Zócalo Restaurant
1182 Roseville Pkwy., Roseville; (916) 788-0303
1801 Capitol Ave.,
Sacramento; (916) 441-0303
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday- Saturday, and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. daily
The real steal: Happy-hour deals are identical at the Roseville and midtown Sacramento locations. Enjoy $3 beer and wine by the glass, $4 sangria, $5 margaritas de la casa or a shot of Espolon Blanco tequila. Mojitos and blackberry margaritas are $7. Jalapeños can be added to spice up any drink.
Appetizers such as guacamole beef empanadas are $5. For more individualized portions, chicken, steak or carnitas tacos are $2.
The vibe: The Roseville restaurant opened in August, and like the Sacramento location, features work by artist Ernesto Cruz of Jalisco, Mexico. Cruz hand-carves his art, such as the engraving on the bar, and writes poetry on various pieces, such as the gigantic white lamp that greets you when you enter the restaurant.
The bar is in the front of the restaurant, and the lush, faux plants around the dining area add a feel of greenery. The open kitchen lets you see what the chefs are whipping up.
The restaurant offers two patios, one of which has outdoor couches and a long table for a highly social happy hour. The second patio is more intimate, with tables and chairs, and heaters to keep you warm on a chilly autumn afternoon.
Signature drink: The $7 blackberry margarita is a favorite. Made with 100 percent blue agave blanco tequila, fresh blackberry purée, agave and lime juice, this slightly strong drink is served on the rocks, with a sugared rim. It is sweetened, but not with sweet and sour or triple sec, but agave. The mojito, also $7, is another popular choice. This drink is made with Matusalem Platino rum, mint, lime and soda. The soda gives the drink a bubbly finish, and the cocktail is overall slightly tart, slightly minty, and refreshing.
This drink also can be served with a twist of blackberry, mango or strawberry.
HAPPY HOUR ON THE CHEAP
Luna Lounge and Bar
5026 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento
(916) 485-2883
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday, 5:30 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday (some Thursdays it stays open until 2 a.m.), 5:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday
Happy hour: 2-6 p.m. daily, plus all day Sunday during football season
The deals: Well cocktails are $4, select house wines are $5 and beer is a dollar off. Appetizers include nachos, sliders and wings, and range from $2 to $7.
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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