THIS WEEK'S FEATURED BARGAIN
PF Chang's
1530 J St. No. 100, Sacramento
(916) 288-0970
1180 Galleria Blvd., Roseville
(916) 788-2800
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close Monday through Friday
The real steal: The number three is considered a good omen in Asian cultures, so enjoy PF Chang's Triple Happiness Happy Hour with specials on drinks, dim sum and street fare. During happy hour select from beer for $2.75 to $3.25, sake for $4, wine by the glass for $5 to $6, and cocktails for $4 to $6. If you are hungry, choose from dim sum such as Chang's chicken lettuce wraps and crab wontons that range from $4 to $7, or the steamed dumplings, $3.25 for three dumplings. Street fare such as the house favorite, tuna tataki crisp, range from $3 to $6, and the Asian street tacos are $4.95 for two.
The vibe: This historical building in Sacramento is filled with large red and gold wooden hanging lanterns, and an ornate fabric and wood ceiling. The second floor is perfect for large parties or for an intimate dining area with a view of the restaurant below. There is a large hand-painted mural upstairs and red glass hanging lamps. The floor-to-ceiling windows have blinds and red curtains to let in natural light. Light adult contemporary music plays in the background, and a flat-screen TV plays by the bar. Wooden tables and cushioned chairs fill the restaurant.
Signature drink: The dragon martini is the drink of choice at PF Chang's. The sweet yet tart cocktail is made with dragon fruit vodka, pomegranate juice, St. Germain liqueur and Luxe sweet and sour; it's garnished with a mint sprig and a raspberry and is $6 during happy hour.
Bathroom break: The bathroom is tucked away in the back of the restaurant, and the hallway is filled with mirrors, Chinese-inspired decorations and chairs to wait outside. The three-stall bathroom is roomy with two large mirrors over a unique sink that slopes toward the wall.
Alternative libations: The yuzu ginger mojito is another cocktail made for summer. This light and refreshing drink has a hint of lime and mint and a touch of spice due to the ginger. It is made with Living Jewel sake, TY-KU liqueur, Perfect Puree yuzu, Luxe sour, hand-squeezed lime juice, mint leaves, ginger mix, and soda water and served in a "bamboo glass" – a glass shaped like bamboo, and is $6 during happy hour.
Something extra:Happy hour from 3-6 p.m. works all over the restaurant; however, late night happy hour is only at the bar. If you come in for an after-work drink, the most popular seat is at the patio. There are high tables and regular bistro tables with stone tops and metal chairs, making it the perfect place to people-watch and enjoy a warm summer afternoon with a cool drink in your hand.
HAPPY HOUR ON THE CHEAP
Golden Bear
2326 K St., Sacramento
(916) 441-2242
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday
The deals: Select from a dollar off all beers, wines, well drinks, Absolut, Jim Beam, Jameson and Cruzan rum during happy hour. If you're hungry, you can select from a list of 12 appetizers that range from $3 to $8 each. Either select three for $12, or enjoy them individually. They offer options such as bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, banh mi sliders, soy ginger pork with pickled veggies, and boneless hot wings.
Tazzina Bistro and Vintage Lounge
614 Main St., Woodland
(530) 661-1700
Hours: Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner: 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Happy hour: 4-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 p.m.-close Friday and Saturday
The deals: Choose from $1 off wine by the glass, $4 draft beers, and $5 premium well drinks during happy hour in the lounge area. If you want something to snack on, they offer a buy-one-get-one-free deal on bar appetizers such as the queso con chorizo, prime rib sliders and nachos, if you purchase at least two drinks, including nonalcoholic options.
Durango's Restaurant
263 Placerville Drive, Placerville
(530) 626-0841
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. daily
The deals: Select from a 12-ounce draft beer for $1.50, a 16-ounce draft beer for $2.25, American bottled beers for $2.75, well drinks for $3.65, and Mexican bottled beers for $3.75 during happy hour. Appetizers range from $2.75 to $5.95 for house favorites such as super nachos, hot wings, and fried zucchini.
On Fridays during happy hour, they offer complimentary bites at the bar, including taquitos and enchiladas. Tuesday nights during happy hour, Durango features the original Taco Tuesday with live music on the patio and $4.75 margaritas on top of the happy-hour deals. Wednesday is ladies night, when female customers can enjoy $3.50 cocktails such as margaritas, mojitos, lemon drops, martinis, daiquiris and cosmos during happy hour..
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