Happy Hour Hopper

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER: The Institute

POSTED: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 9:18 PM

Filed Under: Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

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WHERE YOU AT? The Institute (549 N. 12th St.), owned by husband and wife team Charlie Collazo and Heather DeRussy, occupies the corner of 12th and Green. Its dark brick walls house a sick beer selection and pretty hefty grub, too. Inside, a few dining tables, pub tables and a pew-like banquette line the perimeter of the roomm creating a spacious dance floor — at least that's how I envisioned it once I spotted the TouchTunes by the door. The downstairs bar is unique, with faux-suede barstools, stone facing and a frosty glass top shining blue from interior lighting. The second floor's wooden booths, bar counter and stools preach a similar au naturale agenda. WHAT'S THE SCENE? Despite my inclination to dance, I decided against it, though I doubt anyone would have cared or even noticed, considering we were hanging with only a handful of unacquainted bar patrons. Others eventually began trickling in for a fundraiser for Curtis Thomas. Most of them weren't drinking, but those who did asked for wine and martinis. My sister, cousin and I pretty much held down the fort, and I wondered why, what with such great food and drink and equally awesome hospitality. "It's getting there," DeRussy said of the bar's HH. "Saturday is definitely our busiest happy hour." WHAT'S THE DEAL? Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. stop by The Institute to enjoy half-price drafts and $2 off appetizers. I forked down cheesy poutine ($5) in a thick, luscious gravy and dipped crispy bacalaitos ($3) into a cool, slightly sweet sofrito sauce. I pleaded with my mates to order the tostones, French toast sticks or buffalo wings so I could snag a bite but they ignored my requests and opted for a few mains. As DeRussy alluded to above, you can enjoy the same deal Saturday and Sunday, too — you just have to stop by a little earlier, 'cause weekend HH runs 4 to 6 p.m. The Institute's draft list is stacked — I started with Boulder's Sweaty Betty and ended with its Cold Hop. Other notable options this week: Troegs Hopback Amber, Weyerbacher Hotel and Victory Old Horizontal Barleywine.

Michelle C.

Posted 2010-05-11 16:31:05

Gotta love Charlie, Heather and The Institute.  The beer selection is ridiculous and I've enjoyed everything I've tried off the menu.

MaltyDog

Posted 2010-05-12 15:10:44

I wish all the success in the world to the owners of this place cause i love it. But if this article blows up the spot i'll be irked.

sergei

Posted 2010-05-18 11:12:40

Best weekend happy hour in Philly; not even close.  As far as it getting crowded, I am more worried that they have enough clientele to stay open.  I do wish the drafts would change more often, that too would happen if business picked up a bit.

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 9:18 PM Permalink | Post a comment

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER: Cantina Los Caballitos and Devil's Den

POSTED: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 8:28 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

