Chicago Fire
2416 J St., Sacramento
(916) 443-0440;
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Monday- Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sunday
Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday
The real steal: Select from $1-off draft beers, $3.50 well drinks, and $4 wines by the glass. Food offers are garlic strips for $4 and half-price appetizers.
The vibe: A Chicago chic is created through exposed wood beams and black ductwork, brick and maroon walls, black bar stools and chairs, depictions of the Windy City and a faux fire ladder and balcony. Two flat-screen TVs let you catch up on the news, and a staircase leads to the wine cellar. A glass divider depicting the Chicago skyline separates the bar from the dining area. Signature drink: The $4 full-bodied blend Windy City Red is made especially for Chicago Fire by Boeger Winery. The company generally supports local wineries and breweries.
Chicago Fire bartenders create drinks you're unlikely to find elsewhere. They're listed on the menu. Two of the current popular cocktails are the $9 Burnt Lemon Spice: Smooth Vanilla Licor 43, caramelized lemon, Ketel One vodka, cinnamon syrup and fresh lemon juice – and the $9 Vanilla Cinnamon Sangria, made with Vanilla Licor 43, cinnamon spice syrup and the signature wine, the Windy City Red.
Something extra: Owner Eric Schnetz has a passion for Chicago pizza. After moving to California in 1986 from suburban Chicago, Schnetz began researching what made this style of pizza so special, making trips to the Windy City, interviewing restaurant owners and employees and meeting with specialty food purveyors.
In addition to the Sacramento restaurant, there are two Chicago Fire locations in Folsom and one in Roseville.
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.Chops Steak, Seafood and Bar
250 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1339, Folsom
(916) 817-1490
1117 11th St., Sacramento
(916) 447-8900
Hours: Folsom: Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., dinner 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sacramento: Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, dinner: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
(Both restaurants stay open later depending on customers.)
Happy hour: 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday
The deals: The happy hour specials at the newest Chops Steakhouse location in Folsom, as well as the original restaurant in Sacramento, are drink and appetizer specials in the bar and patio only. Enjoy a domestic draft beer for $2, craft and imported draft beer for $3.50, and the house wine as well as well drinks for $4.50 each. Chops also offers new appetizer specials for happy hour in addition to the regular appetizer menu. Appetizers range from $5 to $8 and include potato skins, barbecue pork sliders, spinach stuffed mushrooms and burgers.
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