C'mon, get Happy
Fall back and take the chill off: The week's best Happy Hours
Editor's note: This week we start a new column from Cathi Rustman, featuring her top picks for weekly specials around town. We call it C'mon get Happy!
Fall is in the air and the weather is perfect for a little outdoor time. Patio heaters are firing up to toast your toes, so you can enjoy a great happy hour alfresco even if it’s chilly. This week’s picks are sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, featuring food and drink specials at some of our favorite places.
Monday - Hank’s Garage
Every Monday, all day at Hank’s you can beat the Monday Blues with a "Blue Moon & A Burger" for just $8. Throw in some delectable duck fat fries and you've got a good reason to actually look forward to Mondays. Bring along your four-legged buddy; their patio is pet friendly.
Tuesday - Contigo
On Tuesday at Contigo it's "Drink Local" night: all Austin beers are just $2. Chilly outside? Then chill out on the patio stocked with 6 heaters and a cozy-as-can-be fire pit. (Be sure to come back on Thursday for $1 Fried Chicken. Sorry Colonel Sanders, you just can't compete!)
Wednesday - Uchiko
Two very talented Austin Chefs are competing in Top Chef Texas! Uchiko has a special Top Chef Treat on Wednesdays at 9pm: watch Paul Qui go for the title at the restaurant he calls home. Think of it as a form of "taste-o'-vision". Specials similar to their Sake Socials will be served each week while the show airs, at 9pm Central time. Sake Socials are regularly from 5-6:30, with select items such as Uchi Salad, Sake Nigiri, and Crunchy Salmon priced from $2-7. Discounted Sake and Nigori are also served. The same viewing party is going on at Uchi, but on the patio only.
Thursday - Gourmands
Gourmands celebrated their grand opening in October. Their website is titled "www.lovethysandwich.com" and with one look at their mile high sandwiches, you'll see why. In addition to their regular Monday-Friday happy hour from 4-7, which features $4 house wine glasses, $2 wells, $1 off all beer and half price apps, they offer a variety of daily specials. On "Thirsty Thursdays", all 32 oz. schooners are $1 off. That's a big beer, perfect with a big sandwich!
Friday - 24 Diner
It's only fitting to mention 24 Diner, home of Chef Andrew Curren (AKA Chef Drew), who is also competing on Top Chef. They recently launched a much anticipated happy hour, an all day version from 7am to 7pm. Offering quality beverages and specialty cocktails such as "Amarillo Lemonade" and the "French 24" at half price. 24 Diner welcomes the "round the clock" crowd and the graveyard shift for early morning cocktails. Hey, it's five o'clock somewhere...
Saturday - Draught House
Want another reason to look forward to game day? How about FREE FOOD on game day! Get free bratwurst from around 5pm until they run out at the Draught House on Saturdays. New heaters will keep you warm and with a big selection of Winter Brews, the only chill you need to worry about is the one on your glass.
Sunday- Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar
Happy Hour’s all day on Sundays at Apothecary, and bring your dog along to enjoy the fall sunshine. Relax and share $15 Mimosa pitchers with brunch. Wine is $1 off each glass and $10 off all bottles, or just take a bottle home for 20% off. $2 Select Appetizers, $10 Apothecary Cheese Plate.
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This new column features some of our picks for the week. You can also email your suggestions to Cathi. To find other food and drink specials in Austin, just visit Austin on the Rocks!