Hour town

Tulsa's best happy hours.

A plethora of beer taps from all over the world lines the wall at James E. McNellie’s Public House.

Most would say Tulsans are happy people, and it’s no surprise, for we are definitely not lacking in places to socialize after the workday ends. Happy hour venues abound throughout town, and here is a list of our favorites, in no particular order …

Vintage 1740
With more than 55 wines by the glass, a slew more by the bottle and a dozen or so specialty cocktails, this is the place to go if you want a sip after work. Snacks – although delicious – are somewhat limited, but the bar is next door to one of Tulsa’s great places to eat — Dalesandro’s.
1740 S. Boston Ave., 582-0700
www.vintage1740.com

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Slip into Utica Square’s posh steakhouse for the “Discover 5 for $6 ’til 7” — five tempting appetizers, $6 each, served nightly until 7 p.m. at the bar, including tenderloin carpaccio and sweet chili calamari. A delicious end to the day when paired with one of the “Fleming’s 100,” a collection of 100 wines by the glass.
1976 Utica Square, 712-7500
www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Te Kei’s
One of the best-known Chinese proverbs is “For the people, food is heaven.” At this Asian-inspired spot (the Chinese words “te kei” mean “special guest”), snack on lettuce wraps, chicken satay and potstickers while sipping sake or Sapporo.
1616 S. Utica Ave., 382-7777
www.tekeis.com

The Boulder Grill
The newly remodeled Holiday Inn boasts this urban street-side café. The modern space offers half-price small plates from 4-6 p.m. For more on this new spot, see this month’s “Dining In” column.
17 W. Seventh St. (in the Holiday Inn hotel), 585-5898
www.thebouldergrill.com

Hibiscus Caribbean Bar and Grill
Limbo on down to Brookside and take advantage of half-price appetizers — fried plantains and Hibiscus fries, to name a few — as well as specials on Red Stripe and piña coladas, strawberry daiquiris and rum punch from 5-7 p.m.
3316 S. Peoria Ave., 749-4700
www.hibiscusbrookside.com

Full Moon Café
It may not always be a full moon, but there is always something happening at this Cherry Street mainstay. Stop in on Thrifty Thursday for $3 freshly ground half-pound hamburgers or on Full Moon Fridays for drink specials on the Friday closest to the full moon.
1525 E. 15th St., 583-6666
www.eatfullmoon.com

Soundpony
Whether decked out in a suit after work or ripped jeans to hear your favorite band, this downtown hotspot (next to Cain’s Ballroom) offers one-of-a-kind live music, “Pony Dogs” and 40-ounce bottles of Colt 45. What more could you need?
409 N. Main St., 582-7669
www.thesoundpony.com

Yokozuna
If you crave a little spiciness after work, head to this sumo-inspired downtown hotspot from 5 p.m. to close on Monday for $1 steamed buns — your choice of chicken, beef or pork (I love all three!) — as well as $5 drink specials.
309 E. Second St., 508-7676
www.yokozunatulsa.com

The Brook/The Brook South
This popular Brookside establishment and its southside sibling offer great drink and food specials virtually every night. Monday is $5 burgers and fries, Tuesday boasts $7.95 chicken-fried steak and Wednesday offers $5.95 fish and chips — nicely washed down with $3 Boulevard Wheat draws.
3401 S. Peoria Ave., 748-9977; 7727 E. 91st St., 392-9977
www.brookrestaurant.com

In the Raw
Everyone in Tulsa knows this is the spot to go to see or be seen. While it may be all about the views, ITR also boasts some of the best-looking (and tasting) sushi around, as well as a killer salad I have tried numerous times to duplicate.
3321 S. Peoria Ave., 744-1300; 6151 S. Sheridan Road, 524-0063
www.intherawsushi.com

James E. McNellie’s Public House
We’ve mentioned this before — for good reason. One of the best, and tastiest, deals in town is McNellie’s Wednesday $3 Burger Night. As they say at the bar, “Come for the burgers; stay for the beer,” and beer they have — more than 350 selections and counting.
409 E. First St., 382-7468
www.mcnellies.com

