Bistro Michel
1501 14th St., Sacramento
(916) 346-4012
Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; brunch, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; dinner, 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. (It usually closes between 9 and 10 p.m.; however, closing time can vary depending on how busy the night is.)
Happy hour: 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
The real steal: During happy hour, enjoy Schlitz or Steelhead beer for $2 and $3, respectively. The house martini is $4 and the sangria is $4 or $5, depending on its size. There is always a special "drink of the day" surprise as well as $5 house wines. They change up the house wine every six weeks or so, continuing to seek out the best values.
The vibe: This French bohemian bistro has a delightful knickknack wall and friendly staff. This spot has the urbane feel of fine restaurants in major cities. If you go a few streets over on either side, you will feel the hustle and bustle of downtown Sacramento, but on this street, it's almost as if time has stood still and everything moves at a slower pace. Pets are welcome on the patio, and a water bowl and dog treats are kept on hand.
Signature drink: The sangria ranks as the most popular drink. It comes in a regular and a large size called "tall," basically a pint glass. The sangria is made with white wine, rum and seasonal fresh fruit such as persimmon, pomegranate, pear, watermelon and the like. The mix makes it sweet but carries a kick. The regular size is $4 during happy hour, and the tall is just $5.
Bathroom break: The private bathroom is decorated with candles, curios (the stuffed bear, for instance), and a grand wood-framed mirror.
Alternative libations: Among the current wine selections, the two most popular California wines are the Toad Hollow 2008 Pinot Noir from Sonoma County and the DeLoach 2009 Chardonnay. The two most popular French wines are the Saint Cosme 2008 Côtes-du-Rhône and the Loire Valley Sauvion Chinon Cabernet Franc 2009.
Something extra: Happy hour works at only the bar and patio.
Our call: The patio is the place to be. On a nice afternoon, sit outside and enjoy your cocktail.Brookfield Restaurant
11135 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova
(916) 638-2046
1817 Taylor Road, Roseville
(916) 784-3399
4343 Madison Ave., Sacramento
(916) 332-0108
Hours: In Rancho Cordova: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sunday
Roseville: 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Madison: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. -10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Happy hour: 2-6 daily and the last hour every night (During football season, happy hour rules during game times.)
The deals: All appetizers, draft beers and three house wines are $3 during happy hour. The wines are a white zinfandel, a chardonnay and a merlot. A few popular appetizers are the onion rings, chicken strips, artichoke dip, and a new sweet and spicy turkey slider made with house-roasted, hand-carved turkey, chipotle mayonnaise, homemade cranberry sauce and spinach.
Clark's Corner Restaurant and Bar
5641 J St., Sacramento
(916) 457-5600
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday- Friday, 3 p.m. to close Wednesday
The deals: Get your well drinks for $3 and wine specials for $5. Wednesday night's happy hour lasts all night long and Thursday night is pint night. For just $5, you get a keepsake mug from the brewery of the week, and refills are $2-$3 depending on the beer. Friday is craft cocktail Friday and features $5-$6 top-shelf cocktails. Appetizers, the perfect size to share, range from $7-$12. Grab two or three friends and split the buffalo wings or the fried Brussels sprouts. (Yeah, they're one of the most popular choices.)
Plaza del Sol
8523 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove
(916) 686-1550
www.plazadelsolrestaurant. com
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday
Happy hours: 5-7 p.m. daily
The deals: Every night, enjoy a different deal. Sunday is $5 sangria; Monday, $6 grande margaritas; Tuesday, $1.50 pint night on domestic drafts; Wednesday, $5 Long Island iced tea; Thursday nights, $6 mai tais; Fridays, $3 Mexican draft beer; and on Saturday, $5 cosmos. You can always get a $4 house margarita or 50 percent off all appetizers such as nachos or a quesadilla loco. Or try the $1.50 carnitas tacos (up to three per person each night).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.THIS WEEK'S FEATURED BARGAIN
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