Best happy hours
February 24th, 2010 | By: Brian Rooney
As a young family with two growing boys, my wife Lenore and I are no strangers to dining on a budget. Even when we have to cut corners, we have determined that fun and quality dining fare should never be a sacrifice. Therefore, we had to find a way to enjoy the finer things in life without over indulging, and more importantly, over spending. The solution is one of mankind’s greatest inventions—Happy Hour.
There are several restaurants in the Issaquah/Sammamish area that offer Happy Hour specials. In my research, I have discovered that the essence of Happy Hour is not where you go, but when you go. There is no need to downgrade or overspend when you can simply reschedule. Happy Hour is great for a date, and some restaurants even have family-friendly Happy Hours.
Here are a few of our favorites for a great happy hour experiences.
Tutta Bella
715 Northwest Gilman Boulevard
Aperitivo Italiano (Italian Happy Hour) is just one of the wonderful Italian traditions celebrated Monday thru Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Tutta Bella. They offer $2 off all draft beers and all wines by the glass and $3 off all of their signature Italian cocktails. A personal favorite is the stuzzichini – little bites including marinated Italian olive mix, candied hazelnuts and a trio of rosemary parm cantuccia for $2 each. The appetizers are all $5 or less, including the incredible marinated beets, prosciutto and arugula and caputo with a trio of Italian spreads. The Regina Margherita pizza is also a great Happy Hour option at only $6.
Coho Café
6130 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE
The Coho Café offers Happy Hour in their bar and cocktail lounge, which is family and kid friendly, and during the summer on their spacious patio. They feature their small plate selections and their ahi, halibut and chicken tacos all at reduced prices, and offer $2 off wines by the glass, $1.50 off of their innovative specialty cocktail list and $1 off all well drinks and draft beers. At Coho, it’s not just one happy hour, but four hours every day, from 3-6 p.m. and again from 9 to closing. The 9-Close Happy Hour has additional menu options available. Additionally, Coho offers discounted movie tickets for the Regal Cinema, which makes it the perfect spot to stop for a pre-movie snack, drink or meal.
Agave Cocina and Tequilas
1048 NE Park Dr. Highlands
Agave Cocina serves outstanding authentic Mexican food in the Highlands. Happy Hour is seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close. Their hand-shaken margaritas, $4 during happy hour, are made on the spot. They have over 90 tequilas to choose from and a must is their Agaverita. In addition, they have over a dozen red and white wines, including choices from Chile, Spain, Argentina as well as some local favorites. All draft beers are $3 during Happy Hour and wines are $2 off the glass. You also must try their very tasty appetizers, which are priced between $4 and $5.
JaK’s Grill
14 Front Street
There is no question that JaK’s specialty is steak. However, their Happy Hour is an absolute must for all. Happy Hour is between 4 and 5 p.m., so you want to take advantage of this window of opportunity. With the purchase of any beverage, including their famous martinis for only $6, an absolute must is the JaK’s Burger with fries for $5.
Pogacha
120 NW Gilman Blvd
Pogacha offers a nice, cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Happy Hour runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing Monday through Friday, and 2 to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Thursday is a very special night, as Happy Hour runs from 3:30 p.m. to closing. Be sure to get there early to get a table in the bar area. The menu prices range between $3 and $7.50. The pizzas are awesome, with a great variety from healthy to indulgent. Other choices include their sinful huge mound of garlic fries and the fried mozarella and fried ravioli.
This research has been so much fun that you can expect additional Happy Hour reports in future editions.
