Happy Hour Happenings: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Tonight my parents and I hit up the Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse for Happy Hour at Crocker Park in Westlake.  From 4:30 to 6:30 they offer great Happy Hour specials.  There was a list of $4 martinis and $6 martinis as well as $5 small plates.  My mom ordered a "white frost" martini that had a ginger liquer, white cranberry and some other stuff in it.  It was ok, too sweet for her taste, and too alcohol-y for mine.  I ordered a "blood orange" martini and it was AMAZING, sweet like juice and therefore potentially dangerous because it was very easy to drink.  My dad went with a straight vodka martini which he seemed to enjoy.

Since we were in the mood for seafood primarily we decided to split several of the seafood small plates that were available.  We ordered the fried calamari that was in a spicy Thai chili sauce and was delicious.  It was a great size for sharing and was more than enough for the three of us.  We also ordered the jump shrimp cocktail which, perfectly, came with three jumbo shrimp.  They were really large and tasty.  Our final seafood option was the blackened scallops that were served with a vinaigrette, blue cheese, and walnuts.  Do to my dairy and nut allergy we had the cheese and nuts on the side.  I was not really a fan of the scallop.  There were only 2 of them, they were not large, and the flavors were off.  My parents seemed to like them though.  I knew I'd still be hungry so I ordered the sliders minus the cheddar that is supposed to come on them.  The two sliders were juicy and flavorful and came with fries and really gave me just the right amount of food.

I'd definitely recommend the Hyde Park happy hour to anybody.  For just around $40 we had a great meal and great drinks for 3!  Can't get too much better than that!

Happy Hour Happenings #3: The Ice House

 On Thursday I went, per usual, to Happy Hour with my coworkers.  This week we went to The Ice House on Brookpark Rd.  We went there two weeks ago as well but I didn't review so I'm combining my experiences into this post.

Now here's the dirt on The Ice House's Thursday Happy Hour:

Drink Deals:
Margaritas were on special for $2- they were small but decently strong.  I believe there were draft beer deals as well, but forgot to make note of exactly what they were.

Food Deals:
We all ordered their $1.50 tacos.  Oh so good.  They fry up their own tortillas for the shells and give you a choice between mild and hot.  I chose mild but heard that the hot aren't that hot and really just add a little jalapeno to the tacos.  One thing that I like about their tacos a lot is that they add fresh diced tomato instead of canned salsa.  I love tomato.  I think that these are my favorite tacos!

I have also ordered their beef hot dog- super big, juicy and delicious. One of the ladies I was with ordered a basket of fries and those were really delicious too.  Their prices on their whole menu are really reasonable and tastey!




The Atmosphere:
When we first got there the bar had only a few other customers.  A few hours later (we were there 4-8) the place filled up.  There was plenty of room though.  It seemed like the were short on servers and it took us quite awhile to get our bills.

Overall I really enjoy this spot and am sure I will be making more trips there.

What other Happy Hour spots should I try?!

Be Happy: Update!!

Here's an update on my attempt at going out at least 12 times in the month of February:


2/3 shopping and dinner with my mom
2/5 "Dress Up Your Heart" cocktail party and fashion show at Around the Corner
2/6 Superbowl at my parents
2/8 Dinner at my girlfriend's with her and her daughter
2/9 Made dinner with a friend and watched a movie at their place
2/10 Happy hour at Cleats in Parma
2/11 Happy hour at The Winking Lizard in Lakewood
2/11 VIP Party at Spin Bike Shop in Lakewood

It's been a busy week a you can tell.  8/12 accomplished!! And it has been making me happier!!

Eddy's and Iggy's Take 2

My ladies and I went to Eddy's and Iggy's again on Wednesday!  I don't know why more ladies in Lakewood don't flock to that bar for the free drinks!  This time, as promised, we all indulged in some $0.50 tacos!  They were good- but I like Merry Arts' better.  BUT they were $1.50 less... so I think really it's a wash.  Be warned though- you can get sour cream, but one side of it is 50 cents! Still, the five of us all ate and drank for I'd say around $20 with tips!  Not a bad night out, not bad at all.

Have you tried the Eddy's and Iggy's happy hour?!

EDIT 2/2/11: Apparently we were just lucky that the two times we went they were offering the fifty cent tacos.  Follow them on Facebook to find out when they're doing the special because they do not do it every Wednesday!

Happy Hour Happenings #1- Merry Arts Pub and Grill

Since I love happy hours, and go to at least one, and often two a week, I figured I should start a new series of posts... Happy Hour Happenings henceforth abbreviated as HHH.

On Thursday, I was invited by some of my new coworkers to go to Merry Arts in Lakewood with them for happy hour. Not only is it close to my house, but I really wanted to get to know some of my new colleagues better.  I'm so glad I went.  We ended up being there from 4:45 till 9:45.  Awesome.

Now here's the dirt on Merry Arts' Thursday Happy Hour:

Drink Deals:
Well drinks were $1.75!  I ordered a vodka tonic, and one of the other girls ordered a rum and coke- both of us felt like our drinks were strong.  Most of the other ladies ordered beers, and I want to say the domestics were $1.50.  I thought these prices were fantastic. 

Food Deals:
We were so hungry when we got there but were informed that on Mondays and Thursdays the only thing on the menus is Tacos, and they don't start serving them until 6pm.  At approximately 6:02, the 6 of us ordered 18 tacos! At 2.00 a pop, they were a great deal and really good.  Their shell was a fried shell that reminded me more of a taco salad bowl than other hard taco shells.  We ordered them with medium salsa- and it was good, but there was a little more salsa than I preferred.  They were good size and really filling.  I can't wait to go back again for the tacos.

