Manhattan Drugs - Capitol Hill

1419 12th Avenue
Happy Hour: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Tuesday through Sunday
All hours on Monday
9:00pm - Close Sunday - Thursday & 11:00pm - Close Friday and Saturday

Holler: After a long stroll through Capitol Hill looking for an awesome happy hour, we almost blew right past this place without even noticing it. However, a quick peak inside revealed an elk head with golden gasoline pump nozzles/machine guns for antlers. Yeah, there's no doubt about it, Hoot....we have to stop here for dinner tonight.

Hoot: I think we walked by thinking it was too swanky for the like of us. Ha. It has a really appealing romantic atmosphere with a dash of weird. The menu for Happy Hour had a great mix of classics with a delicious twist. This carb monster was eyeballin' the gruyere Mac'n'Cheese. Oh me, oh my, carpaccio - no carbs but a whole lot of heavenly finely cut meat, topped with arugula salad! Owls are carnivores, right? And what would a Seattle Late Night Happy Hour be without Pork sliders!? Oh wait, no ordinary pork sliders, a Pork Belly slider and they come with fries (more carbs)!

Holler: We totally scored on this order. The carpaccio was outstanding and pretty gigantic, the mac'n'cheese was hearty and filling with a bit of complexity from the gruyere and the pork belly sliders were outstanding with grilled buns to boot. How do they get the carpaccio so flat and tender? BEAT IT. Not much in the way of beer selection but our old stalwart Black Butte Porter was in attendance and washed everything down quite nicely. I loved the candlelit feel of the place and the classic cocktails on the menu looked like they'd be totally worth a try. I would definitely fly back for another round at Manhattan Drugs. You?

Hoot: You are tweeting my language Monsieur Hibou. This place makes me feel so classy that I'm bustin' out the le français. We only had three items off their pretty dynamic Happy Hour menu; there is more work to be done. Maybe I'll order a chardonnay ($5) next time and you can have their Pabst & Whiskey Combo ($5) - you know - keepin' it classy. Jusqu' à la prochaine fois Manhattan Drugs.

Total Happy Hour Tab: $22.00
Beef Carpaccio $6.50
Macaroni and Cheese $3.00
Pork Belly Sliders $4.50
Black Butte Porter Beer $8.00 (2 x $4.00)

Mestizo - Belltown

2313 First Avenue
Happy Hour: 2:00pm–7:00pm & 10:00pm–close Daily


Hoot: How glad am I that we stumbled on this place?! I was about to eat my own wing off I was so hungry. Mestizo, my oasis, in Belltown. It's new and you can tell: in the best way. The staff is attentive and eager to please. I thought I was in love once we saw the amazing view of the Puget Sound, but I think I really fell head over heels when we ordered the Sopa Azteca and they had none prepared, so they brought us free tequila shots instead! 

Holler: You are right about their eagerness to please and free liquor is one of the quickest ways to please me. The interior is spacious and well laid out, with multiple booths set flush against the gigantic windows that look out over the water, as well as scattered cafe table seating. Housed in the same location that once hosted Twist.

Hoot: I was pretty stoked about the Peruvian Cerviche. I've only had it twice since my visit to Peru in 2010, when I ate small fishing villages out of house and home for this stuff. The Mestizo version wasn't the best and the portion size could have been a bit bigger but still tasty. Beef Tinga, basically shredded beef tacos, again scrumptious but a little on the small side. Holler, did I mention how hungry I am? So one last ditch effort to fill my belly... with the Chilaquiles Verdes. I don't know what it is and it looks a bit rough but DAMN it's delicious. 


Holler: Yeah, there was no aesthetically pleasing aspect of the Chilaquiles Verdes (basically a plate of green mush), but we're talking shredded chicken and avocados covered in tomatillo salsa and cheese. I've never eaten anything that tasted so much better than it looked. I would return just to have another plate... and I'd hope for some more free tequila.

