As the temperature continues to rise in anticipation of summer, locals make the most of their long afternoons by getting a jumpstart on evening festivities.
In this iconic college town, one of the best kept secrets are the unique “happy hour” specials served up at your favorite bars. Get your “early bird special” of each evening and sink into the simplicity of summer by enjoying yourself at these top picks.
Steelhead Brewery
Happy Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-close
If you’re not ready to move inside for the evening, try Steelhead Brewery’s large patio seating area instead. It is exactly what you and your friends need to enjoy this happy hour. Heather Bird, Steelhead Brewery’s general manager, gets everyone hungry as she tells all about the brewery’s deals:
“We’re very excited to offer an affordable happy hour menu to our patrons. Our delicious McKenzie Brewing Company beers, all made in house, are $1 off along with discounted wine, well cocktails and a featured cocktail chosen by the bartender. Our menu consists of some delicious small plates like Cajun tater tots, potato skins, mac & cheese, calamari strips and more. We think it’s a pretty great deal to be able to get a delicious local microbrew and a snack for less than $10.”
Sushi Island
Happy Hours: Daily, 2-4 p.m.
What could possibly be better than a sushi belt restaurant offering all plates for $1.50 during its happy hour? If you miss the two hour time slot, the pricing outside of happy hour is just as reasonable, ranging from $1.50-$3.50 a plate from the sushi belt. A full house menu is also available, that includes appetizers, bento boxes and special rolls.
Agate Alley Bistro
Happy Hours: Daily, 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close
You can find your favorite guilty pleasures on Agate Alley’s happy hour menu, including the N.W. Mac & Cheese, Agate Alley Burger, pizzas, wraps, tacos and of course, all kinds of fries. Drink specials include discounted well drinks, microbrew pints, pitchers and a dollar off wines by the glass and specialty cocktails.
“Our happy hour helps us create and build relationships with our neighbors and friends.  Kind of like old English pubs–we’ve always strived to not just be a bar/restaurant located in our neighborhood, but actually a defining part of our neighborhood. We look to offer a varying and eclectic group of items to appeal to the wide range of guests we attract here” explained owner, Dug Beaird.
Hop Valley Brewing Co.
Happy Hours: Sun.-Thur. 3-6 p.m.
All your favorite bar food items, including delicious appetizers, fish tacos, a classic Caesar and margarita pizza, fill this happy hour menu. Hop Valley Brewing Co. also provides discounts on its Hop Valley microbrews, well drinks and house wines.
“Hop Valley Brewing Co. has established its Happy Hours to attract customers who might not otherwise try our restaurants and turn infrequent visitors into Hop Valley regulars,” said Hop Valley’s Director of Pub Operations/General Manager, Cassia Sexton.