prove it.


Now tonight I wasn't really feeling the Tacos, so I just had a blended Strawberry Margarita, so delicious! I just ate, maybe my own bowl of tortilla chips, come on it happens! But, they're home made and compliment their salsa very well.

If you do go for food, I recommend the Tacos by far. Good old fashioned Mexican food!

Who wants to go to half price bottle of wine some upcoming Thursday?

RDLD: Vancouver Edition

Ever get the opportunity to head a few hours north to "The Couve?"

Here are the three most important happy-hour/food-esque things I learned when visiting this past weekend:

1. Do not trust the Vancouver bartenders
Sure you may want to try something new and exciting while exploring a new city, but no thank you, I will never drink the espresso flavored vodka over ice again.

2. Stick with Starbucks and only Starbucks
This is pretty much self-explanatory but when a barista takes 15 minutes to make an iced vanilla latte, asking her manager MULTIPLE times for help, it's a big sign.

3. Vancouver food and drinks and expensive
Enough said.



Besides my few complaints, Vancouver overall is a beautiful city. We had gorgeous weather and there was so much to explore! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I would definitely return.

Just A Typical Thursday Night

First round of midterms are through, so for a little break it was time to hit the bars on the one and only University Ave. Joined by closest college girlfriends, we explored some of the best drink specials at the popular college bars!



We started off at Finn McCools which is on the lower part of the ave. They have drink specials every night of the week. Thursday's are $4 Long Islands, $1 Miller Lifes, and $3 AMFs. I also must say they have pretty good french fries for a college pub and not to mention Thursday night karaoke.



Next stop was Earls on the ave. Try their Long Island or Strawberry Lemonade. And, if you become hungry, there is always a $1 slice of pizza calling your name.

An Evening at Earls

I met my girlfriends after work at Earls a few weeks ago and am just now getting to this blog post. Thank you school for keeping me preoccupied! If you get a chance, get over to Earls in Bellevue for their delicious Happy Hour in the lounge.

The drink that won all of our hearts was the Lemon Meringue. Lets just say its like drinking the pie. Absolutely fabulous! But, as a tip from our waitress, get the old version of the drink. I guess it tastes better? and you get more for your money!


For a light dinner, I ordered the Los Cabos Chicken Tacos and they were half-price in the bar during Happy Hour.

The restaurant has fun lighting and decor and a younger vibe!

Delicious Small Plates!

Over the three-day weekend, my friends and I needed a little rest, relaxation, and a good meal out. We went to Tap House Grill in Bellevue for some awesome small plates!


To start off, I must mention that unfortunately they don't have any drink specials, but with 160 different beers on tap it was fun to explore something fun and new. But, this night around, my friend Brittany and I were looking for a little something to kick up our senses. I just sort of created a Happy Hour drink? Well, when I was a young lad, before the age of 21 I sipped on Tap House's amazing Watermelon Lemonade. So why not add a little Vodka in it? And it was delicious, seriously, try it!


But, that's beside the point. What Tap House has to really brag about is an amazing array of small plates for $3 to $6 dollars each! We sampled on hummus and pita, caesar salad, pork sliders, and tequila chicken skewers (which were my absolute favorite).


Overall, a very successful evening and great way to spend a long weekend. Girls night is this Friday. I wonder where we will go?

The Glory That Is $5 Steak Night

Yes, what I am about to tell you is a true fact. It is something I have experienced a few different nights of my life and for some reason haven't gotten around writing about it till now:

$5 STEAK NIGHT WEDNESDAY'S AT EASTLAKE BAR AND GRILL!



If you are like me and grew up eating loads of meat, there isn't a meal that I missed more coming to college than a good steak dinner. So now you understand the important of $5 Steak Night at Eastlake!

For $5 you get can a steak and french fries and then throw in a $4 glass of wine.









MMMM...Nothing like a good 'ol glass of Pinot Grigio.

Seriously, I am telling you, GO!

Summer In January

Remember those summer days when you were little and you would run after the ice cream truck to get your Creamsicle? Maybe its just me, but as an adult, little treats like this is something I definitely miss. Over winter break, I was introduced to Whipped Cream Vodka. I know, I am lame and not one of the first people to discover this revolution but I can't stop bragging about it to everyone.



I was able to recreate the Creamsicle taste by mixing the vodka with a little bit of Orange Juice. Talk about dessert in a cup!



Such a great way to close out a cold January evening, not to mention get a little bit of Vitamin C in there as well! I am a fan.

Goal of this coming week: Go out, be social, find a new Happy Hour.