Night Life: Hop over to the Red Rabbit

The Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar

2718 J St., Sacramento

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-midnight Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday

Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Late night: 10 p.m.-close daily

The real steal: During happy hour, choose from $2 select beers, $3 well drinks, $4 wine by the glass, and $1 off the taste menu (including risotto croquettes and portobello frites).

The late-night happy hour includes deals on well drinks and some beers, but not on specialty cocktails or food.

For $6 during happy hour, get a hand-crafted house cocktail – with seasonal ingredients – such as a Basil Cocktail, Strawberry Ru-Buck or West Indies Sour. An even cheaper cocktail, the Daily Punch, is $5 all day, every day. It changes daily.

The vibe: This Prohibition era-influenced restaurant mixes industrial chic and old-world glamour. The exposed brick walls, unfinished-wood ceiling and bare light bulbs hint at hidden 1920s speakeasies, but the large booths and high tables add polish to the thoughtful design. The spacious layout gives plenty of room in which to drink or eat.

There are patios in front of and behind the restaurant. The back patio offers a second full bar Thursday through Saturday nights.

Signature drink: The Strawberry Ru-Buck is a popular choice. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, fresh strawberries, vanilla bitters, Rhuby liquor and ginger beer, this cocktail is sweet, slightly tart and refreshing.

Bathroom break: Unusual door signs depicting red rabbits shaped as humans distinguish the men's and women's bathrooms.

Alternative libations: The Basil Cocktail is made with gin, fresh lime and basil, pineapple gomme and absinthe, creating a very light, tart and herbal- flavored drink.

Something extra: Contrary to popular belief that the Red Rabbit was named after the red rabbit at Sacramento International Airport, it was named after the red rabbit sign used during Prohibition to tip off people that an establishment served alcohol.

HAPPY HOUR ON THE CHEAP

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.

The Davis Beer Shoppe

211 G St., Davis

(530) 756-5212

daviswiki.org/The_Davis_Beer_Shoppe

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Thursday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

Happy hour: 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday

The deals: $1 off everything, so beers and ciders are around $3 or $4. No food is served, but food from outside is allowed.

In the evenings (4-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 3-8 p.m. Sunday), tasting flights of five beers are offered for around $7. Three- or 4-ounce tastes of the various beers are included.

A particular style (such as IPA) or a specific brewery will he highlighted each day and posted on the Davis Beer Shoppe's Facebook page.

JB's Lounge, in the Red Lion Hotel

1401 Arden Way, Sacramento

(916) 922-8041 ext. 4261

www.redlionsacramento.com

Hours: 4-11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday

Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday

The deals: $4 domestic draft beers and well drinks. Import draft beers are $5; cocktails with more premium alcohols run $5-$7.

The lounge also offers a 30 percent discount on appetizers such as chicken wings, potstickers, egg rolls and sliders. Prices average $4 or $5.

Perfecto Lounge

973 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville

(916) 783-2828

www.perfectolounge.com

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday

Happy hour: 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday

The deals: Enjoy a special happy hour at this cigar lounge, the only place in the region where you can smoke your favorite cigar while sipping your drink of choice. Beer pints are $3 and house wines $4. Cigars priced less than $7 are 15 percent off. Cigars priced higher than $7 are $1 off.

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