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WHERE YOU AT? This week, yours truly happy-hour-hopped twice in one day. Living on the edge, I know. I arrived in Philly around 4 p.m. after completely overestimating the droves that would be heading to Citizens Bank Park. As we shot up Broad Street, my friend and I brainstormed places that had early happy hour. On Passyunk, I banged a quick right toward our first stop: Cantina Los Caballitos (1651 E. Passyunk Ave.). Smooth orange walls and bold black lettering stick out amidst neighboring brick rowhomes. We chose to sit at the bar under the glow of multi-colored string lights. Mixed and matched wooden pub tables and booths surround the bar. Our second stop, a few blocks north, had a much different vibe. The dark cherry wooden furnishings inside Devil's Den (1148 S. Ellsworth St.) glisten next to the rough exposed brick walls. Vintage tin beer house emblems equal bar dÃ©cor, while large framed photos hang in the small dining room. We switched it up this time and sat at a pub table, mainly because all 15 or so barstools were taken and the dining room was too desolate. WHAT'S THE SCENE? Cantina was mellow. At one end of the bar a few guys drank draft beers and at the other end a few youngins gulped Tecate, PBR cans and gin and tonics. Two flat-screens and a jukebox provide audio/visual entertainment in the forms of Toots and the Maytals, Willie Nelson and super mega smash hit Gun, starring 50 Cent and Val Kilmer. Devil's Den crowded quickly. All seats were taken shortly after we arrived, dining room included. I think we were the only ones not glued to the Phillies game. We were more focused on food and drink, although I did pick up on whispers of Michael Jackson. WHAT'S THE DEAL? Cantina's happy hour runs 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and slashes prices in half on drafts, Mexican bottles (Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Carta Blanca, Sol, Pacifico, Corona, Corona Light) and classic margaritas, whether you desire a glass or a whole pitcher. There was no food deal, though, and I was slightly bummed 'cause I really wanted some guac. I settled for two drafts (one Dos Equis Amber and one Furthermore Fatty Boombalatty) and my amigo ordered rocky margaritas. You can also score half-price drafts at Devil's Den from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. For me, it was Boulder Mojo IPA and Lefthand Sawtooth Pale Ale and one Schneider Aventinus for my friend. Chef Alex UreÃ±a has devised a tasty tapas menu — available only during happy hour — to sweeten the pot, and I couldn't resist the three cheese croquettes ($5) and truffled popcorn ($2.50). The croquettes, the size of golf balls, sat on a spicy mayo-based smear. A thin, golden layer of crumbs packed in such an explosion of cheese I was surprised it hadn't erupted before the first bite. You need to eat these. The popcorn was drizzled with truffle oil and a few sprinkles of chipotle powder. Other snack options are the chickpea fries ($3), fresh oysters ($1.50 each) and patatas bravas ($3).

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 8:28 PM Permalink | Post a comment

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at FARMiCiA

POSTED: Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 6:49 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

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Happy Hour is a place to vent daily frustrations and unwind, a time to reconnect with friends and coworkers you don't mind seeing beyond the boundaries of Cubicle Land. It's is also the ideal time to score a deal on your favorite gustatives and gulpables. Although my work scenario has me behind a kitchen prep station rather than a desk, I can appreciate HH just the same. For this feature, I'll hop bar by bar to HHs across the area and report back to Meal Ticket every Tuesday. If you've been to this week's featured HH, tell us about it in the comments. I want recommendations for future trips, too! Let's delve into it at FARMiCiA. WHERE YOU AT? A red doorway, wooden window frames, brick walls and red flags waving above assure you that you've made it to FARMiCiA (15 S. Third St.) in Old City. Once inside, however, city life seems far away. Exposed ceilings painted gray and lined with copper tiling, flowers and trees (some artificial), fresh apples garnishing each table and a mounted flowerpot behind an ajar red barn door practically sing âthe hills are alive." Even at the tin FARM bar I feel like I'm in a hacienda, staring at a liquid inventory stashed in carved-out shelving backed by another red barn door. Distressed wood floor panels, dark wooden tables and red leather chairs make it all very farmhouse chic. WHAT'S THE SCENE? I commissioned my mother for this research session even though she admitted to be a bit wary of happy hours. In her mind people would be getting crazy and she'd end up with someone's drink on her blouse. She needn't have worried. A thin crowd was most likely due to the rain, said barkeep extraordinaire Ed Jones. Then a young guy wandered in, and after much indecision, plopped down at the bar with us. A trend I have noticed as of late is babies at the bar. A corporate-clad man came in alone, then shortly after raced out the door and returned with an occupied baby carrier. He later relocated to a table in the dining room with his family and was replaced by two middle-aged couples and another wanderer, this time a woman. A few young, martini-loving girls gathered at a table in the bar area. WHAT'S THE DEAL? Jones told us Happy Hour features half-off any drink and runs Tuesday to Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.; you can snag the same deals at brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. That's any drink whether you like chocolate martinis like Momma D, shots like Momma D's imaginary happy hour regulars or one of the several intriguing infused boozes on hand, like me. As a sucker for spice and Asian flavors, I fell in love with Jones' Thai-kill-ya, tequila spiked with Thai chilies and Kaffir lime leaves hit with lemongrass syrup and a spritz of soda water. This first infusion led naturally to another: enter the Mumbai Fizz, gin infused with coriander, cardamom, bay leaf, mustard seed, allspice (and a few secrets) with a fig puree and soda water. I also tried the St. Germain Cocktail of Champagne, elderflower liqueur and soda water, a sweet concoction in comparison to my other choices.

poncho

Posted 2010-04-27 14:00:34

Does Farmicia offer any deals on food during happy hour?  I've walked by so many times and yet never been in.

