St. Louis County Neighborhoods: Maplewood/Brentwood
Houlihan's
1221 Strassner Drive, Brentwood; 314-863-9116 or click here for more info and a map
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3 to 6 p.m.; $3 beer pints, half-off drafts and rail drinks, $4 Long Island iced teas, $6 appetizers
With its sleek black bar, handsome wood accents, modern brick fireplace and a covered pergola for those dining al fresco, the Houlihan's at Hanley Station has gotten a fine new look following its move from the Saint Louis Galleria two years ago. It also boasts a spirited staff and spirited, uh, spirits! Here, every day is worthy of a happy hour, and a generous one at that. From 3 to 6 p.m., a liter — one more time, a liter — of Long Island iced tea (pick from among eight different kinds) goes for the fall-off-your-bar stool price of $4; pint glasses are $3. Plus, drafts and rail drinks are half off. Graze your way through Houlihan's $6 appetizers, including their rosy-hued tuna won tons and must-order chicken strips that are breaded in-house. Wine about your Tuesday, when bottles — regularly priced from $20 to $50 — are half price. The deals start up again at 10 p.m., but for drinks alone. (KM)
Monarch
7401 Manchester Road, Maplewood; 314-644-3995 or click here for more info and a map
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; $2 Bud Light, $5 glasses of wine and hurricanes, $8 Bud Light pitchers
Monarch recently underwent an interior transformation, but the sit-ability of the huge, wraparound bar has not changed — nor has the drinkability of the cocktails. Whew! The lighting is just as soothing, and the staffers are just as friendly, and you can even add an element of travel to your early-evening out. That's right, weeknight daters, after-workers and solo drinkers alike can journey to New Orleans through the straws of ruby-red hurricanes, which are on special for $5 during happy hour. Sure beats that ten-hour drive down south! Glasses of wine and Bud Light are also on special, so your fellow travelers ought to be satisfied, no matter what their poison of preference. (AS)