Total Happy Hour Tab: $29.00

Peruvian Cerviche $6.00
Beef Tinga $6.00

Chilaquiles Verdes $5.00

Negra Modelo ($3.00 x 4) $12.00

Spitfire - Belltown

2219 4th Avenue
Happy Hours: 4:00pm-6:00pm and 9:00pm-11:00pm Every Weekday


Holler: I brought you for the game but we stayed for the snacks! This is my absolute favorite sports bar in Seattle, which is an important asset to have when you are dating an owl of the Canadian persuasion. Is there anything more important than hockey during playoff season? Yes: food and booze on a late night happy hour!

Hoot: I'd like to thank you Holler, for enabling my playoff hockey and beer addiction. We came for a "Good Ol' Hockey Game", Stompin' Tom Conners style, but I will keep coming back for the Falafel Sliders. Deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with little slices of cucumber, tomato and onions. There weren't too many interesting beers on tap so I fell back on an old faithful; Manny's. Holler, you were pretty tickled about them having Session Black bottles, eh?



Holler: I do love a Session Black Lager. Easy to drink and served in short, squat bottles that are attractive enough that I forget that they are only 11 oz. I also love pulled pork tacos, and while these were not the best I've ever had, they were good enough. The cilantro-lime dressing was a nice touch and the price ($2 per taco) was perfectly reasonable. Despite the Canucks losing the game, I left feeling full and happy.

Hoot: I had really high hopes for both the Canucks and the mushroom tacos... and both fell flat. I guess I'll have to drink away my sorrows with another Manny's and feed my sadness with happy little falafel sliders. Awhooooooo (sniff, sniff) whoo.

Total Happy Hour Tab: $25.00

Falafel Sliders (3 served but 1 didn't make it for its photo op) $6.00
Tacos ($2 x 4) $8.00

Session Black (Bottle) $4.00

Manny's (Draft) $3.00

The Triple Door - Downtown

216 Union Street

Happy Hours: 4:00pm - 6pm Daily

9:00pm - midnight Sunday - Thursday

Hoot: Hello again Triple Door. I keep going back and forth about whether or not I enjoy hanging out here. I think tonight is the perfect trifecta: Good recorded music, Yummy eats and a knowledgeable bartender. I didn't like the beer we picked, but the barman seemed to know his shit. Even though I really dig the interior decor, previous visits have had a Nickleback knockoff house band playing (that's not a good thing... ever!!!) and it made me sad. It's the first time I've had the food, which comes from the upstairs restaurant Ginger. I think it helped me turn a new corner.

Holler: I totally agree that the live bands we've seen here have typically been hit or miss (emphasis on the miss), but this ain't no music review site! We're here to discuss boozin' and grubbin'. And the grub is pretty delicious and reasonably priced. Duck sliders served in rice flour steamed buns? Yes please! 

Hoot: I know we're not a music review, but I definitely think music is a big part of ambiance which for me adds to the stuffing my beak experience. The Tofu Buddha rolls were pretty dope, and the pineapple dipping sauce they came with were delicious as well.

Holler: How about that Brother Thelonius beer? Dark Belgian lager served in frosty glasses. Mmmmm. The beer selection was pretty excellent, with few options on tap but plenty of bottled brews from all over the Northwest. Would I visit again? Definitely! In a pinch, it is a sure bet for a late night Downtown snack. How about you, Hoot?

Hoot: I'll be back. It's a nice place to wind down a night at. PLUS, if your fine feathered self is there, I'll be there indubitably.

  

Total Happy Hour Tab: $21.50

Duck Sliders $5.00
Buddha Roll $4.00
Brother Thelonius Beer $12.50

Poquitos - Capitol Hill

1000 East Pike Street
Daily: 4:00pm - 6:00pm & 11:00pm - 1:00am

Holler:  Our haven in between sets during this year's Capitol Hill Block Party (if we want to drink something besides PBR and Rainier, where do we go?), we were pleasantly surprised to discover that Poquito's also has a stellar late night happy hour! Mexican fare can be a sketchy prospect this far north of the border (tortillas, smushy refried beans and an unhealthy amount of goopy enchilada sauce does not necessarily equal the pinnacle of Mexican cuisine). However, this place has excellent food at delicious prices. Plus, Negro Modelo on draft! Ay caramba!

