Vida Southwest Happy Hour Review

Vida Southwest Grill is located inside Double Tree South Hotel on 3650 S 72^nd Street in Omaha, NE. Happy Hour is every day from 4:00PM-6:00PM. Happy Hour consist of 30% off Appetizers, $4 Wells, and discounted Draft Beers.

Upon arrival to Vida I was amazed of the beautiful décor. It automatically gave me a warm and comforting vibe that most hotel lounges provides. I did like that my guest and I had the option to choose our own table. It was also a plus that Happy Hour is anywhere in the lounge, not just secluded to the bar like most places. I first ordered a Cranberry, Pineapple, and Vodka Cocktail ($4). I simply adore the combination of tart cranberry with sweet pineapple, but not with this drink. My drink was absolutely watered down and taste like bland kool-aid with just a splash of Vodka.

For appetizers I tried the poppers (grilled jalapeno, bacon, tricolor peppers cream cheese). I had high expectations of this dish since the waitress said this dish is popular. Well…my taste buds didn’t think it deserved popularity. The poppers came out luke warm and didn’t taste grilled at all. The bacon didn’t have any flavor to it neither did the cream cheese. Just a blah piece of pepper.

Next I had the boneless wings and I chose the honey chipotle flavor. These wings was okay. The ranch that was provided was bland and runny. Along with the wings we also sampled the Guacamole. Guacamole is a hit or miss. Sometimes if you miss all you need to do is add an ingredient. Unfortunately they missed a couple of ingredients. This guac was in DESPERATE need of salt and maybe a pinch of cumin. Just a complete fail.

Overall I give Vida 2 smiles. Customer service was great, but the food and drinks was just bland. Bland doesn’t work well with my happy taste buds. If you go to Vida please let me know what you think! Happy Eats! 

LeadBelly Happy Hour Review

 LeadBelly is Midtown Crossing new restaurant located at 3201 Farman Street in Omaha, NE.  Happy Hour is everyday starting Monday through Thursday from 3:00PM-6:00PM, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30PM-12:00AM, and Sunday Funday 11:00AM-5:00PM. Happy Hour seating is throughout the whole restaurant, so you won’t have to worry about limited seating. Happy Hour consist of $1 off Apps, wells, wine and Draft Beers. $2 off Scotch, Irish & American Whiskeys. All Taller Boys $2. $3 Shot O’ Day, Fireball, Goldschlager, Jagermeister, Rumple Mintze, $4 Guinness, Jameson, and $5 Martinis, Craft Cocktails, Sparklings, and $5 off bottles of wine.

LeadBelly had me hooked from their customer service. Upon entering the establishment I was greeted with a hello, and had the pleasure of sitting anywhere where I wanted. Once seated the waiter greeted me as well, and asked what I wanted to drink. I first started with a water and I was amazed that they used an old fashion jar, I’m a sucker for mason jars! For libations I had the Caucasian cocktail (Smirnoff 21, Kahlua, and Cream). I believe the Caucasian is my new favorite drink ladies and gentlemen. Imagine finishing off a caramel sundae and you have the liquid at the bottom that is what this drink remind me off. It was smooth, sweet, delicious, and a little bit strong.

For appetizer I started with Canada’s famous dish Poutine (waffle fries, red wine gravy, aged white cheddar cheese curd, smoked candied bacon). FYI this dish is big enough to feed two maybe three people! The star of this dish was the candied bacon! Sweet and salty bacon on waffle fries is literally everything and I also enjoyed the red wine gravy even though I couldn’t really taste the wine. For my true foodies out here you would love this dish. For my people that needs carbs to get them over a drunken night, you would love this dish!

Next I had their tacos!! If you’re a taco lover like myself LeadBelly won’t disappoint! I first started with the Ahi Taco (marinated raw tuna, romaine, fresh jalapeno, avocado, cilantro and lime) The Ahi is marinated to perfection and adding the romaine lettuce instead of a slaw was the perfect combo. FYI this taco does have a kick but it is not too spicy. The other taco I had was the Jerk Shrimp Taco (citrus slaw, red onion, fresh jalapeno, white cheddar, and lime). This taco was my favorite! The jerk flavor of the shrimp with the sweet slaw was absolutely delicious!

