St. Louis County Neighborhoods: University City/The Loop
Brandt's Cafe
6525 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-727-3663 or click here for more info and a map
Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m.; $2 to $3 off select appetizers, $2 domestic bottles of beer, $3 well drinks
Despite its artsy décor and modern high-top tables, Brandt's Café is pretty casual during happy hour, and the patrons are a mixed bag of folks who appear to have just walked in on a whim from the Loop. The best thing about Brandt's may be the fabulous beer selection, which includes more than 100 beers from all over the world. Even though the happy-hour list sticks with domestic bottles and well drinks, there are a lot of exciting brews to try, so mix in a critically acclaimed $10 import every now and then while you're slugging back Budweisers. The deals are good enough that you'll still come out ahead. (KK)
Cicero's
6691 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-862-0009 or click here for more info and a map
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 7 p.m.; $3 select craft bottles, $3.25 select pints, $2.25 select domestic beers, $2.50 well drinks, $1 off glasses of wine, half-price appetizers
Row after row of taps make Cicero's look like a U.N. beer summit, with tap handles representing the interests of woodchucks, gnomes, rams and geese from far-flung locations such as Belgium, Germany and Vermont. They've got Kölsch, they've got Grolsch, and they've got bartenders who'll tell you the difference if you're not entirely sure. At Cicero's, they practice what they teach at beer school on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Be sure to take advantage of their "Beer School Specials," their recently revamped cocktail menu and one of the few happy hours in town that actually features cheap craft beer. Cicero's rocking food menu is nearly as revered as its drink menu, so it'd also be wise to take advantage of their delicious half-price appetizers during happy hour. Most everything costs $4 or less. (KM)