Marie DiFeliciantonio

Posted 2010-04-27 14:29:39

Sorry, Ponch (can I call you "Ponch"?), no food specials for happy hour but there is a reasonably priced bar menu. We ordered the cheese platter with chutney, toasted baguette slices and three cheeses (feta, smoked goat and cheddar) - a delicious and filling snack. I think it was about $11. You should stop in next time!

Tweets that mention HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at FARMiCiA :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2010-04-28 06:26:13

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MarieDiFeliciantonio, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: It's Tuesday — Happy Hour Hopper time! This week @luckyporkchops (and Momma Porkchops too!) hang at Farmicia: http://bit.ly/dmWJHN [...]

poncho

Posted 2010-04-28 13:13:27

Of course you can call me "ponch", I'm totes easy-going!  I heart cheese so I will def stop in soon.  Thanks Happy Hour Hopper!

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER: Chifa :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-05-18 16:06:09

[...] bag, there's beer and wine on the menu, as well (Garces enjoyed a glass of white). I like it hot (see HHH: Farmicia) so I had a couple Spicy Margaritas ($6) with Thai chili garnish. We also sipped on the Lychee [...]

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 6:49 PM Permalink | Post a comment

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at Rembrandt's

POSTED: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 9:26 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

Happy Hour is a place to vent daily frustrations and unwind, a time to reconnect with friends and coworkers you don't mind seeing beyond the boundaries of Cubicle Land. It's is also the ideal time to score a deal on your favorite gustatives and gulpables. Although my work scenario has me behind a kitchen prep station rather than a desk, I can appreciate HH just the same. For this feature, I'll hop bar by bar to HHs across the area and report back to Meal Ticket every Tuesday. If you've been to this week's featured HH, tell us about it in the comments. I want recommendations for future trips, too! Let's delve into it at Rembrandt's. WHERE YOU AT? I met Fairmount friends at Rembrandt's (741 N. 23rd St.) for a Friday happy hour. When I walked up a handful of outdoor diners sat at round plastic tables but soon retreated indoors after a sprinkling of rain. Inside, I had my choice of sedentary real estate in either of the two rooms of the bar area. Instead of bar stools or a dining table, I grabbed a high-top for three that was more conducive to conversation, but still maintained the "at the bar" feeling. The wooden bar, which wrapped around a half-wall that created the two rooms, seats around 20. The low- and high-top tables combined could seat another 40 or so. The wooden faÃ§ade around the bar and the small white, burgundy and orange tiles covering the floor give the room a charming, antique personality, as do the walls adorned with the original works of local artists. Two large flat-screens in either corner. WHAT'S THE SCENE? I was surprised to be in close proximity of a toddler and teenager — not the bar patrons I'm used — but I suppose that's telling of the atmosphere here, sort of like it's anyone's place to come hang out. Tunes from the '90s played, although I barely heard a note over the intermittent yelps as the Flyers and Phillies games played on the tubes. When the games ended sports fans dispersed and a new crowd, a little less casual, filed in. WHAT'S THE DEAL? Select drafts (on Friday it was Great Lakes Golden Lager, Yards Brawler and Victory Prima Pils), wines (a red, a white and a Zinfandel), and well drinks are $3 during happy hour, from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. We had some Victory and Great Lakes and snacked on "pot" (potato) chips and hummus off the $3 to $5 happy-hour snack menu. The pot chips were well-seasoned waffle-cut crisps fried just under the burnt mark (right where I like it) and served with a slightly spicy aioli. Hummus was good, too, with a nice kick of cumin served with pita bread; some pieces fluffy, some crisp. Also available: mac and cheese, BBQ ribs, mini crabcakes, a cheese plate, and bacon-wrapped asparagus (!).