LeadBelly is that place where you can come relax, be with friends and just enjoy good food and libations! Because of the customer service and of course the food I give LeadBelly 5 Smiles!! 

Firebirds Happy Hour Review

Firebirds Wood Fire Grill is located in Omaha’s Village Point on 1745 Chicago Street. Firebirds Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 4:00pm-6:30 pm. Happy Hour includes bar bites and drink specials in the FIREBAR and on the patio.

Firebirds is a chain restaurant with local and cozy charm. The amazing customer service that you get right away gives its charm and the big fireplace makes it cozy. The first item that I started with was the Mango Mojito (Mt. Gay Eclipse Rum, fresh mango, lime, mint and splash of soda). This concoction was simply delish and well garnished with visual appeal. The bartender did not skimp out on the liquor which I highly appreciated. Overall it was worth my $6

Next was the Shrimp Tacos ($7). You can choose to have them grilled or crispy. I chose to have mine grilled. With these tacos they are bit spicy. If spicy isn’t your forte you can ask to have the spicy sauce put to the side. Firebirds version of Shrimp Tacos are garnished with avocado and pineapple salsa which cools down the spicy sauce. It’s absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Just one bite would make you want to dance.

I also devoured their Crispy Hand Spun Chicken Tenders ($7). Nothing really too fancy with this dish. The tenders are tossed in a buffalo sauce paired with blue cheese dip. The flavor was good to be expected.

Next, is the Smoked Salmon Dip ($5). The dip is paired with seasoned toast. You can really taste the smoke from the salmon. The dip overall was good first and second bites. After the third bite I was kind of over it. The dip did smell a bit fishy and gave that annoying aftertaste. 

Overall, Firebirds was amazing. The customer service alone was top notch and I appreciated that the fact the General Manager came to our table to ask how our experience was.  I do see myself coming back Firebirds more often! Firebirds Wood Fire Grill gets 5 Smiles. 

Jams American Grill Happy Hour

Jams an American Grill has two locations in Omaha. One in the Old Market (1101 Harney Street) and in Midtown. Jams Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:30PM to 6:30PM. Happy Hour consist of $2 Off Craft, $1 off Glasses of Wine and discounted Tap. Unfortunately at the Old Market location Jams does not offer discounted small plates. Rumor has it that the Midtown location does however.

Upon entering Jams, I automatically fell in love with the atmosphere. Jams took over the old Rock Bottom Brewery location and from sight you couldn’t tell. Jams gives you the laid back, just want to drink a beer and watch soccer type feel which I enjoyed. I was very excited to try food and drinks, but was disappointed to find out that their happy hour only consisted of drinks. So I started off with a Texas Style Mules made with Tito’s Vodka. Tasty, smooth, with a kick at the end which I liked.

Because I’m not a recreational drinker, I decided to try an entrée instead of another drink. I ordered the Korean Short Rib Sandwich $13 (Provolone, sautéed onions, roasted peppers, and spicy fermented Red Soybean Paste). To be honest I wish I ordered another drink instead. Let’s just say that I had high expectations of this sandwich. This sandwich tasted like a bland cheesesteak. The meat itself was bland, and I really couldn’t taste the soybean paste. The only thing I really could taste was the cilantro that was piled high. With the sandwich I ordered the French fries and they tasted like they came from King Kong.

Overall, I give Jams 2 smiles. Amazing atmosphere and customer service. But the food lacked flavor and texture. I really wish that they offered discounted small plates...I mean food also makes a grand Happy Hour! 

Mantra Bar and Grill Happy Hour Review

Mantra Bar and Grill is located in the Benson Area on 6913 Maple Street. Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday from 4:30 to 6:00pm. Mantra Happy Hour offers discounted bar plates and cocktails. Happy Hour is offered inside and on the patio.

