Issue date: 10/29/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Martin Wood [Click to enlarge]

It's Thursday at 4 p.m. and classes are done for the day. It's been a stressful week; nothing sounds better than an icy, cold beer. Only one problem: Times are tough and it's not feasible to dip into a savings account for a round of cold ones. So what's the solution? Happy hour!

Sacramento State just happens to be a short walk or cab ride away from a couple of the best happy hour spots in Sacramento. While some happy hours are anything but, there are a couple that keep the college students coming back hour after happy hour.

"Anyone that loves sushi or cheap drinks should definitely go to Tex Wasabi's. It's the best and it's really close to school," business marketing major Emily Higginson said.

Perhaps one of students' favorites (and one of the easiest on the budget) is Tex Wasabi's, located on Arden Way. The combination sushi and barbecue joint serves up a double dose of happy hour cheer, running specials twice daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and a late night special from 9 to 11 p.m. The special menu features 32 ounce draft beers for $4 and premium drafts for $6. Assorted appetizers such as pork sliders, egg rolls, and edamame are priced from $2 to $4.

"The food is really good, and we all love the late night happy hour because it's perfect to grab a bite to eat or a couple of drinks before you go out," business major Karina Lopez said. "Plus, some of my friends don't like sushi and they can choose from the other stuff on the menu."

Just a quick jaunt away from campus, Tokyo Fro's Rockin' Sushi Bar on Fair Oaks and Howe combines fun, great sushi and cheap alcohol. Weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., patrons receive half off well drinks and draft beers for $2. Also, unlike most places that just mark down appetizers, Fro's takes half off the regular rolls on the menu - perfect for sushi lovers.

Also, Fro's caters to the college masses with an extended happy hour, dubbed "Froternity." With proof of a college student identification, students can sign up to keep happy hour going until the waiters kick them out. The "Froternity" discount is valid whenever the doors are open. The only downside to Fro's happy hour specials is that there are so many people slamming down the sake and sushi that the waiter seems like he's been ran ragged after only an hour of it. Bring your patience with you, and the small tab and fun time will be worth it.

On the opposite side of the campus, students seeking out early evening festivities with more of an upscale attitude can head to Sweetwater's happy hour, which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. The restaurant and bar is within walking distance from school, located on J Street, and offers four hours of inexpensive happiness in a modern dining atmosphere. Well drinks and draft beers are only $2.50 and starter appetizers like the grilled artichoke and bison meatballs are half price (around $3 to $6).

"We've got the best happy hour in East (Sacramento), with cheap drinks and great food. A lot of students come by after class," Sweetwater owner Brad Ross said.

If you're in the mood to venture a little bit further, Lucca can be found further up J Street, and has happy hour prices that are surprising for such a classy venue. Mondays through Thursdays, from 4 to 6 p.m., the quaint and cozy spot has drinks starting at $3, including some wines, which most places don't offer. Also, appetizers start at only $4, which seems like highway robbery when you're munching on appetizers such as their zucchini chips. Lucca's portions are rather small and it's best to go for just a snack.

With the price of living soaring through the roof, finding good eats and drinks at manageable prices is rarely possible. But with the happy hours around Sacramento, luxury doesn't have to break the bank.

Casey Kirk can be reached at ckirk@statehornet.com

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