The Joint: John P. Field's 26 North Central Avenue, Clayton 314-862-1886
The (Happy) Hours: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Deal: $2 domestic Anheuser-Busch bottles.
There must be more to happy hour than two-buck Bud, right? Right?
The Scene: The miniature Stanley Cup behind the bar suggests that John P. Field's and its habitués may get their hockey on, but at happy hour young professionals rule the roost and there's nary a Blues jersey to be seen. Through the haze of smoke, it's possible to verify beyond a doubt that this is downtown Clayton's after-work crowd. (There's a patio out back, but it gives off the odd vibe of isolation. As does the outdoor scattering of two-tops that fronts Central Avenue.)
The promise of deliciousness wafts from the kitchen to parry with the cig smoke, and the food lives up to the olfactory expectations. It's a damn shame that happy hour doesn't bring any edible specials, but buying at regular price won't break you. Mini-burgers are two bucks, wings 50 cents apiece. Although the servers are friendly, you might have to wait a while. We had to track down an own ashtray after several servers passed by without dropping one off.
Why You'll Go Back: If you work nearby, you'll come back because of the convenient location. And if you do, you'll join a loyal, regular crowd that has fallen for the classic and unassuming atmosphere.
The Verdict: There's nothing outstanding about John P. Field's happy hour; it's just an ordinary bar. If you work in Clayton, it's a fine neighborhood bar. But if you work in another part of town, there's bound to be a neighborhood bar with the same mojo going for it -- in the neighborhood.