Ever since I noticed the neon orange and green leaf tree in front of Mantra I've been dying to try them out. I just happened to pick the perfect day after work to enjoy myself out on their patio. First I statared off with Bliss Kiss $6 (Trader Vics, Chocolate Liqeur, Vanilla Vodka, Baileys Cream, and Hersheys Kiss). This drink was like a chocolate cake in a glass. All liquor and just delightful. Unfortuntely I was not able to finish because I had to drive home! Bliss Kiss is a good after dinner drink!

Next I had the Turkey Lollipops $6( Grilled ground turkey, with cilantro shallot dipping sauce. The turkey had a Mediterranean flavor and the cilantro sauce was the perfect pair. The only thing is I wish the pops looked more presentable, but other than that it was delicious.  

Crab Cake Poppers( lump crab meat, shrimp, onions, and celery with thai chili sauce). These things were the bomb ok! It came out hot and fresh, and you can tell there was crab inside the poppers. I do wish however that the celery was cut smaller, or left out entirely. The chili sauce has the kick and I liked how they gave you a lemon for a more refreshing taste. Every thing combined was like a magic in your mouth. 

I fell in love with the Lavosh. This lavosh had chicken, herb cream cheese, artichoke, green onion, tomato, and Havarti cheese. This thinner than flat bread dish was so delicious. To me it was like a guilt free pizza! I loved how the artichoke wasn't strong but gave it the acid it need, the cheeses was smooth and the breading was just right.


. I'll def be back to take my Granny and Mom! I loved how all their cocktails are discounted and not just certain ones. Overall, I'll give Mantra Grill 4 Smiles.

Little Espana (Rockbrook Village)

The little sister of Benson’s Espana tapas bar, Little Espana (11036 Elm Street, Omaha) brings some Spanish flair to Rockbrook Village. They offer a variety of tapas (small plates meant to be shared), light entrees (like the traditional paella), cocktails, wines and housemade sangrias. The Rockbrook location also offers brunch along with happy hour. Their $5 Spanish HH runs Monday through Friday from 4p to 6p. Tapas include cocas (Spanish flatbread), fried calamari rings, chicken empanadas with spicy aioli and more. House red and white wines along with their red and white sangria are also discounted to $5. Five days a week Little Espana offers $5 House Specialty Drink of the Day specials including Tuesday Rum Night with discounted Cuba Libres and Mojitos and Thursday Champagne Night with Spanish Fleurs and Spanish Mimosas.

I can never decide if Little Espana is actually bigger, smaller or the same size as the original in Benson. It definitely appears more spacious, with the bar in it’s own corner, albeit smaller than its sister version, and a great patio area. The decor is warm with less family photos, opting for stylized Spanish murals instead. Generally service is prompt with no huge crowds during HH. The day I visited I was the sole patron until about 10 minutes to 7 o’clock. Little Espana has a more condensed menu making selection a bit easier for novices to the tapas concept.

I always get the house red sangria ($5) that’s a nice mix of wine and juice. It’s never overpowering so you could definitely sip a glass or three in one sitting.

This visit I tried out the Spanish meatballs ($5: slow cooked in sherry tomato sauce, Montalban cheese and peas). You get a good amount for the price and the texture of the meatballs were perfect. I love the addition of peas in many of Espana’s dishes despite not being a pea fan. One miss was the sherry tomato sauce not being hot. When it arrived you could see some steam from the meatballs but upon taking a bite the tomato sauce was room temperature. Disappointing as they bring soft garlic bread to your table that’s perfect to dip in the sauce.

Last for today’s review is my absolute favorite item at Little Espana: the solomillo fries ($5: house cute paprika fries, marinated sirloin, chorizo oil, spicy aioli, manchego cheese). This dish is amazing-- super tender sirloin cooked just right, hot and crispy paprika fries and super melty Manchego. The garnish also has a vinegary dressing that plays nicely off the dish. Every time I order this I 1) defeat the purpose of tapas because I don’t want to share and 2) immediately want to order seconds or thirds once done. If you try nothing else at Little Espana EVER, try the solomillo fries.

