Chops
1117 11th St., Sacramento
(916) 447-8900
Hours: lunch, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday though Friday; dinner beginning at 5 p.m. daily
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday
The real steal: Select from eight draft beers for $3.50 or well drinks and house red and white wines for $4.50. Every day there is also a select Chops signature drink chosen at random and priced at $5. Appetizers range from around $5 to $16, depending on what you get and whether you choose a full or half portion. The house favorites are the Thai beef skewers, calamari, ahi poke and the green platter.
The vibe: Across the street from the Capitol, Chops restaurant has a patio with a view of the historic building. Inside, dim lighting, light music and candles leave the restaurant with an upscale and relaxed vibe. The square bar takes up the center of the front room and is surrounded with bar stools covered in cowhide. Around the room there are benches, tables and chairs for additional seating, as well as four flat-screen TVs that always play sports or news, and even a fireplace.
Signature drink: The Cosmo Bellini, the most popular drink at Chops, is made with Grey Goose vodka, peach schnapps, lime juice, cranberry juice and a splash of champagne. The Bellini is not always part of happy hour. It is one of 13 signature cocktails that could be a $5 daily deal.
Bathroom break: The bathroom blends modern and traditional décor. Wavy, opaque Australian slump glass covers the top half of the dark wooden entry. The four stalls also have dark wooden doors, contrasting with the light walls. Touch-ups are easy at a full-length mirror or at the two sinks with a half-mirror above them.
Alternative libations: If you're not one for cocktails and well drinks, try one of the beers on tap. The Stella Artois and Lagunitas IPA are two of the house favorites.
Something extra: Happy hour works in the whole front room (where the bar is located) as well as the patio. If it is a beautiful day, make sure to sit outside and take in the majestic Capitol. If it is chilly, go for the table right by the fireplace.
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.
NIGHT LIFE DEALS
Sushimono Japanese Cuisine and Bar
5349 Sunrise Blvd., Fair Oaks
(916) 536-9885
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Happy hour: 8 p.m.-close daily
The deals: To enjoy the drink specials at this spot, you must spend a minimum of $10 for food, and to get half off your food, you must have a $20 minimum. So bring your friends and split one bill during happy hour to enjoy any size $2 beer or $1 sake along with 50 percent off all your food. Try popular appetizers such as the pork gyoza or BBQ albacore, which range from around $2.50 to $5 during happy hour.
Ten22
1022 Second St., Sacramento
(916) 441-2211
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily (The bar stays open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday, but the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.)
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close Monday through Friday
The deals: Enjoy $5 appetizers such as spicy Thai-style spring rolls or grilled grass-fed steak sliders during happy hour at Ten22. Food specials are available only during the day. The late-night power hour features only drink specials. Beer, the most popular choice with 24 different taps, ranges from $2 to $3 for all the beers except the Top Tier Taps. Well drinks are $4, and house wines range from $6 to $7.
On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina
9164 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, (916) 686-4411;
3521 Truxel Road, Sacramento
(916) 928-0867;
1220 Galleria Blvd., Roseville
(916) 789-2220;
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Happy hours: 3-7 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close daily
The deals: Enjoy a 12-ounce domestic draft beer for $2.50 or an 18-ounce domestic draft beer for $3.50. If you prefer the classic margarita, a house version is $4 for 12 ounces or a dollar more for 18 ounces. Or try the house fruit margarita – $4.50 for 12 ounces, $5.50 for 18. Mixed well drinks are $3.50. If you're hungry, appetizers are half-off (except for the border sampler, guacamole live, and avocado fries). Grande fajita nachos and chicken flautas are popular, and all appetizers are perfect for sharing. On average, expect to spend about $4.50 for an appetizer.
Delta of Venus
122 B St., Davis
(530) 753-8639
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday
The deals: Take 50 cents off all alcohol. Red or white wine by the glass or champagne becomes about $4.50 while beers are $2.50 to $5. You can also get pitchers of beer, for around $6. Appetizers range around $3 to $4 at regular prices. Make sure to try the Rasta samosa, which has a Caribbean flavor and mango chutney on the side.
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