The Atmosphere:
When we first got there the place had just a few other patrons.  We snagged some tall bar tables without any problem.  As the night wore on the place filled up.  There were young professionals, blue collar workers, business men in their 50's, and even families.  With plenty of seating ranging from seats at the two bars, bar tables, booths, and couches it never felt over crowded.

Overall I had a great experience, and am hoping to return soon!  Oh, and Wednesday's are BOGO Burgers!  So I might have to try that one night as well!

Bar Review: The Spitfire Saloon

Friday night I went to see some of my coworkers perform with their band, Flanked by Red Flags at the Spitfire Saloon.  First off, the band was great to watch.  I really liked how fast paced their music was and that I could actually understand the majority of the lyrics!  It's always fun seeing people you know perform.  I tried to take some pictures of the band, but was trying to refrain from using a flash so they've got this blurry look to them.  Here's one of my favorites.

The venue was a different story.  Located on W.117th, I have passed this bar more times than I can imagine but had never gone in.  When I got there I liked the vibe, it was dark, a little dingy, very punk-rock inspired.  The stage was surrounded by a chain link fence, and there was a beer bottle "cannon" that shattered the glass bottles against a spiked wall.  Unfortunately all of this was overridden by the fact that the bar was filled with smoke!  We've had a smoking ban in Ohio for around four years now and yet there were enough people smoking that my eyes were burning.  Thank goodness I didn't wear a jacket into the place, because my clothes and hair reeked after just 2 hours. 

I will not be going to this establishment again if they continue to allow smoking.

Restaurant Review: Buckeye Beer Engine

On Monday evening I had a date at Buckeye Beer Engine in Lakewood.  I'd forgotten that this is Cleveland Beer Week, and was surprised to see how packed the joint was.  Luckily my date got there early and snagged us two seats at the bar.

As chance would have it he sat down next to the representative from Unibroue, a brewery in Quebec that was hosting a tasting that evening.  When my date and I both ordered a flight of four different Unibroue beers the representative, Jay, offered to pay for them both!  Score!  We decided we should have something to eat while we drank so I suggested ordering the hummus.  My date decided to challenge me and my taste buds and suggested the roasted red pepper hummus instead.  I went with it.  It was very tastey- but I got a nasty case of heartburn, (which I hope I hid well) though I can not be sure that it was from the hummus and not the beer.

Usually when I go to the Beer Engine I order their burgers which are amazing.  AND they have delicious fried pickles! (Snooki would love this place!*)  So if you are ever in Lakewood and looking for a good meal and want a craft beer then head to the Beer Engine.  You can't even order a Miller Light there if you want to!

Good food, good company, good times!




*please don't judge me for my Jersey Shore references 

Bar Review: Brother's Lounge

Last night I had a date.  Per his suggestion we met each other at Brother's Lounge just outside of Lakewood's borders.  I'd never been so I was excited to see what it was like.  We sat in the wine bar and I really liked the vibe.  It was cozy and there was nice live music playing.  I enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio.  When we got there there weren't many open seats so we sat down at the end of a long narrow table that fit 8.  As we sat and talked more people came and sat with us till suddenly the table was full.  We didn't talk to them, but it was interesting.  I thought sharing a table with strangers might be weird, but really it was just fine and not very different than sitting at the bar.

Brother's also has an area that is more of a "regular bar" and a back area that is more of a concert venue where bands come and play.  I'd love to go back and try out the different areas as well.

Restaurant Review: Happy Dog

Cleveland has been working at revitalizing/rebranding some neighborhoods and the Gordan Square Arts District is one of them.  I hadn't spent much time in the area, but am now working relatively close to there! 


This past Thursday I went with my coworker Mr. D to the Happy Dog in the Gordon Square Arts District.  I'd heard a lot about this bar but had not been there yet.  They serve nice beefy hot dogs and provide a laundry list of toppings that you can put on them including the standard relish, cheese, mustard, chili and unique and crazy items such a peanut butter, eggs, etc.  I was unadventurous and just got ketchup and mustard for my dog and fries.  I HATED the ketchup- they make their own and I'm a Heinz girl through and through, but the dog itself was reallllly delicious.  Mr. D got so much on his hot dog I doubt he tasted the dog, but he loved it.  He ordered the tator tots instead of fries- and they were pretty amazing.  I thought the decor and atmosphere was pretty neat too and I'd go back again anytime.


What are your favorite Cleveland hot spots?

Restaurant Review: Clifton Martini and Wine Bar

Why do I love Cleveland?  New interesting places to explore.

Saturday night my girlfriends and I started our girls night out at a new Cleveland restaurant and bar, the Clifton Martini and Wine Bar.  Located at 10427 Clifton Blvd this place has a great atmosphere and a fantastic outdoor eating space.  The wine list had lots of choices and the martini list was very unique.  The martinis were all delicious.  Collectively we tried "The Clifton"- a pretty standard vodka martini, "The Partini" which was a fruity concoction, "The Greek"- a martini made with olive juice, peperoncini juice, and a plethora of other ingredients, "The Manhattan"- a Manhattan in a martini glass (very strong!), and a Bloody Mary inspired martini as well.

Their menu consists of several shareable appetizers and small plates that were reasonably priced.  My favorite was the Calamari which we ordered "angry style" which meant it had a bit of a bite to it.  We also shared the bread plate and a meat and cheese board.  I ordered the bruschetta which was good, but had more onion that I would have liked.

Overall I really enjoyed our experience.  I can't wait to find another new spot in Cleveland to explore.