I give Little Espana 3.5 smiles. I like the location and LOVE the solomillo fries. Unfortunately I don’t have many other favorites on this location's menu and some of the carry over items just aren't the same (the potato omelette here is totally different from Benson’s and doesn’t have the cream sauce option). The fact that they offer HH and brunch does bring them up half a smile.

The Omaha Lounge

Located downtown, The Omaha Lounge (1505 Farnam Street) is a jazz and blues venue offering live music seven days a week alongside classic cocktails. Happy Hour is everyday from 4 pm to 7 pm and 10 pm to close. Specials include $2.50 domestic bottles, $3.50 import bottles, $4 well drinks and $5.75 glasses of house wine.

The interior is very intimate with cushy chairs throughout. The bar is located in the back with additional seating. A little dark which adds to the blues lounge vibe. On our visit both the waitress and bartender were new so I tried to overlook how long it took us to get a drink. The late night HH coincides with the last 30 minutes of the live music so there was a crowd when we arrived. The waitress didn’t actually come and id us or ask for our order until the last song of the set. It was another 10 minutes before she brought back my friend’s drink and verified what their well whiskey/bourbon was. Again as she was new I tried to be understanding, however by this point there were maybe six people in this lounge, four of which were already done drinking and didn’t actually need assistance.

Normally I stay away from well drinks but The Omaha Lounge’s wells aren’t the typical Barton’s you find at straight up bars. A whiskey sour with Jim Beam was worth the $4 even though I didn’t care for their sour mix.

The Omaha Lounge doesn't actually have food but you can "order in" from 801 Chophouse or Pickleman's. When we visited someone even had a Godfather's pizza. Would like to see them partner with Jazz Louisiana Kitchen as it seems like a perfect partnership.

Since the music was over and the crowd thinned out we only ended up staying for one drink. Didn’t really want to chance waiting another 10 minutes for another round in a near empty place. Overall I give The Omaha Lounge 4 smiles. Great after work stop for people and since the early HH doesn’t stop until 7 you don’t have to work downtown to catch it.

Also love that they offer live music seven days a week which makes it a great date night spot. Hopefully the service will get better as more of the staff adjust to the job.

Vino Mas (West Omaha)

Slightly beyond the hustle and bustle of 145th and Maple, Vino Mas (14450 Eagle Run Dr, Omaha) is a cozy wine retailer offering weekly tastings, over 16 wines and 20 beers and an impressive wine club. Happy Hour is Monday - Thursday and Saturday 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. House wines are $5 which range from Sauv Blanc and Riesling to Cabernet and Malbec. Small bites like pretzels and hummus or cheese plates are also $1 off.

Vino Mas has the cozy wine store feel downpat while also providing enough seating strategically placed for small groups to unwind with some wine. Their outside patio is slightly small but I blame that more on location, the complex they’re in has very little outdoor space. Wine “accessories” intertwine the wine racks and the checkout counter/bar is large enough for their wine tastings. The staff is very friendly and helpful in picking just the right wine for your enjoyment.

When asked if I preferred red or white I answered both, but I lean more towards white wines in warmer weather. We settled on the Loscano Torrontes ($5: Argentina- aromas of pineapple, peach and orange. Flavors profile: lychee, tropical fruits, jasmine and spice). This isn’t a sweet wine, so if you don’t like dry I’d recommend their Riesling. Very crisp and hints of the jasmine comes out on the finish.

I also tried the dip and chips ($5.95: creamy spinach dip with gluten free flax, quinoa, chia and brown rice popcorn chips). I was disappointed that the dip wasn’t my preferred oven baked melty cheese kind but the pop out of the fridge version. That being sad the brand they use is better than most of the ones I’ve tried. I also really enjoyed the popcorn chips, despite how healthy they were. Vino Mas doesn’t appear to have a kitchen so I give them a pass.

I also tried the Rotari Sparkling Rosé ($5: Italy- light touches of peach, cranberry and pink grapefruit segue to creamy foam and warm touches of baked bread). I enjoy rosé during the summer, basically the best of the reds I love with a lighter touch. This was by far the driest rose I’ve ever drank. The sparkling component was enjoyable and the cranberry notes hit me the hardest but I probably wouldn’t re-try.