Sonoma Bistro and Wine Bar
An ode to California wine country, this Brookside bistro offers two patios with more than 100 wines, both by the glass and the bottle, in addition to some after-work wine flights — a great way to try several wines. The family-friendly menu includes a medley of dishes inspired by California cuisine as well as the Pacific Rim and Southwest United States.
3523 S. Peoria Ave., 747-9463
www.sonomatulsa.com

Cosmo’s
Cosmo’s best idea of late was leaving 71st Street and Memorial Drive for a cozy spot in Brookside. Stop by this friendly Wi-Fi-loaded café for happy hour from 2-7 p.m. every day to nosh on a great list of bar snacks — Wings & Things, Greek bruschetta and Italian nachos — as well as $2 pints and $7.50 pitchers of Boulevard Wheat and Blue Moon. 3334 S. Peoria Ave., 933-4848
www.cosmo-cafe.com

White Owl
This Cherry Street gastropub, nestled into a flat straight out of a London neighborhood, is a true beer-snob’s haven, boasting no 3.2 beer on tap and an upscale pub-grub menu developed by world-travelled chef Curt Herrmann.
1325 E. 15th St., 933-5050
www.whiteowloncherry.com

El Guapo’s Cantina
Hit the roof of this downtown cantina for Taco Tuesdays — $1 traditional carnitas tacos served with onion, cilantro, lime and fresh tomato — every Tuesday night. And the view from the rooftop bar ain’t bad either.
332 E. First St., 382-7482
www.elguaposcantina.net

Los Cabos
It’s all about the patio at both local settings of this Mexican-inspired chain. Enjoy icy margaritas and spicy queso while watching some great live music at the bustling cantina.
300 RiverWalk Terrace, Jenks, 298-2226; 151 E. Bass Pro Drive, Broken Arrow, 355-8877
www.loscabosok.com

Roosters Cocktails
Tucked into a corner next to the SpiritBank Event Center, this hoppin’ laid-back saloon offers happy hour from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. all day every day with $1 domestic drafts and $1.50 domestic bottles. Or sample any five drafts for $9.
8215 S. Regal Blvd. (across from SpiritBank Event Center), 364-2625

Gray Snail Saloon
Nestled cozily below Jason’s Deli, this popular Cherry Street bar boasts one of the best patios in Tulsa, with a great view of downtown. Sip suds and listen to live music seven days a week.
1334 E. 15th St., 587-7584

Fox and Hound
If you are a sports fan, this might just be your spot. With drink specials every evening; a menu offering a worldly variety of snacks, along with appropriate beer pairings; and a slew of TVs, this Broken Arrow bar is the place to be on game day — or any day.
7001 S. Garnett Road, Broken Arrow; 307-2847
www.foxandhound.com

Savastano’s
You might think of this cheesy spot simply as a multi-story pizza joint, but don’t miss out on the large downstairs bar. With plenty of seating, you can watch sports on the giant screen while snacking on delicious pizza. Or come in from 3-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for half-price pizza bread and $1 drafts.
8211 E. Regal Plaza (across from SpiritBank Event Center), 369-9387
www.savastanospizzeria.com

Joe Momma’s Pizza
Blake Ewing was named Tulsey Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009 for good reason. From Momma’s Saturday Book Club to 10 percent discounts with a church bulletin on Sunday to Trivia Night, he just plain knows how to make us happy. Don’t miss $5 Pizza Night from 5-10 p.m. every Tuesday.
112 S. Elgin Ave., 794-6563
www.joemommas.com

Louie’s Grill & Bar
This cross between a sports bar and a family-friendly restaurant is casual yet tasty. And with nothing over $10 on the menu, you have a bit more change in your pocket after a night out.
6310 E. 101st St., 298-5777;
813 E. A St., Jenks, 298-5300
www.louiesgrillandbar.com

Calistoga Bar and Grill
Grab a spot at the outdoor cabana bar for a great river view and a frosty cocktail. Drink specials on summer favorites such as mojitos and sangrias are offered from 6-8 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, with live music outside (weather permitting) on Friday and Saturday evenings.
500 RiverWalk Terrace, Jenks; 995-2555
www.calistogagrill.com

