La Casa
2310 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento
(916) 641-8880
Hours: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: All day, every day
The real steal: La Casa is tossing around deals left and right – draft beers are $3.50, well drinks are $3 and house wines are $4 – but the true bargain is the food. Three shredded chicken street tacos, the breast meat marinated in salty, tangy and slightly sweet sauce, then topped with onion, cilantro and a heap of guacamole, will run you $3. If you're looking for something crunchy, grab an entree-size plate of nachos ($4.50 for chicken or shredded beef, $5.50 for carnitas or steak). Other options include flautas ($4 for chicken or shredded beef, $5 for carnitas or steak) and queso fundido, a jack cheese fondue ($4).
The vibe: Tucked away in a sleepy strip mall just east of Sacramento State, La Casa embodies its name. The bar and restaurant operates out of what resembles a large golden house. It has ample patio space out front and is equally roomy inside. While not as homey as the name might imply, La Casa is quiet and welcoming nonetheless. Upon entering the building, hang a left into the dim, cozy bar. You'll be greeted by the mellow bar staff and will find plenty of space to relax.
Signature drink: Naturally, the margaritas – $3.50 and available in traditional lime, raspberry, strawberry, mango, peach, banana and piña colada – are a must-try. La Casa also offers something unique, the Guinness float, a generous serving of vanilla ice cream served in a pint glass with a frosty bottle of Guinness. Though it may sound peculiar, the two elements pair well together and make a great indulgence that takes the edge off that springtime heat.
Bathroom break: The spacious facilities are kept fastidiously clean and well-stocked, and due to the fact that La Casa is a quieter bar, the wait time is typically nonexistent.
Take a seat: The large patio has plenty of tables for parties large and small. It faces the parking lot, but is walled in by tall glass panels atop a low stone wall, which acts as a barrier against parking lot noises and fumes.
Something extra: Though there are only two televisions in the bar, with just a little bit of cajoling it isn't hard to get the channel switched to the game of your choice when the bar is slow.
OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
1901 J St., Sacramento
(916) 443-2862
Happy hour: 4-6:30 Monday-Friday
The deals: Appetizers like cheesy garlic bread and bay shrimp crostini are half-off. Beers, house wines and well drinks are $1 off. Margaritas of all flavors are $2 off.
INK EATS AND DRINKS
2730 N St., Sacramento
(916) 456-2800
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 p.m.- midnight Thursday-Sunday
The deals: Select bites, including crispy calamari, boneless hot or barbecue wings dripping with sauce and sliders topped with caramelized onions and pickle are $3, as are draft beers and well drinks. Select top-shelf cocktails will be available for $5.
BLACK ANGUS
7925 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights
(916) 726-3300
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
The deals: Draft and bottled beers, well drinks and select wines are $3. Discounted bites include pub food classics such as onion rings ($3), loaded potato skins ($4) and fried zucchini ($4).
RED ROBIN
1184 Galleria Blvd., Roseville
(916) 788-0211
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Monday-Friday
The deals: Such appetizers as fried cheese sticks; nachos piled high with chili, cheese tomatoes and jalapeño; and artichoke-spinach dip are half-off. Margaritas are $3 off, wines are $2 off and beers and cocktails are $1 off.Do you know of a bar that has amazingly good deals on drinks and food? Share the scoop with The Bee, and we'll highlight it as part of this new Night Life feature. E-mail sacbeenightlife@gmail.com.THIS WEEK'S FEATURED BARGAIN
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