I give Vino Mas 4 stars. I enjoyed the atmosphere and they had a good variety of wines to try. Would like a little bit more variety in the small plate offerings, especially since they have to compete with Blue Sushi being right next door.

Dudley's Pizza & Tavern

Located next to Aksarben Cinema in Aksarben Village, locally owned and operated Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern (2110 S 67th Street, Omaha) offers great pizza and friendly service. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday 3:00pm to 6:00 pm and Reverse HH is 9:00pm to close everyday. Specials include $1 off all draws and bottles, $3.50 well drinks, $5 8-inch one topping pizzas, half off select appetizers like fried pickles and sweet potato fries, and $3.50 wine by the glass. Daily specials include a Bloody Mary bar Sundays, Tuesday Pint Night and Tavern Trivia and Whiskey Wednesday.

The interior of Dudley’s is pretty straight forward. Sports bar feel in the bar area with tons of big screen tvs and pool tables; quieter in the dining room area. Nice selection at the bar and a patio for you to enjoy your pizza while people watching Aksarben Village goers.

I’ll let you in on a secret. I am a glutton for punishment. I know I don’t like IPAs but I keep trying to find one to change my mind. Deschutes’ Fresh Squeezed IPA ($4.85 for a 16 oz -- 6.4% ABV) did not do the trick. It was more citrusy than hoppy to my bartenders credit, but I just couldn’t do it. Thankfully she let me get another beer and didn’t charge me for the approximately six sips I took.

Boulevard’s Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale was a bit more my speed ($5.15 for a 12 oz -- 8.5% ABV). I enjoyed the citrusy grapefruit notes despite not likely actual grapefruits and the dry finish complemented the food I ordered.

I love Dudley’s pizza so I ordered an 8 inch sausage and black olive pizza ($5.75 -- additional toppings are 75 cents each). Generally I hate pizza crust but Dudley’s apparently has the magic formula that makes me eat it. Try it with the honey they leave on the table -- definitely a treat. Sometimes there’s too much cornmeal dusted on top but nothing a quick brush or shake wouldn’t fix. In the running for best personal pizzas in Omaha.

I also ordered the bacon-cheddar-loaded sticks ($4: “breadsticks” stuffed with hickory-smoked bacon, Dudley’s freshly grated cheese blend, topped with green onions and sharp Wisconsin cheddar. Served with ranch and classic red sauce). A cross between a loaf of bread and breadsticks, I expected a bit more bacon and cheese. Same dough they use for their pizzas but without the cheese and sauce, it was a bit lacking for me.

I give Dudley’s 2.5 smiles. Love their pizza but after trying two or three other menu items the pizza may be the only thing that brings me back. Would like a bigger beer selection, but thoroughly enjoy the environment and location.

Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen

Off the beaten downtown path, Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen (902 Dodge St, Omaha) is a modern bar offering elevated comfort food sourced locally and 100+ craft beers from local Nebraska and Iowa breweries. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 (excluding nights there are events downtown). Discounted starters include things from poutine, their Local burger and soft pretzels. Drafts are all discounted dependent on their starting price point ($5 and under are $3, etc.) well drinks are $3.50 and beer bottles and cans are half priced.

Local has an open floor plan where you sit yourself. Large modern fixtures stud the exposed ceilings and the centerpiece is a wrap around bar. There’s a large patio with plenty of shared seating and a cool lounge area with a life-sized Connect Four wall! The waitstaff is very helpful when trying to navigate the extensive beer list and Local’s website even has an “If, Then” section that pairs common “mainstream” favorites with their local craft counterparts.

My friend and I decided to try their Bierrocks( $1 each: beerrock version has Nebraska beef, beer-braised cabbage, onions and spices) which were mini Runza buns. I don’t really care for Runzas because at a certain point the inside of the dough is mushy, but the size here made them edible. They came with Local’s “spicy” beer cheese sauce. Nice addition that elevated these bierrocks from knock-off Runzas. Two or three would satisfy anyone’s Runza itch.  

