Top 5 happy hours in Lowertown

By Marsha Trainer Fri., Feb. 18 2011 at 11:30 AM

Looking out on Mears Park

When the Hot Dish hangs in St. Paul, generally a visit to a few Lowertown haunts ensues. Whether on the search for a glass of wine or a decent nibble, the options are getting better in this 'hood every year. But our goal is beyond just good food and drink--we want a bargain too. So we went on a trek to find the best happy hour options in the center of the city, and we came up with five solid venues.

Here's our guide to planning your own Lowertown happy hour crawl:

Courtesy of Pazzaluna

Drinking under a crazy moon

1. Pazzaluna
Daily, 4-6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday, 9-10 p.m.

Happy hour venues across the Cities should take a note from this downtown eatery with easy access to many of St. Paul's big events. Summit taps run $4, house wines are $5, and martinis, cosmos, and the Gina ginger press are $6. Its lauded upscale Italian nosh is on the cheap as well. The $5 to $7 menu includes eggplant fries, artichoke fonduta, risotto balls, bruschetta, pizzas, and calamari. Stop in before or after the show (the Ordway) or the game (Xcel Energy Center) and partake of the tasty deals.

Flatbread, organic drumsticks and burgers on challah

2. Faces Mears Park
Sunday through Thursday, 3-6 p.m. and 10-11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Though the list of happy hour items is short, it covers the basics and happens daily. Who can resist the $4 homemade lime and sea salt chips or burgers on mini challah? You can wash it down with $3 wine, the featured tap, or a rail drink. Don't miss the chicken tulips, either, which are organic drumsticks with jerk spices and blue cheese drizzle. It's a good way to get a taste of Faces, without feeling any pinch.

Great atmosphere at Bin

3.Bin Wine Bar
Daily, 4-7 p.m.

Bin's happy hour is focused and small, with $4 house wines, $3 Grain Belts, and a buy 2, get 1 free special on amazing cheeses. The selection changes, but it always includes some delicious domestic lovelies like the Trumpter Meadow and several European choices. Plus, the $2 pour size means you can sample a little vino anytime without breaking the bank. Ready to kick back but retain some of your innate sophistication? This cheese and wine-centric happy hour is for you.

They had me at Lucha Libre.

4. Barrio St. Paul
Monday though Saturday, 2-6 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

The St. Paul outpost of Barrio is no slouch when it comes to happy hour food, drink, and fun. Bring a crowd to enjoy $12 pitchers of Dos Equis Amber or Summit EPA, an $18 carafe of margaritas (serves six glasses) or a $10 can of wine (it serves four). Or quaff a $5 margarita, sangria, or what's known as the Good, the Bad and the Ugly (tequila with tamarind cinnamon cola) by yourself. There are $5 tacos and small plates as well, so you won't get too tipsy from all that tequila. The atmosphere is dark, funky, and casual--a good place to let your hair down after work.

Coffeehouse style with wine and beer

5. Black Dog Cafe and Wine Bar
Daily, 4-7 p.m.

The coffeehouse stylings of Black Dog make for a relaxed happy hour, where the focus is on a good conversation and an artsy, informal atmosphere. Amble up to the counter to order your $4.75 house wine or $3 Summit and see what they've got today for the half-priced appetizer deal. If the special isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of inexpensive things to choose from as you sip your wine or beer--cookies, salads, and more. If you're looking for a light and creative space, Black Dog has the happy hour for you.

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Tags:

Happy Hour, Lowertown

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marshatrainer

You guys are right -- I stretched Lowertown too far... but I ain't dissing the Bulldog. It has great daily specials and as I said, I would go for that. I included Bin Wine Bar too. I'll make it up to you by coming to St. Paul again and being more precise.

Twinsfansam

Sorry but Pazzaluna is not in lowertown.

Lowertowny

There's a full list of Lowertown happy hours at http://www.lowertownlanding.co...

Racebannn20

Ya Pazzaluna us about a mile from Lowertown - bulldog has halfbprice appetizers and deals on beers. Bin now has a happy hour as well as Christo's, Trattoria Da Vincis and of course Kellys!!

galamaria

As someone who lives downtown St. Paul, I agree Pazzaluna in Lowertown's a stretch - but their happy hour is seriously awesome for the food & mixed drink options. Also, the Bulldog is the last word in good times (we're there 2-3x a week), but honestly, I can't recall when their happy hour is! My guess is that biz is so good, they don't really need to advertise it -

Johnny

How is Pazzaluna in Lowertown? Including them to the exclusion of The Bulldog when you then also include Barrio and Faces? It's either incompetence or payola......

Lowertown Mapquest

Thanks for the Lowertown info but FYI Pazzaluna is not in Lowertown!! - It's almost a mile away! http://bit.ly/eVvsg8 The western border of Lowertown is Jackson Street, bordered by 7th street on the north, the Lafayette bridge on the east and the river on the south. Check out the map on http://www.lowertownlanding.co... it shows the area pretty well.

Lowertown map reader

FYI Pazaluna isn't in Lowertown it's almost a mile away! Lowertown is roughly bordered by Jackson St on the west, 7th St on the north the Lafayette bridge on the eat and the river on the south. Check out www.lowertownlanding.com they have a map showing the area.