Hoot: Do the Bartman, Holler... ay caramba, ha. I thought Poquitos was more of a tequila bar than a modern mexican eatery. I was wrong. The few dishes we had were a good blend of traditional mexican ingredients with a lightness and freshness that was deee-licious. Who has two wings and is talking like she's been watching a lot of the Food Network? This Hoot.

Holler: The Black Bean Tostada (3 bucks!) was covered in cilantro, tomatoes and (you guessed it) black beans (not the smushy kind!). The Al Pastor tacos were delicious marinated shredded pork, pineapple and habanero salsa. The decor is nothing remarkable except the bar-style tables that have mini firepits! Its winter! We cozied up to the fire like two boll weevils on a fresh bud of cotton. Did I mention Negro Modelo on draft? Tell 'em about the fire, Hoot!

Hoot: That fire pit on a cold winter Seattle night was a little bit of heaven. I had the Cerviche Tostada made with Rockfish, damn... so good. The one negative that I would have to point out is that the late night happy hour doesn't actually have any beverages on the menu. That kinda thing sorta stands out for a lush like me but for peeps looking just for a cheap late night snack, it's pretty ideal. 


Happy Hour Total Tab: $23.00
Al Pastor Tacos $5.00
Black Bean Tostada $3.00
Cerviche Tostada $5.00
Negra Modelo (2 x $5.00) $10.00 

Buenos Aires Grill - Belltown

220 Virginia Street
All day Sunday - Thursday (at the bar only) 
Update: Now the Happy Hour only runs from 5pm to 7pm. Bummer!

Hoot: For me, walking into the Buenos Aires Grill was based solely on two things. One, the name giving me a nostalgic feeling of our first "date" in Buenos Aires at a swanky asado joint. Two, having been away from South America for some time now, I thought I could get my empanada fix here. I remember us walking in, sitting down, taking a look at the regular menu and realizing that it was way too swanky for the likes of us. While we tried to fly the coop, Douglas (Maître D'/Bartender) directed us to the Bar for Happy Hour. Glad he did or we would have missed out on one of my favorite dishes in Seattle: The Lomito Sandwich. 

Holler: I completely agree. This is the classiest and most authentic asado joint in Seattle (possibly the only asado joint?), complete with the smell of flame-roasted beef and a large mural of The King of Tango, Carlos Gardel. The sandwich itself is two juicy pieces of perfectly grilled, smoky steak, lettuce, tomato, mayo and a fried egg (sounds strange to us northerners, but it's so amazing) all placed between two slices of fluffy homemade Argentinian style cornbread/focaccia. Usually they serve the sandwich with a tapenade. The bread alone is worth the price of admission. Just ask Hoot...

Hoot: Hoot is nodding her head vigorously in agreement. I was so excited about digging into the sandwich, that I forgot to take a picture of the masterpiece. The Lomito beats a Subway $5 Footlong any day. This old bird can pack in the feed usually but I've only successfully dominated half of the almighty Lomito. Not only did I love the sandwich, the house wine - a French Malbec - was J.J. Walker (in other words, dy-no-mite!). The staff is even great. The Bartender, Doug, told the bar patrons an adorable childhood story about yelling "Happy Near You" at New Years. A new tradition I think I'd like to steal. "Happy Near You Holler".

Holler: We're so damn cute it's almost digusting. Both bartenders definitely rank among my favorites in Seattle, as do the musical selections (tango, baby!). If you're looking for a classy evening sitting at the bar, sipping Malbec and eating hunks of beef, this is the place. 






