Mayahuel Tequila Museo
1200 K St., Sacramento
(916) 441-7200
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday
Happy hour: 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday
The real steal: Enjoy any of Mayahuel's beers for $3.50, or for $5, try the Maya margarita, NapaToro red wine, Nicolasa white wine, sangría de Maya or mojitos. They also offer a shot of Tradicional tequila – 100 percent agave – for $5. A flight consisting of a tasting of three tequilas – a blanco, a reposado and an añejo – goes for $15. For $8.50, you can get the Mariachi deal: a serving of the oldest bottled beer in Mexico, Victoria, and a shot of Tradicional tequila.
They also offer appetizers for $5-$8. Two of the most popular choices are the tostadas de tinga de pollo, which is three shredded chicken tostadas cooked in chipotle, and the arrachera, which is a sampling of the best part of the arrachera dish, the arrachera (flank steak) with tortillas and salsa.
The vibe: This laid-back restaurant is filled with bright colors such as orange, green and brown walls. There are always fresh flowers and a lighted tea candle on each table, and you'll hear anything from a Spanish love ballad to upbeat salsa music softly playing in the background. The chairs are cushioned with orange or green fabric, and there are plenty of windows all around the restaurant to add natural light. At the end of the restaurant, there is a chef's bar with hanging lights above it, where you can order to-go items from a different menu, and on the other side of the bar, close to the entrance, there is a projector that plays old Mexican movies.
Signature drink: The house margarita, the Maya margarita, is the most popular choice during happy hour at Mayahuel. It is made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, agave nectar and blanco tequila for a refreshing and classic drink that is $5 during happy hour.
Bathroom break: Tucked behind the bar, the three-stall bathroom has a bench for seating, a full-length mirror and a smaller mirror above the sink. The mirrors and the bathroom stall doors are black, contrasting elegantly with the green walls. The music is a little louder in here and there is a small framed painting by a local artist on the counter.
Alternative libations: Their NapaToro red wine, $5 during happy hour, is made exclusively for Mayahuel. This blend of 65 percent zinfandel, 20 percent cabernet sauvignon and 15 percent syrah creates a medium-bodied wine that pairs well with the happy hour platters.
Something extra: Happy hour works all over the restaurant, but the bar tends to be the most popular spot. Here, you can learn more about the tequilas. For instance, when you order a flight, the bartender will give you a brief description of each one, and when you're seated at the bar, it is even easier to get more information from them as they make other drinks.
The bar stands out with its polished concrete top. The chairs are made with dark wood and a bright green fabric. Behind the bar, there is a wall of alcohol along with hanging boxes donated by José Cuervo. Every year José Cuervo creates a Reserva de La Familia tequila, and they choose a different Mexican artist to design the box. The boxes add a touch of character to the place and create an interesting design to admire while enjoying your cocktail.
Happy Hour On The Cheap
Chili's Grill & Bar Restaurant
1516 Eureka Road, Roseville
(916) 780-6772
10585 Fairway Drive, Roseville
(916) 780-1907
161 Iron Point Road, Folsom
(916) 351-1118
3870 Truxel Road, Sacramento
(916) 285-8703
2100 Arden Way, Suite 185, Sacramento
(916) 929-5838
3199 Zinfandel Drive, Rancho Cordova
(916) 635-1621
7410 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove
(916) 478-2478
5303 Sunrise Blvd., Fair Oaks
(916) 962-0404
2085 Vine St., El Dorado Hills
(916) 939-8857
2001 Harbison Drive, Vacaville
(707) 449-8072
Hours:11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.- midnight Friday and Saturday
Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 p.m.-close Monday through Thursday, all day Sunday
The deals: Select from small domestic draft beers for $2.99 or large domestic draft beers for $3.99 during happy hour. Premium and super-premium draft beers are a dollar off, and classic margaritas (served frozen or on the rocks) are $4.50. Premium margaritas such as Top Shelf, Tropical Sunrise and Blue Pacific are $5.99, and well drinks are $3.75. Appetizers range from $2.99 to $4.99 during happy hour, with choices such as classic nachos, Southwestern egg rolls and crispy onion string and jalapeño stack. Chili's also has free chips and salsa.
Zócalo
1801 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
(916) 441-0303
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Closing time varies depending on how busy it is.
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday
The deals: Select from $3 Dos Equis Amber or Tecate beers, $4 sangría, $5 house margaritas, and $7 blackberry margaritas, hand-crafted margaritas, and mojitos during happy hour at Zócalo. They also offer $2 a la carte tacos with chicken, steak, carnitas, or veggie, or for $5, share an appetizer such as empanadas, nachos or quesadillas. A Roseville location is scheduled to open in June.
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 Night Life. Email sacbeenightlife@gmail.com.
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