stay tuned.....

faithful readers,
My apologies for not posting any happy hours lately. I was on three weeks of travel and then broke my nose as soon as I returned to Boise. I'm having surgery this week, so no happy hour for me until at least next week. I promise to make it up to you however!

I did recently visit Solid in the 8th Street Marketplace and will post my review while I'm convalescing.

Cheers!

Pho Nouveau

780 W Idaho Street

Time: 4-6 M-F
Special: All beer and wine 2 for 1; ½ off appetizers
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: no
Other mentions: outside seating during warmer months

This little gem opened up in the old Falcon location in the heart of downtown but I had yet to visit so I made a point to pop in on this brisk winter’s eve. The restaurant is decorated modestly with plenty of seating for such a small establishment. The lay out is still very much as it was with the previous folks but modernized just a bit.

I was very surprised to find all of their drinks on the happy hour specials, even bottled drinks. I ordered up a sake which came in an individual bottle warmed, while my friend enjoyed the plum wine. The menu offered up a nice selection of beers with options spanning Asia. The wine selection was also nice but most options from the U.S.

With ½ off appetizers we would be crazy not to try at least a couple. We ordered the Summer Rolls with Tofu (normally $5.50) and the Sizzling Saigon Crepe (normally $5.75). Both were fantastic. The Summer Rolls came with a very light peanut sauce that provided a delicate flavor without over powering the rolls. The crepe was something I had never had before. It was filled with shrimp and chicken, served with herbs, cucumber, and carrots, and lettuce to wrap around it. Very tasty.

When we first arrived, our service was great with the server being very attentive. But as our time there progressed, the service got a little spotty. I couldn’t tell if a different server had taken over and we were just forgotten about or if our server had just gotten overwhelmed with tables. We still very much enjoyed the food, drinks, and atmosphere. We would definitely return and try some of the other tasty offerings on the menu!

Bonefish Grill

www.bonefishgrill.com
855 W Broad Street

Time: 3-6 and 9-Close daily
Special: $6 featured martinis, $5 premium wines, ½ off wells, ½ off premium liquor, $4 draft beers & house wines. And ½ off select appetizers.
Rating: 4.5 martinis
Smoking: no
Other mentions: They offer an anytime menu with several $5 options including sangria and Svedka Martinis.

My friends and I first came upon Bonefish during the Martini Mix-Off in May and it quickly became one of our favorite stops, especially on the weekends. It is located in a great part of town at the 8th Street Marketplace. The happy hour deals are fantastic and every time we have Shannon for a bartender, the service is stellar. Unfortunately on this visit Shannon had gone home for the day but we still had a great time.

There were several of us on this visit and most of us ordered food so we were able to sample a variety. I personally love the Bang Bang Shrimp. But the mussels were tasty as well and there were plenty to go around. I heard no complaints whatsoever from our group and the food went down quick.

Drinks were plentiful on this visit. A few of my friends continue to return to Bonefish specifically because of one of the martinis they entered into the mix-off: The Bandit. It is a lovely concoction of American Honey Bourbon and Butterscotch Liqueur with a honeyed rim. This particular evening my friends only got one because they ran out of this fine liquor. Note to Bonefish: stock up! Besides this one glitch in our plans, everything else was fantastic. We will continue to return, especially if the American Honey is there!

The Lobby

www.thelobbyboise.com
760 W Main Street

Time: 4-6 M-F
Special: $2 wells, drafts, and house wines
Rating: 4.5 martinis
Smoking: no
Other mentions: Martini Wednesdays 4-7 house martinis $6; $1 PBR pints on Wednesdays; Specials during all Bronco and Vandal games and during Monday Night Football; bike racks

Due to my crazy travel schedule as of late, I was long overdue to try out The Lobby. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Lush, it is in prime downtown real estate- on Main between 8th and Capitol. They have done a great job with the remodel brightening things up while still providing a cozy feeling. They also promote local artists with their works on display, I believe on a rotating basis.

On this brisk evening, I sidled up to the bar and thought it appropriate to order a Widmer Brrr (it didn’t disappoint!). They do offer a fine selection of beers on tap that will fit anyone’s liking. There are a few wine options as well and of course a full bar. Everyone seemed very friendly, staff and patrons alike. I felt right at home here.

They have a few TVs around for folks to watch whatever game happens to be on but they didn’t distract from the bar experience at all. They blended in well with the tastefully decorated lounge.