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 9:26 PM Permalink | Post a comment

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at Friday Saturday Sunday's Tank Bar

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 8:44 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

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WHERE YOU AT? First off, shoutout to Meal Ticket reader Justin Manne for putting us on to this dealage. Above the main dining room of Friday Saturday Sunday (261 S. 21st St.) rests Tank Bar, undoubtedly named for the large aquatic centerpiece sitting between the liquor shelves. Flower vases, mirrored walls and dim lighting provided by strings of white bulbs draped from the sheet-cloaked ceiling and blue fluorescent rays streaming from the tank could make for a very sensual experience. I popped by with friends who recently tied the knot, but managed to escape feeling like the third wheel despite the vibe. Roughly 15 people can stool up at the bar, and there are also two tables on a raised section in the back of the room, plus a handful of stools by two mirror-side ledges sizable enough to hold a few drinks and a snack. WHAT'S THE SCENE? The newlyweds and I sat down next to a construction site project manager toting a hard hat and ordered a few beers (two Valeir Extra drafts, one La Fin du Monde bottle). Two young guys sat opposite us sipping martinis. For a while it was just the six of us , hen a young, enamored couple walked in, followed by a few older gentlemen dragging their briefcases. We all had front-row seats to a feeding frenzy, too, as the bartender waved shrimp around in the tank. (It seems every creature eats well here.) A smooth, eclectic mix played at the discretion of the barkeep. Very relaxing. WHAT'S THE DEAL? Any beer, drink, martini or wine by the glass is half off during Tank Bar's happy hour, which runs weekdays from 5:30 to 7:30. You must sit in the bar for this deal, and close out your tab there, as well; any tabs transferred to downstairs dining will do a Cinderella-at-midnight thing and change back to regular price. Although our hard-hatted friend tried to tempt us with a chocolate raspberry truffle martini, we drank Valeir for the duration, with one Fin du Monde and one Lindemann's Peche. Other tap choices included Spaten Lager and Eel River.

Felicia D'Ambrosio

Posted 2010-04-13 18:27:44

Half-priced imports (like the hilariously spendy Lindeman's fruit beers) are an awesome deal.

Justin Manne

Posted 2010-04-14 08:32:35

So glad you enjoyed it Marie... perhaps I will see you there on day! Great write up and I look forward to the next Hopper!

For my next recommendation- Alfa @ 1709 Walnut Street! Great drink menu and pretty good bites to go along with the booze and beer...

$3.00 beers, $5.00 cocktails (great bartender with interesting cocktail list, not your average well drink happy hour cocktails), $4.00 Red + White wines... Enjoy!

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 8:44 PM Permalink | Post a comment

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at Prohibition Taproom

POSTED: Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 8:42 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

If you've been to this week's featured HH, tell us about it in the comments. I want recommendations for future trips, too!

Let's delve into it at Prohibition Taproom.

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WHERE YOU AT?

On the corner of 13th and Buttonwood sits Prohibition Taproom (501 N. 13th St.). Its namesake is painted demurely on its two-tone black and tan exterior, but the best way to spot the joint is by looking for the neon sign in the sky reading âBARâ that points to it. Inside, there are about 20 bar seats, including two extended island-type sections that create face-to-face encounters with people you may not know. Lining the opposite wall is a banquette coupled with tables and chairs that may be yanked together for larger groups or pulled apart for intimate two-seaters. They've just received the go-ahead to introduce outlook seating, which they'll set up closer to summertime.

WHAT'S THE SCENE?

A friend and I drove in from Jersey amid heinous amounts of traffic, so I was happy to find a parking spot quickly, arriving just in time for 5 p.m. HH kick off. It was already slightly crowded, with a large group of suits hanging off to the side of the bar, leaving us to sit at one of those jutting sections. Luckily, two girls were just leaving so we quickly snagged their seats next to the taps. The suits kept coming and eventually occupied about 80 percent of the room. I asked out bartender, Jon Lyons, if this was typical. "Today there is a corporate party going on, but usually earlier is definitely business-type oriented," he told us. "Our late-night happy hour is a younger crowd, and people mostly chill and watch TV." Aside from the partiers, there were about 10 people hanging out, including an older guy with a notepad and pen, two people on a date and a few other thirtysomething dudes. Lyons' iPod provided the musical selection, but there is a jukebox if you want to choose your own tunes.