My first drink was the Empyrean Imperial Mango IPA ($4: 16oz). I really have to stop trying to make myself like IPAs. The mango didn’t overpower the hoppiness of this beer and I just couldn’t finish. It is however, a very light beer and great for sipping on Local’s patio if you are an IPA lover or convert.

My love of potatoes wouldn’t let me skip over the waffle fry nachos ($5: Mexican chorizo, housemade pico, black olives, jalapenos, sour cream and beer cheese). The actual waffle fries were super crispy and well seasoned. Thick enough to actually support the toppings and crispy enough to emulate a chip sort of crunch. The beer cheese was a great substitute for nacho cheese, having the same amount of space while having more depth of flavor. 

I had better luck with the Peacetree Blonde Fatale ($4: 8oz). Blonde ales might be my sweet spot summer beers as they are light and refreshing and essentially hop-free (as far as distinguishable taste). This has been on the beer list my last two visits but be warned, it does change periodically. If something really catches your interest, try it right away, especially given their reasonably priced flight option.

I give Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen five smiles. I love that they incorporate Nebraska in their food and beverage offerings, the patio is nice and I have to go back to play Connect Four. They are also one of the few if not only bars downtown that have off-street parking (although it is metered, almost had it all Local).

Black Oak Grill Happy Hour Review ....the REMMIXXX

 This is another REMMIIXXXXXXX (again in my Diddy Voice!) I had the pleasure of reviewing Black Oak Grill in Omaha, NE. Black Oak is located in Midtown at 220 S 31st Ave next to Crave. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3-6pm and Saturday 11-6pm. Happy Hour is Bar only but don’t worry there is plenty of seating. Black Oak offers half-price draft beers, wine, and appetizers. Also five dollar fresh cocktails, house cocktails, and bar sliders. 

The last time I was here, I had the Flip and Sip Martini. This time I had the Frozen Jack N Coke ($5). To spruce it up a bit I asked for Cherry Grenadine and it was simply sweet and delicious. I perfect way to end a hot and humid summer day. I love that they added a generous amount of Jack and was able to make my drink perfect. I actually ordered two within my stay. 

For food, I started off with the Meatloaf Sliders with Fries. The French fries came out crisp and fresh and tasted like they been tossed with rosemary oil at the end. The slider was okay. The meat itself could use some seasoning. Alone it tasted a bit bland. On top of the slider is mashed potatoes and tomato sauce. Overall the fresh was the bomb but the slider really needed more flavor. 

I couldn’t leave Black Oak Grill without having their Chicken BBQ Nachos. Since my last visit, I noticed that they upgraded some of the ingredients. Added grilled tomatoes and more fresh veggies. You can’t really go wrong with it comes to their nachos. Cheesy, bbq, and chicken goodness on a plate. Can easily share with your partner or girlfriends. 

Overall, I give this Review Remix 4 Smiles! Black Oak Grills customer service is phenomenal and the drinks are always on point. The perfect place to come out and relax after a long day at work, or just a place to get together with your girlfriends. 

Old Chicago

With various locations around the US and in Omaha, Old Chicago offers assorted bar food, pastas and pizza alongside an extensive beer list. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 3pm-6pm, with daily late night specials from 10pm to close. Specials include crispy tavern bites, assorted appetizers like mozzarella cheese sticks or nachos grande and $1 off pints, $3 well cocktails, $4 OC iced teas or house wines and $5 U.S. or daily special tall drafts.

The interior is pretty standard no matter which location you visit. I stopped at one while I was in Aurora, Colorado and it was almost identical to the one up the street from my apartment. Lots of seating around the bar area, separate dining room that’s quiet and lots of sports memorabilia. Like I’ve said before, everything you expect from a “chain” brewery.

I tried one of this location’s specialty ½ and ½ beers. The Beachhouse IPA had both Dry Dock Apricot Blonde and Firestone Union Jack IPA. I really enjoyed this combo, the apricot blonde offset the IPA nicely and made it tolerable (not a fan normally).Great summer beer and I’m going to have to have my dad ship me some Dry Dock Apricot Blonde at some point.

