FREEPORT BAR AND GRILL
8259 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento
(916) 665-1169
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday- Thursday, 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
The real steal: This establishment's long list of discount bar eats takes care of just about everyone. Carnivores can nosh on a tall stack of fried chicken drummies ($5.50) or a plate of barbecue minisliders ($4). For the kid at heart, crispy chicken strips are also on offer ($4). Those seeking a more balanced dish may want to check out the mini taco platter ($4.50). For vegetarians, the menu includes a variety of meatless options – crisp, golden onion rings ($3); fresh bruschetta ($4) and mozzarella sticks ($3.50) for example. Prices run as low as $1.99, which will cover a serving of fresh, aromatic garlic bread.
The vibe: Tucked under a canopy of trees, the Freeport Bar and Grill sits next to the Freeport Marina on the peaceful little stretch of Freeport Boulevard nestled between Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River. Its location makes it a beloved locals joint, but it's also a favorite stop after a long drive in the Delta. The bar attracts all walks, creating a casual and welcoming experience.
Signature drink: During happy hour, standard well drinks, premium draft beers and house wines are $3 and Bud Light drafts are $2. Bottled domestics are $2.75 and bottled imports are $3.50. The standout drink here, though, is the house mojito. Served in a pint glass, it isn't overly sweet and the mint isn't overbearing, with just enough effervescence to lend it personality without turning it into a soda. It's $5 all day.
Bathroom break: The restrooms are located just two steps from the end of the bar. Little homey flourishes decorate the walls.
Take a seat: Although it's part of the restaurant rather than the bar and therefore happy hour prices aren't applicable, the back patio is worth a peek. The spacious area resembles an English garden. Plants grow from every spare inch and that canopy of trees provides just enough shelter from the summer sun, while a fountain bubbles quietly near the patio's center.
Something extra: Hidden away in a corner sits a self-serve popcorn machine.PARAGARY'S BAR & OVEN
1401 28th St., Sacramento
www.paragarys.com/go/prg/ locations/paragarys-bar-oven/
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday, 4:30-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Happy hour: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in the bar areas only
The deals: The carefully crafted happy hour menu at Paragary's provides deals on several different drinks and eats. Pabst is $2. Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona and Corona light are $3, and all draft beers are $4. House wines are $4 and $5, and select cocktails are $5 (cosmopolitans and lemon drops) and $6 (Bombay Sapphire martinis and Makers Mark Manhattans). The menu of appetizers range from $3 to $5 and include marinated olives with roasted almonds ($3), bruschetta with chickpea purée, sautéed broccoli rabe, pancetta and parmesan ($4) and house pepperoni pizza with mushrooms ($5).
BONN LAIR
3651 J St., Sacramento
(916) 455-7155
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. daily
Happy hour: 4-6 p.m. every day
The deals: Imperial pints (that's 20 ounces of beer, folks) of select beers, including Guinness Stout, Carlsberg Lager, Newcastle Brown Ale and Fuller's London Pride, are $4 a pop at this authentic-feeling neighbor- hood pub. Standard pints are $3.50. Chips – er, french fries – are 4 bucks a basket, and just one of several munchies offered. The key is an early arrival, as the popular-but-small Bonn Lair quickly fills up.
OWL CLUB
109 Church St., Roseville
(916)782-5222
owlclubroseville.com
Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Wednesday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday through Tuesday
Happy hour: 4-6 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. every day it's open
The deals: The Owl Club features two distinct happy hours. Round one features $1 off each of the bars dozen rotating draft beers, $1 beef tacos and $2 chicken tacos. For round two, patrons get well drinks for $3. There are various other deals on a night-by-night basis. Thursday, for example, is Pint Night, which features one select draft at $1 off all night long. Select Thursdays are also barbecue night, during which customers can treat themselves to a fresh meal ($5.99-$6.99, call for details).
CHOPS STEAKHOUSE
1117 11th St., Sacramento
(916) 447-8900
chopssacramento.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. Friday, 5-11 p.m. Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
The deals: At this downtown Sacramento favorite, draft beers are $3.50 and well drinks and Meridian cabernet and chardonnay are $4.50. Select appetizers are $5, including Thai beef skewers with peanut dipping sauce; mushrooms stuffed with spinach, cream cheese, and garlic parmesan sauce; and potato skins filled with cheddar and jack cheeses, bacon, chives, tomatoes and olives.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. Email sacbeenightlife@gmail.com.
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