I was lucky enough to have Adam, one of the proprietors, as my bartender on this visit. He told me they are working on permits for outdoor seating and an outdoor grill so they can serve food. Both will be great additions to this fine establishment. This is definitely a place to which I plan to return again and again. Once they get the food going, it will be moved up to a 5 martini rating!

Bungalow

boisebungalow.com
1520 N 13th Street


Time: 3-7 and 9-1 daily
Special: $6 martinis; $1 off other drinks; 2 for 1 appetizers.
Rating: 3 martinis
Smoking: outside
Other mentions: outside seating, bike racks, full menu, full bar

Bungalow sits in a prime location in the center of Hyde Park in the North end of Boise. Surprisingly, the building has been home to several bars and restaurants in my 15 years of Boise. I’m not even sure I ever had a chance to patron its last resident. Hopefully Bungalow can withstand the necessary turbulence of this economy and hold ground longer.

My friends and I only visited the lounge during this visit so I can not attest to the restaurant area but if it is anything like the lounge, it is tastefully decorated and not overly pretentious. While it appears to be too upscale for many, the variety of patrons during our visit gave the feeling of just another great neighborhood bar. Not sure if that is what the owners are after, but it certainly seems to work.

My friends and I all ordered a variety of items for our enjoyment. The deals I found to be the best: the 2 for 1 appetizers and $6 any martinis. Seriously, any martini....even Grey Goose with a twist. I have ordered similar around town for upwards of $12. The beers came in at around $3 during happy hour and they have some tasty handles, including Widmer’s seasonal Brrrr.

There were four of us this visit so we ordered four appetizers. The meat and cheese plate ($12), the pizza of the day ($10), the wings ($8), and the Brie ($10). All the food was excellent and very filling.

The only real complaint we had was with our service. Sometimes it was good but sometimes it was non-existent. We had to flag down our server several times and it was sort of awkward. There were only five tables that evening with two servers and the bartender was handling those at the bar, so it wasn’t very busy. When the bill arrived, it was incorrect and missing a couple of the happy hour discounts.

Mostly, we were very pleased with their happy hour and are sure to return for the martinis and appetizers.

Barbacoa

www.barbacoa-boise.com
276 W Bobwhite Court


Time: 4-6 daily; 9:30-11 Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
Special: 2 for 1 drinks
Rating: 2.5 martinis
Smoking: outside
Other mentions: outside seating, bike racks, full menu

I had only been to Barbacoa once and that was for lunch about a year ago, so I thought it was time to try out their happy hour. We arrived right at 4 to get things started. Like usual, we cozied up to the bar. We were informed that most any drink is included in the 2 for 1 deal except the list of drinks on the cocktail menu in front of us. Most of those were the fancy drinks that we rarely order anyway, so no loss on our parts. We were much later informed that those drinks are discounted during happy hour, though.

With drinks in front of us, we decided to check out the appetizer menu. It offered a variety of options including mini tacos, pizzas, and tableside guacamole. I’ve heard great things about their guacamole but since I’m allergic to avocados, that was not an option. So we went with our normal standby of nachos. The nachos are available regular ($9) or with topping options (add $3): chicken, barbacoa beef, shrimp, or crab. We went with the barbacoa beef. When the dish came out, it was huge. We could only eat about half the order it was so big, and rather tasty.

It seemed that about every half hour, the lights kept getting dimmed until it was really quite dark in the bar. Sure, it can add a bit of ambiance but too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing. Another oddity, the restrooms are not marked well and I had to ask someone which was the women’s. It would be nice to make that just a bit more obvious. A big bonus for the establishment- they have a bike rack, always a huge plus for happy hour attendance.

My friend and I enjoyed Barbacoa but we weren’t wowed by it. The drinks are expensive ($5.50 for well drinks) so happy hour is the only time you may see us there. Granted they do use higher end liquor, such as Smirnoff for vodka instead of Komchatka, but still pricey. The food prices seemed reasonable for what was served. The décor is pleasant and different from other restaurants in the area.

I'd like to hear from you

Greetings readers!
I would like to know what restaurants/bars you would like me to review. I'm sure there are several places completely off my radar but could be possible gems. Post your thoughts and ideas here and I will do my best to consume libations, savor vittles, and provide a review of each location.

Thank you!