Happy Hour Total Tab: $13.00
Lomito $5.00 
Wine (2 x $4.00) $8.00

McCormick and Schmick - Downtown

1103 1st Ave
Mon-Fri: 11:30am - 11:00pm, Sat: 11:30am - 12:30am & Sun: 11:30am - 10:00pm

Holler: There is only one thing to say about this restaurant and it's sad little happy hour. $3 Cheeseburger. Yeah, legit cheeseburger. With a decent sized hunk of cow, some cheese, a bun and some lettuce. Even though we ducked in here to seek shelter from the rainy night that we were ill-prepared for (why don't we own any waterproof shoes yet, Hoot?), and despite offering a dry atmosphere and cheap food, the Schmick experience left me sad. Except for the cheeseburger.

Hoot: There was nothing particularly horrible about the place it just seemed like the Wristcutters version of Cheers. Just kinda lifeless and generic. The Diablo Shrimp were two bland grilled prawns. The Smoked Salmon Quesadilla wasn't worst thing I've ever eaten but the highlight was for sure the 1/2 lb Cheeseburger with fries. Holler don't do it, don't order another item - damn it too late - the BBQ Chicken sliders are on their way. Now I'm sad too. What I can say is that I am leaving full.

Holler: Oh god, I'm so fat. I'd love to wash the signs of my gluttony down with a nice beverage, but my limited options include cranberry & vodka or PBR. Looks like its cranberry and vodka for me. Now I'm fat and gay. Curse you, Schmick!

Happy Hour Total Tab: $21.30
PBR Tallboy: $3.00
Vodka Cranberry: $3.50
1/2 lb Cheese Burger: $2.95
Diablo Shrimp: $1.95
Smoked Salmon Quesadilla: $4.95
BBQ Chicken Sliders: $4.95

O'Hana - Belltown

2207 1st Avenue
Monday & Tuesday 5:00pm - 11:30pm
Wednesday & Thursday 5:00pm -7:00pm & 9:00pm-11:30pm
Friday 5:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday 9:00pm-11:30pm


Holler: One time at O'hana I got reasonably wasted and decided that karaoke was a great idea (which it never is, drunk or sober). It's no coincidence that you were there egging me on, ladyowl. I belted out an inebriated and screechy version of "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC and you cheered like I was Brian Johnson in the flesh.

Hoot: Mmm. Memories, light the corners of my mind. Misty watercolor memories of the way we were. We probably should never have returned to O'Hana after that display BUT the fact that we did - a number of times - speaks to how awesome the late night happy hour is. A sensory overload of tiki tacky decor, delicious japanese/hawaiian style food and umbrella embellished, brightly colored mixed cocktails. We've managed to hit it up a few times leaving full, buzzed and ready for good times. Bonus: we always get seated at the tiger booth... so epic. Grrr.


Holler: The happy hour food menu is short but chock-full of goodness. I'm a huge fan of the Agedashi Tofu and Da Kine Roll (because anything with tempura shrimp is bound to be great). Session Black is only $3 a bottle, they offer a Japanese porter (Tokyo Black), the fancy umbrella drinks top out at $5 and the bartenders pour strong. Remember that other time we won the pub trivia and O'Hana gave us a $40 credit on our tab?! Damn, we're like geniuses.

Hoot: The stiff Blue Hawaiian is on top of my faves that night. However, I'm also a fan of meat on a stick so the Chicken Robata is right up my alley too... wait that sounds dirty for some reason?! Anywho, I like the chilled out, not too serious atmosphere. It always seems like the people that come here, come to tie one on with the flock and feed their beaks.  

Happy Hour Total Tab: $26.50

Blue Hawaiian $4.00

Session Black $3.00

Toyko Black $4.50 (not on happy hour menu)

Agedashi Tofu $3.00

Chicken Robata $3.00

Salmon Skin Roll $3.00

Da Kine Roll ($3.00 x 2) $6.00