Michelle Leon

Because happiness shouldn't end at 6 p.m.

Few things in life are more disappointing than arriving to a bar just in time to get your drink order in for the end of happy hour. Who can leave work, park, and order all before 6:00? Here's a roundup of some of our city's happy hours that last into the wee hours, and a few that are never-ending.

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Hell's Kitchen's creates cocktails personally designed for each patron

If you're looking for a new way to get over the midweek hump, Hell's Kitchen has recently created a new option. Hopping on the same bandwagon as other major Twin Cities restaurants, Hell's Kitchen is invading the craft cocktail scene: From 9 p.m. until close every Wednesday night, you can head down to the restaurant's back bar and experience Craft Cocktail Wednesday.

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Drink specials and bargain tacos: Nirvana

Someone get Michael McDonald on the phone: This party calls for a theme song and a glitter shower climax. How did Edina survive until now with no drink specials? None. Never. Well, until today, that is. Tonight kicks off the first ever happy hour, and we thought it best to check out the specials where the tequila is all top-shelf and the beer on tap includes some of the best local brews in town.

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A good way to save a buck in Edina

The last city in the metro area without happy hour has finally conceded. The Star Tribune is reporting that the Edina City Council unanimously approved the measure. That should come as welcome news to restaurants like the Edina Grill, Salut, and Barrio, who have other locations that hadn't been held back by such restrictions. Edina has no bars, but restaurants were eager for the change.
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Crazy for Psycho Suzi's patio

Once again it's the season when Minnesotans flock to restaurant patios and rooftops to enjoy the weather. And while food is critical in patio dining, at this time of year a refreshing drink and relaxed conversation can assume just as much importance. We took a look at the best spots in both Minneapolis and St. Paul that combined a great patio with a vibrant bar scene. The attributes that landed a restaurant on this list included the view, the vibe, and a restaurant's happy hour food and drink specials. Here's our list of the top 5 patio and rooftops bars on both sides of the river.

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For a taste of Easy Street, head to Eat Street

There's no better way to put a happy hour to the test than to show up cranky after a no good, very bad day. Belly up to the bar, and dare anyone behind it to try to turn your frown upside down.

At Eat Street Social, they'll start by simply dropping off a few menus, one of which contains the happy hour (or "social hour") specials, available from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12 - 1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

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A pink beacon in the night...

​Rosa Mexicano
609 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
612.656.7144

Hours:
Weekdays, 3-6 p.m. (in the bar area only)

Drinks & Eats:
La Tradicional Margarita - $4.90
The 1800 Margarita - $5.50
Pitchers of Sangría - $4.90/$14
1800 Tequila Shots - $5.50
Select Imported Beers - $3
Queso Fundido - $4.90
Flautas de Pollo - $4.50
Ensalada del Mercado - $3.90
Tacos de Pollo - $4
Tacos de Panza con Callos de Hacha - $6.40

Sure there have been naysayers, but the Hot Dish has trouble saying no to any visit that involves tequila. So off we went to City Center's latest and checked out what's afoot in the bar.

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Now with expanded outdoor seating.

​Forepaugh's
276 Exchange Street, St. Paul
651.224.5606
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Adults are welcome!

​Lucia's Wine Bar
1432 West 31st St., Minneapolis
612.823.7125

Hours and details:
Tuesday-Sunday, 9 p.m. - midnight
$3 select taps
$6 select red or white wine
$7 cocktails

We hear that Liquor Lyle's has banished the 3-4-1s, which is yet another sign that it's time for some of us to grow up. Can Lucia's make it so we can still enjoy happy hour, even if we've become responsible adults?

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Rolls, apps and drinks

​Rare Steak & Sushi
615 Second Ave., Minneapolis
612.752.9595

Hours and details:
$5 appetizers
$5 sushi rolls
$3 house wine, rail cocktails, draft beers or domestic bottled beers
$5 featured martinis--Chocolate, Cosmo, Lemon Drop, Appletini or Grape Cosmo

Tucked up on the second floor of the Grand Hotel, it's a sure thing for hotel guests, but does Rare's happy hour merit a visit from a local? The Hot Dish went there après-work to find out.

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