The Melting Pot

www.meltingpot.com
200 N 6th Street

Time: 5-7 Daily
Special: $3 micros, $2 other beers, $5 wines, $3.50 wells, and $5 Feature drinks and martinis
Rating: 4.5 martinis
Smoking: no
Other mentions: Full Bar, seating outside, $5 appetizer specials

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant located in downtown Boise. It opened a few years ago and has been very successful, filling a niche that is otherwise absent in the area. It is also much more than cheese and chocolate dip.

I have visited the restaurant on other occasions for dinner but this was my first for happy hour. My friends and I sidled up to the bar (we often prefer to sit at the bar versus at tables as this offers better access to the bartender for insider knowledge). The bartender of the evening, Bobby, was very attentive and enthusiastic. We couldn’t decide on a wine to have so he let us sample several before we made our selection. We really liked this!

They have a vast selection of their wines for $5 during happy hour, as well as beer and liquor specials. An interesting tidbit about their liquor selection, their well offerings are higher end than most places. So for their vodka, they offer Smirnoff as the well instead of something like Kamchatka.

They have a special food menu set up for happy hour also. It includes a couple of fondue options perfect for sharing with someone, as well as salads, shrimp, and dips most priced at $5! We enjoyed the Baked Brie with Pesto, Honey and Almond Baked Brie, and the Spinach Artichoke Dip. Everything was fantastic and nicely presented. The brie was served with bread and chips; the chips seemed like an unlikely pairing but actually worked. The spinach and artichoke dip was a more than ample portion of creamy goodness.

A note of mention, happy hour is only available in the bar area. This should not pose a problem, however, as there is ample seating in the bar. The restaurant also has an outdoor patio, as well as several booths throughout- some are very intimate 2-top tables tucked away behind curtains. There were only a few groups in the bar on our visit, but on a trip through the restaurant I noticed most of the tables full....and it wasn’t even a weekend evening.

The owner of the restaurant made his way around the establishment while patrons dined, personalizing each persons visit. This was nice to see as it is a rare occurrence to visit with the owner anymore. This seems to be an area that several restaurants lack but I believe it to be key in keeping diners returning. Every diner wants to feel special and that extra step does just that.

Bobby the bartender actually gets big kudos from us. A few days after our visit to Melting Pot, he spotted us downtown and said hello! Nice work remembering us! We will definitely return to the Melting Pot for happy hour and hopefully it is on a night Bobby is working!

The Dutch Goose

www.dutchgoose.com

3515 W State Street

Time: 4-6 M-F
Special: $1.50 domestics and $2.50 micros
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: outside
Other mentions: outside seating with misters on hot days, horseshoe pits, other daily specials: Tuesday- 2 for 1 burgers, Wednesday $3 32 oz. tubs from 6-11pm and free peanuts, Thursday $1 all drafts from 8-11pm

The Goose isn’t a fancy place but it is friendly and fun. It offers up a variety of entertainment sure to please everyone in your group with pool tables, video games, televisions, horseshoe pits, and plenty of seating for socializing.

The atmosphere is casual with a no frills approach and ordering is done at the counter. What you get in return is low prices on a great beer selection and tasty food that also comes with a great price tag. The counter service was also fantastic. While I didn’t catch the name of the bartender/cook/server of the day, she was entertaining, nice, and quick!

My most recent visit was on a Tuesday so my friend and I took advantage of the 2 for 1 burgers. They were generous in size as well as flavor. For a Tuesday afternoon/early evening, the place was packed. Seems that many already know about this little gem and they ranged from a softball team to a table in suits, and everything in between.

We left happy, full, and no longer thirsty. We will definitely return to the Goose!

Parrilla Grill

1512 N 13th Street

Time: M-F 4-6:30
Special: $2.50 domestics, $2.50 wells, $3.50 micros, and $1 off pitchers
Rating: 3 martinis
Smoking: no
Other mentions: Full Bar, seating outside, daily specials

Technically I didn’t make it during happy hour but Parilla Grill does have daily specials. I went on a Thursday for the $1 taco special. That is right! $1 tacos all day Thursday! I could choose from steak, pork, chicken, or veggie on either corn or flour tortillas. I opted for one chicken on flour and one veggie on corn. I had them throw on some corn salsa and pico de gallo and I was set! My friend and I headed outdoors to their lovely patio, sat at the bar, and ordered up some cold beverage. Thursday also happens to be $1 off all drafts.

