Ivar’s Salmon House

One thing (of many) you gotta love about Seattle is that there is no shortage on great seafood.  Ivar’s Seafood has been around since 1938, so they certainly know their way around a fish. They also know the way to a fantastic happy hour!

Neighborhood/s: North Lake Union (being reviewed in this post), Downtown

Food: Ivar’s happy hour menu has a lot to choose from, and most menu items are $3 off for HH. That means for $5-$6 you can get some Popcorn Shrimp (pretty much like eating crack) or Calamari. Or you can go old school and get the HH Fish and Chips  for around $10.**Keep in mind the menus mary vary at different locations–this review was based on the Salmon House on Lake Union.

Drinks: The fancy shmancy specialty coctails are still  a bit on the pricy side–even with the $2 off happy hour special. But they are nice and strong so you can still have a good time without shelling out too many clams (wah waaaah). You can also get well drinks and draft beer for $1 off.

Atmosphere: Great! Both Seattle locations are right on the water so you have the potential for a fabulous view.

Service: Very good.

The Happiest Hours: 3-5pm in the Dining Room or 3pm-close in the Lounge.

Website: http://www.ivars.net/index.php

I give Ivar’s a rating of 5 olives because they’ve got all the right stuff.

Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant

Get your margarita on at Rosita’s at Greenlake!  If you get there at just the right time you can also get a homemade, hot off the tortilla-maker (I don’t know what they’re called) corn tortilla with hot melty butter and/or salsa. Seriously good stuff.

Neighborhood/s: Greenlake

Food: Well there’s the aforementioned homemade tortillas that will make you swoon. Rosita’s also offers a great selection of happy hour foods. For between $4 and $6 you can get Nachos, a Quesadilla, or the deliciously awesome Tacos Locos.

Drinks: Rosita’s happy hour margaritas are just over $5 a piece, but they are served in big ol pint glasses–so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.

Atmosphere: Fun. The bar is small, so if you have a big group, get there early.

Service: Good. They keep the chips and salsa flowing, which is much needed after you’ve had 2 or 7 of Rosita’s margaritas.

The Happiest Hours: 4-6 pm and 9-Closing 7 DAYS A WEEK

Website: http://www.rositasrestaurant.com/cantina.html

The drinks and snacks at Rosita’s are muy bueno.  I give it a rating of 5 olives.