WHAT'S THE DEAL?

Monday through Thursday, ProTap offers two happy hours: 5 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. (On Friday, there is just one, from 5 to 7.) Both HHs offer $2 PBR and Lionshead and $1 off drafts and well drinks. I sipped two Unearthly IPAs and a Great Divide Colette Farmhouse Ale. (Also on tap was Yards Brawler, Sly Fox Instigator, Left Hand Milk Stout, Lost Abbey Devotion, Old Scratch Amber Lager and Coronado Red Devil â these switch up weekly.) There aren't any food special, and Lyons said they probably won't add any, but regardless you should order the grilled cheese with sliced fingerlings, jalepeÃ±os, bacon, cheddar and scallions. It's an actual grilled cheese, not a sandwich that's been smeared with butter and smashed on a flat-top. The hummus and pita was tasty, too.

Foobooz » Weekend

Posted 2010-04-09 17:29:48

[...] Start the weekend with happy hour at Prohibition Taproom. ProTap was just featured in Meal Ticket’s Happy Hour Hopper. [...]

ThadS

Posted 2010-04-09 18:41:53

I was just there last night for the first time in a while. Good burger, tasty fries, and an interesting beer selection, priced right. I need to hit this place up more frequently.

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 8:42 PM Permalink | Post a comment

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at Noble: an American Cookery

POSTED: Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

Photo | Drew Lazor

WHERE YOU AT? When L.B.I. surf buddies/restaurateurs Bruno Pouget and Todd Rodgers opened Noble (2025 Sansom St.) in May 2009, they set out to create a sustainable, hand-crafted beauty with seasonal food and gracious service. On fair-weather days, Noble retracts its large storefront windows so guests can sit at the granite windowsill that doubles as a dining counter (above). The interior bar is a polished slab of 400-year old naturally-fallen Bubinga wood, which has a wavy, linear grain with textured dark red and purple colors.

Photo | Drew Lazor

WHAT'S THE SCENE? We arrived around 5:15 p.m. and the airy seats were already snagged, so we continued inside. Early on it was kinda dead, but things picked up a bit later with a few dinner guests and bar stragglers — executives, young professionals and a comedian who just booked a show at neighboring Helium. I like it when it's not too crowded, because you can actually hear the conversation you are having and the staff pays a bit more attention to you. As they waited at the end of the bar for drink orders, servers added to the lively convo we were having with bartender Christian Gaal, who was very well-versed, whether he was quoting Shakespeare or describing items from the happy-hour deal. WHAT'S THE DEAL? Noble's Happy Hour (5-7 p.m. Tue.-Fri.) rotates deals daily. On this particular day the two half-priced menu items featured for HH were chickpea fritters served with a warmed tomato compote (these resembled rectangular mozzarella sticks but tasted like deep-fried hummus) and tangy, barbecue-glazed chicken wings or pork belly (We opted for the split plate Gaal dubbed ("the belly wing.") Drink deals include two draft choices for $3 (this day it was Yards ESA and Dark Wit, but they change frequently), $6 select wines and one specialty cocktail a-la-Gaal.

Justin Manne

Posted 2010-03-30 14:47:35

Love this!!! Look forward to reading future reports... I recommend you try Happy Hour at Tank Bar above Friday Saturday Sunday... Happy Hour is from 5:30-7:00 pm and everything is just $5... yes, you read right- everything... all drinks from cocktails, beers, and wine... Cheers!

Marie DiFeliciantonio

Posted 2010-03-30 16:43:20

WHOO! and Justin, you read my mind...I have been eyeing up Tank Bar for a while now.  Look for it in a future post!

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

1 | 2 | 3

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Founded in October 2008, Meal Ticket is a City Paper blog about food, drink and assorted other things that make you go mmm. We do recipes, interviews, restaurant news, commentary and much more. We don't do restaurant reviews here — those are handled in print, mostly by our critic (and Meal Ticket contributor) Adam Erace. Got a tip, question, thought or concern? Just want to say hello? Please shoot a note to caroline@citypaper.net.

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