The restaurant was busy for mid-day Thursday. People rode up on bikes, some had dogs, and some were punching away on computers. Parilla Grill draws a diverse crowd with its tasty and affordable offerings. The tacos were yummy and healthy. The beer selection was simple yet provided an option for everyone. The location in Hyde Park is perfect for those wanting to get out of downtown but not too far out or those just getting back from the foothills.

Bonefish

855 W Broad Street
www.bonefishgrill.com

We were kind of surprised to see Bonefish on the list of locations as it is not a locally owned restaurant but we were ready to try it out none-the-less. We immediately requested a seat on the patio since it was a perfect day. Our server made us laugh from the very beginning with her quick wit. She let us have it at every opportunity. We loved her!

But let’s get to the drinks:
The Smokey
Titos unfiltered Vodka and Chivas Scotch shaken to create a smoky clean finish. Garnished with a chipotle stuffed olive.

The Bandit
American Honey Manhattan accompanied with a splash of Butterscotch liquor, garnished with a sweet honeyed rim.

El Pepino
Absolut Vodka infused with cucumbers, lime juice, and crushed mint.

We immediately ordered up all three (luckily they still had one El Pepino left). While we waited for our drinks we perused the menu and reviewed our coupons. Two of us had coupons for some appetizers…plus it was happy hour (even on Sunday!). Huge bonus points already!

Back to the drinks. The Smokey….well I’m not sure I got that much “smoke” out of it but it did make me gasp a little from the scotch. I’m not a huge scotch fan though so that was my problem. After a few sips though, I didn’t seem to mind it so much. I guess it is an acquired taste. The chipotle stuffed olives were very spicy.

The Bandit was sneaky good. Who doesn’t like a rim of honey?? And the addition of the butterscotch, definitely yummy. I expected it to be sweeter but it was surprisingly balanced in sweetness and martini-ness.

The El Pepino was served on ice with a cucumber and mint sprig garnish. It was refreshing with the cucumber up front and a mint finish. It may have had a little too much cucumber though; a bit more subtleness would have been better.

Back to food. We ordered up all kinds of goodies from their happy hour menu (3-6pm and 9-close). They seriously had some great deals. 2 Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for $4 (huge), ½ off coconut shrimp, calamari, and more! And it was all really good.

To sum up the martini mix off….their martinis were fine. To sum up their happy hour….we will definitely be back! And while they are a chain restaurant, we have decided that since they hire locals to staff it, it is still a place we can patron!

Neurolux

www.neurolux.com
111 N 11th Street

Time: 1-8 Daily
Special: $1 drafts; $2 wells
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: Yes
Other mentions: Full Bar, seating outside

Neurolux has always been a great favorite of mine with its eclectic style and stiff, cheap drinks! This first day of spring was no different. It was a perfect day to sit outside on the patio and watch the cars go by.

This day did not have outside service but it was quiet enough inside that a walk up to the bar rendered drinks quickly. Several regulars lingered at the bar, while a few played pool in the expanded back area.

While Neurolux might be one of my favorite stops it isn’t for everyone. It is smoky inside. It serves up some of the stiffest drinks around. If you prefer to be around people in suits and crisp shirts, well this might not be the place for you. If you like variety, live music that is not mainstream, and the occasional theater production, you need to try it out!

Happy Fish

855 Broad Street
www.happyfishsushi.com

Time: 4-6 M-F
Special: $5 select martinis and sake
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: No
Other mentions: Full sushi menu; lunch menu prices until 4:30 pm

Happy Fish is a fun little sushi establishment located off the alley between 8th and 9th off Broad Street. It has offerings of sashimi, nigiri, rolls, tempura, and even some cooked yummies. There are about 10 tables inside with additional seating at the sushi bar and outside, weather permitting.

Happy hour provides 4 different martini options as well as a hot sake. The martinis include a House vodka or gin martini, Cosmo, Happy Lemon Drop, or the Happy Hour Sakatini. Some of these are only for the happy hour special. I enjoyed the Happy Lemon Drop during my visit which is made with a Ginger Vodka. The ginger is a great complement to the basic lemon drop and actually makes them go down quickly.

I also enjoyed some food since I had arrived while the lunch menu was still available (much cheaper!). I had the Sushi Moriawase for $10 compared to the $15 on the dinner menu. This came with soup, nigiri (including my favorite- Taco), and a roll that I could eat (sans avocado!). The service was great, even with the changing of the guard during my tenure on the barstool. The food was good. The Happy Lemon Drops made me very happy!

