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Sunday, February 27, 2011

2011 SXSW Guide to Happy Hours


Happy Hours are plentiful in Austin, and trying to curate a short list was really difficult.  Here's here's a short list of happy hours with respective commentary.  I've also included two links of intensive happy hour websites.  Happy Hour is usually 5pm - 7pm, with reverse happy hours during the last two hours of operation.  Be forewarned that these happy hour spots can get very crowded, and you might find yourself employing some parkour tricks to pounce on empty tables.

Austin Frugal Feaster - This one hasn't been updated in a while as it has restaurants listed that are closed, but most of the restaurants are still open.

Austin Food Journal's Calendar - This one is more interactive with a scrolling calendar.

Jeffery's - 1204 W Lynn St   Austin, TX 78703   (512) 477-5584 -  Jeffery's is one of those classic Austin restaurants.  I haven't been for Happy Hour in quite some time, but I do remember having a foie gras slider the last time I was there.  That's right, I said foie gras.

Eddie V's - 301 E 5th St   Austin, TX 78701    (512) 472-1860  - @NatanyaP likes Eddie V's, and my @Windaddict/@HopSafari enjoys the happy hour there as well.  It is also in the heart of downtown.  I've enjoyed their crab cakes at events many times as well.

Fonda San Miguel - 2330 N Loop Blvd W   Austin, TX 78756  (512) 459-4121 - @FondaAustin - Fonda San Miguel is an Austin icon.  Christian Bowers says that's where he first took his wife on a date many years ago.  Fonda serves tasty lamb chops and mushroom quesadillas, and most of all, I love their petit four desserts.

Quality Seafood -   5621 Airport Blvd  Austin, TX 78751  (512) 454-5827 - Quality seafood isn't really a restaurant perse.  It is more like a diner inside of a seafood market, but don't be put off.  The prices are right, and the food is pretty tasty.  They have daily specials and $2 fish tacos on Tuesday.  I didn't enjoy the crab cake here.  Order the gumbo instead.

Paggi House - 200 Lee Barton Dr  Austin, TX 78704  (512) 473-3700 @paggihouse - I love Paggi House for the atmosphere, service, and the dog friendly patio.  Not only are the deals great, the presentation of the food here has been tops.  I haven't been let down here yet!  Half off selected drinks and half off appetizers.


 
Trio at the Four Seasons - 98 San Jacinto Blvd  Austin, TX 78701 (512) 478-4500  @FSaustin - Trio understands happy hour.  With fabulous deals, cheery staff, great selection of wine, and to scrumptious lamb sliders, Trio has earned my happy hour loyalty.  Half off selected wines and appetizers, not to mention the new addition of a cocktail menu.  


McCormick's and Schmick's - 401 Congress Avenue  Austin, TX 78701   (512) 236-9600 @MccormickSchmicks - While it isn't the very best Austin has to offer, McCormick's and Schmick's is a great place to go for cheap eats.  With a purchase of a drink (minimum $2, ice tea counts), order from a reduced price menu in the bar area.  From half pound burgers and fries for 2.95 to a healthy serving of hummus and pita for 1.95, you can't go wrong.  McCormick's and Schmick's offers a regular happy hour and a reverse happy hour.  Get there early or practice your ninja skills in snagging a seat.  It can get crowded during happy hour.  Menus may different at both locations.

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