Leon’s
This relative newcomer to the Restless Ribbon is a great place to watch “the game” or just chill with friends after work. The TV-loaded bar offers half-price appetizers (excluding the popular Gonzo’s nachos) from 2-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3301 S. Peoria Ave., 933-5366
www.leonstulsa.com

The Hunt Club
This quaint pub downtown on “music row” plays live music from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. every night with a great menu offered. Note to self: Come here if craving late-night Frito chili pie. Check out the recently opened upstairs patio, which boasts an exceptional view. Everything on the menu is under $8, so stay and have a few.
224 N. Main St., 599-9200
www.thehuntclubtulsa.com

The Colony
This spot takes me back to the ol’ college days (when known as IV Play): Where else can you get seven Old Styles for $7? Want a bit more of a hipster vibe? Sorry — opened in 1958, originally as The Colony Inn, The Colony is a bar, plain and simple. But Clapton played there, so it must be cool, right?
2809 S. Harvard Ave., 576-4802

The Chalkboard
Unwind in the lower level of the historic Ambassador Hotel, which features this cozy bistro-inspired atmosphere. Enjoy half-priced appetizers, including bruschetta, crab cakes and spinach and artichoke dip (available from 4-6 p.m. in the bar or patio only).
1324 S. Main St., 582-1964
www.thechalkboard-tulsa.com

Café Olé
The outdoor patio of this popular Brookside new-Mex café has been hopping for more than 20 years. On cool evenings, pick a table next to the outdoor fireplace and sip a tart margarita while watching Brookside bustle.
3509 S. Peoria Ave., 745-6699
www.cafeolefranchise.com

Il Bacio
Call ahead to reserve a cushy chair or two or slide on up to the thick granite bar at this south Tulsa watering hole. Different from most wine bars, Il Bacio features an Enomatic wine preservation system that keeps wines fresh and mouthwatering — all are available by the taste, half-glass and glass. Or choose from more than 120 bottles.
8922 S. Memorial Drive, 906-0781
www.tulsawinebar.com

Arnie’s
This Irish bar moved from its shoebox-of-a-location on Cherry Street to its spot in the shadow of the Blue Dome downtown in 2000. With an ambience like no other, Arnie’s offers some of the best happy hour specials in town (from 2-8 p.m., every day) — and Sunday is happy hour all day!
318 E. Second St., 583-0797
www.arniesbar.com

Kilkenny’s Irish Pub
If you want a bit of Irish culture in a cozy atmosphere, this is the place to go — the bar was custom built in Ireland! Belly up to the bar for Imperial pints of draft beer and snack on traditional Irish fare.
1413 E. 15th St., 582-8282
www.tulsairishpub.com

Genghis Grill
Feeling a little creative after work? Genghis Grill lets you make up your own stir-fry from a bevy of ingredients and sauces — $13 for all you can eat ($11 at lunch). And we all know spicy stir-fry pairs nicely with a frosty mug!
1619 E. 15th St., 574-2695;
coming soon to 10438 S. 82nd E. Ave.
www.genghisgrill.com

LXi
Unleash your inner VIP at this hidden gem at East 61st Street and South Yale Avenue (hence the Roman numeral LXI, or 61). Behind the silver door lies a luxuriously cozy wine bar with delicious food and ambience like no other place in town. 5982 S. Yale Ave., 340-5244
www.lxitulsa.com

Crow Creek Tavern
Don’t feel left out if you are lacking a Harley; this Brookside bar lets anyone in. Food specials include the “world famous” $4 burger on Tuesday and fried shrimp from White River Fish Market from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday during happy hour.
3534 S. Peoria Ave., 749-9100
www.crowcreektavern.com

Polo Grill
Tuck into the bar at this Utica Square award-winner for a superb martini and nosh on delicious dishes ranging from roasted garlic cheese bread ($5) to a 20-ounce Prime Cowboy Chop ($63). While not necessarily a happy hour bargain, Polo Grill won’t disappoint.
2038 Utica Square, 744-4280
www.pologrill.com