This could become dangerous with the proximity to my office.....i’m already craving another Happy Lemon Drop!

Falcon Tavern

www.falcontavern.com
780 W Idaho Street

Time: 4-6 Daily
Special: 2 for 1 pints and other rotating daily specials
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: No
Other mentions: Full menu. Beer and wine but no liquor.

The Falcon Tavern is a great little pub in the heart of downtown Boise. It isn’t a large place but is efficient with what it has. There are about 10 seats at the bar and about 12 2-4 top tables for dining or just enjoying a beer or two after work. During nice weather, there is seating available on the patio, making for some great people watching.

I arrived right at 4 anxious to start my weekend. There were already a handful of folks at the bar and a few tables full. I chose a 2 top along the back wall. I was unfamiliar with most of the beers on tap so the server kindly brought me a couple of samples. The beer was tasty and the atmosphere nice. By about 5:30 all the tables were full, as were the seats at the bar. I can see why this place has a great appeal.

While I didn’t order any food this trip, I have on other occasions. They have the basics of pub fare covered, such as burgers and sandwiches but they also provide several salad choices and daily specials. The prices are reasonable and the portions generous. I will definitely go back and most likely soon!

Mai Thai

750 W Main Street

Time: 5-6:30 M-F 9-10 M-TH
Special: daily bottled beer selection $2, 2 for 1 wells $5, mojitos $5
Appetizer specials
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: no

Food specials!
99¢ APPETIZERS
satay (chicken, pork or tofu)
spring roll or summer roll
thai wing
$1.59 APPETIZERS
three flavors popcorn chicken
imperial vegetable potsticker
thai taco
$3.95 APPETIZERS
asian chicken lettuce wraps
seafood packets
lotus dim sum

Matt and I went out for drinks for my birthday! I have gone to Mai Thai on my birthday every year it has been open except one when I was out of town. The bar area was nearly vacant but the restaurant looked mostly full.

Thomas was our bartender. He gave us the low down and we quickly ordered a beverage and appetizers. While the appetizers are cheap, they are also very small. I’m not complaining, because they were very tasty! I’m just saying that you should not expect to get the same item you would get on the regular menu. I ordered the summer roll and the satay. Mai Thai’s summer roll is one of my favorites. I often attempt to recreate it and think I come very close, but there is nothing like having someone else make it for you! ……especially on your birthday. My only problem of the night is Thomas trying to rush us off. Thirty minutes after receiving our drinks, he asked if we were ready to tab out…..it was before 7! He qualified it with “you don’t look like drinkers”. Well that is good but it was my birthday!! I at least enjoyed my company. We moved on…..but I’ll be back sometime…..

Pair

601 Main Street
Eatdrinkshare.com


Time: 3-6 M-F
Special: $5 infused martinis and $3 select appetizers
Rating: 4 martinis
Smoking: no

Pair is a swanky restaurant at the corner of 6th and Main Streets. The bar area provides great seating with swivel, jetson-like chairs and faux leather sofas. The other side of the establishment is more restaurant than bar but the line of transition is a bit blurred, allowing for easy spill over from either side.

The martinis on special include Blackberry, Tangerine, Strawberry, Rosemary Lemon Drop, and a Mango concoction. I tried the Rosemary Lemon Drop and was pleasantly surprised. It had just the right amount of everything in it.

The appetizer specials include the mini wimpi burger, artichoke spread, hummus, edemame, age tofu, and pommes frites. I ordered the hummus. It came with a generous portion, along with pita wedges and olive tapenade. The hummus was fine but not spectacular. The tapenade was nothing more than pimento stuffed green olives chopped. While not very impressive it was adequate for $3.

The service was good and the ambiance was great. The happy hour selection isn’t vast but is perfect if you are after something a bit different. During warmer months, outdoor seating is available for great people watching. I also noticed that Pair serves brunch on weekends with $6 bottomless mimosas. I’ll have to return on a weekend soon!

Café Ole

www.cafeole.com

8th Street Marketplace
*some call this BODO but technically BODO is the new construction and this is not. The buildings even have signage at the doors stating “8th Street Marketplace”.

Time: 4:30-6 M-F
Special: 2 for 1 drinks (any drink!)
Rating: 4 Martinis
Smoking: No
Other mentions: Free chips and salsa and a $3 all you can eat taco bar (only in the bar). Each day offers up different food specials. Cell reception can be spotty if seated in the back corner of the bar.

