Happy Time in Little Rock, Arkansas

I saw this sign in Koh Samui, Thailand and thought the phrase should be adopted all over the world. Realistically, it makes more sense than Happy Hour, which almost always lasts for more than an hour. If you ever find yourself in Little Rock, Arkansas looking for a SUPER happy hour deal, these are the spots. I’m not guaranteeing a big crowd, just cheap drinks.

1. Bene Vita Ristorante. I bet you never thought you’d see a “Ristorante” under cheap happy hour drinks, huh? This is a pretty snazzy place, so if you’re entertaining out-of-town clients, you don’t even have to tell them the cosmos or martinis they’re sucking down are a HUGE bargain at 2 bucks each until 6:30. This is also the home of one of my favorite patios in central Arkansas. Bene Vita is located near downtown, so it’s pretty easily accessible to anywhere you want to be. The parking can be a challenge as it shares its lot with Loca Luna, its sister restaurant next door.

2. Juanita’s Cantina. This place is a Little Rock institution. It’s part Mexican restaurant, part music venue. The deal? $2.25 margaritas. The setback? You may have to listen to the band tuning up (which is SUPER loud) if you sit on the bar side. If you sit on the restaurant side, I would stay for dinner. Juanita’s daddy must have been a thief, because he stole the mushroom fajitas and the cheese-dip recipes straight from heaven.

3. Stick Fingerz Rock n’ Roll Chicken Shack. A little more expensive (the drinks, not the food), but a way cooler location than Loca Luna. Sticky’s has $3.00 cosmos and martinis, but they are right in the heart of the downtown River Market district. Food’s pretty good.

4. Sufficient Grounds. Coffee shop in Hillcrest with free wireless. Incidentally, this was the location of my first 3 posts so it has a special place in my heart. I like it. The deal is $2.00 wine and ½ price appetizers. I LOVE the Cajun cheese sticks.

5. Bubba & Garcia’s. $2.00 margaritas and $1.00 domestic draft. Located near downtown, with another great patio. B & G’s is the home of the $50.00 El Presidente margarita. I haven’t actually had one, but I’m sure it’s worth every penny (if you’ve just come in to a large inheritance, won the lottery, turned 30 or completed the biggest business deal of your life). I would go here for the drinks, then next door to the Faded Rose for dinner.