I met up with 8 others this particular evening. The bar is rather large so it was easy to accommodate all of us. Several folks ordered a variety of margaritas, including one frothy pink one. By the multiple orders of margaritas, I will assume they were to everyone’s liking. I had my usual Vodka and Soda and it was very satisfactory. The server brought us several baskets of chips served with beans and salsa. Their chips are soooo good. Considering the size of our party, I found the service to be acceptable, however the clearing of our table of the empties was very slow. We really didn’t need to show off how much we can drink! I will definitely return (it also helps that it is across the street from my office too!).

Leku Ona

117 S. 6th Street
Boise, ID 83702

Time: 4-5:30
Special: ½ off Stella and Budweiser draughts, $1.75 wells, ½ off wine M-Sat
Rating: 3 martinis
Smoking: only in the bar which is separate from the restaurant
Other mentions: Full menu available

Located on the Basque block, this restaurant couldn’t have a better location. The place is rather large with its corner location and entrances from Grove Street and 6th Street. Leku Ona has also restored the building next door into a boutique hotel, which I find perfect. The rooms are updated yet cozy, located in the heart of Old Boise, and very reasonably priced (around the $70/night range).

The bar is well stocked with a variety of options and there appeared to be 5 beers on tap- micro brews and domestics. They also have a selection of Basque beers in the bottle. The wine selection is good with just the right amount of options and all reasonably priced. I still have yet to eat at Leku Ona but the menu items look tasty. They are all available in the bar with appetizers ranging from $4-10.

A mixture of folks hangs out at Leku Ona, from local artists to politicians to those from the Basque country. This eclectic assortment of patrons is one of the great things I love about the establishment, plus it is locally owned! While it was rather smoky in there, I would still go back especially in the summer time and enjoy the large patio area.

Highlands Hollow

www.highlandshollow.com
2455 Harrison Hollow Lane

Time: 3-7 S-S
Special: $2.75 draughts
Rating: 3 martinis
Smoking: No
Other mentions: happy hour is 7 days a week! A full menu with a large vegetarian section. Seasonal patio seating.

This place has been around as long as I’ve been in town, but back then it was Harrison Hollow. It has undergone a name change but I haven’t noticed any other distinct changes- this is a good thing. It was great just the way it was and it still is!

Highlands Hollow brews its own tasty beers and offers up a great selection, perfect after a day on the mountain- biking or skiing. Their beers range from light ales to stouts. They feature a ginger wheat, a berry, and a winter selection. The variety is fantastic. They also offer up an unexpectedly good selection of wines.

The clientele varies as much as the beverage selection. I have seen skiers, cyclists, families, even news casters in the establishment at any given time. The food menu is also just as yummy as the beer, and the service is excellent. Definitely a keeper on the short list.

The Modern Hotel and Bar

http://www.themodernhotel.com/
1314 W Grove Street

Time: 5-7 pm
Special: $3.50 wells, $5 wines, and $3 beers
Rating: 4 Martinis
Smoking: No
Other mentions: No food is served

Located in the revamped Linen District, The Modern Hotel is a renovated Travel Lodge with amazing updates. It has gone from dive hotel to swanky destination. This was my first trip to The Modern Bar, a small bar located off the hotel lobby. I’ve ridden my bicycle past the hotel on several occasions when live music was playing in the courtyard and it has been on my short list of places to try, and finally I made it!

When I first walked up to the hotel it wasn’t initially clear where the entrance was to the bar, and still isn’t, so I just walked into the lobby and asked directions. Turns out, it is just down the hall from the front desk.

It was a Monday so it was no surprise to find only two people in the intimate bar. They each had laptops and phone calls going, so I will assume they were still working. If I had to work after 5, The Modern Bar is not a bad place to do it.

The décor is simple and modern, yet soothing. There are five sets of white antlers on one wall that seemed odd but art is often odd so I didn’t think much of it. The inset, overhead lighting was strategically placed over each table to provide enough light to work, see the cocktail menu, or write notes about ones visit.

I was quickly greeted by the bartender/server and told the happy hour specials: $3.50 wells, $5 wines, and $3 beers (I did not see any draught beer however). I ordered up my usual vodka and soda with lime. I did explore the minimal cocktail menu and was surprised by what a punch it really provides for so few items. It is clear that the proprietors put a great deal of thought into it with a less-is-more style. I will return!