I then tried the crispy jalapeno cheese ravioli ($3: creamy jalapeno cheese stuffed fried ravioli, sprinkled with parmesan and romano cheese and served with zesty pizza sauce). I really like fried ravioli and was excited to try this twist. The raviolis weren’t greasy and the sprinkled cheese gave it a nice crunch. The filling wasn’t very spicy which was quite disappointing and the flavor profile was weird after you dipped it in the pizza sauce. Worth an experimental try but probably wouldn’t get it again.

Next I had the pretzel bites ($3: freshly baked jalapeno pretzel bites served with beer cheese sauce) which were a huge disappointment. Despite being jalapeno pretzel bites they weren’t spicy at all. I could see little pieces of jalapeno but no spice transferred apparently. The beer cheese sauce was mediocre, more velveeta than any beer cheese I’ve ever had. The pretzels did come out warm and weren’t too hard. The “beer cheese” on the other hand was cold upon arrival.

I give Old Chicago 1.5 smiles. I’m game to try more of their beer selection and they had other food items I thought were intriguing. Would never get the pretzels or ravioli again however.

Jax Fish House (Denver)

Located in LODO, Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar (1539 17th Street, Denver, CO) has served fresh and sustainable seafood since 1996. They cater to the ‘Coast-less Communities’ with an impressive raw bar and hand crafted cocktails and beer. Happy Hour is 4pm to 6pm daily and all night long Mondays. Specials include $1.50 oysters, steamed mussels and a sea dog as well as discounted craft cocktails, seasonal tap sangrias, $1 off drafts, select wines for $6 and more.

My first impression of Jax was great. I was visiting family and brought them along so our party was rather large (six). Instead of forcing us to sit outside or wait and make a reservation the manager quickly put together a table for us. Not exactly the easiest task as this place really is a counter bar with table seating. Our server was super attentive and helpful and every table was covered in white craft paper. I’m sure it’s meant for easy cleanup but they leave crayons so I had to leave behind a masterpiece.

My first drink was the strawberry lemonade ($5: house infused strawberry vodka, lemonade) and while I’m not big on vodka I enjoyed this refreshing take on a summer staple. The lemonade wasn’t too tart and the infused vodka had a good strawberry flavor.

Next was the gumbo fries ($5: aged white cheddar, andouille) which is Jax’s version of poutine. I would have liked the fries to be a bit more crispy, but the gumbo was a nice twist. The andouille gave this dish a more hearty base than their regular cup of gumbo, but the flavor was lacking real depth. I understand if some take that with a grain of salt as not everyone grew up eating authentic Louisiana gumbo as our server alluded to. Worth a try and extra points for creativity.

I also ordered a seafood dynamite slider ($2: pea shoots, pickled red onion) which was delicious. The remoulade wasn’t exactly spicy, but still worked. The actual slider consisted of a seafood mix which was fresh and not fishy or rubbery. Overall a good size for the price.

My second sip was their seasonal paloma ($5: seasonal infused tequila, grapefruit, grapefruit soda). I learned with this drink that I must stop forcing myself to try grapefruit. I wanted to like this drink just as much as I want to enjoy grapefruit in general, but it just isn’t going to ever happen. For that reason I can’t say don’t get this drink even though I didn’t love it.

To round out my visit I tried the bacon fat chicken wings ($9: guajillo chili sauce, cilantro crème fraîche) which sadly was the most disappointing dish of the night. I had very high hopes for these wings because bacon = greatness. The wings didn’t inherently have a bacon flavor nor did they evoke any bite from the chili sauce. The crème fraîche seemed out of place on the actual wing adding nothing of note.

I give Jax 4.5 smiles. The service is great and I love that their HH is daily. Everything I tried was fresh which is maybe the most important thing a fish house can offer but the chicken wings missed their mark and some of the risks they take (like the gumbo fries) could be executed a bit more deftly.

Plank Happy Hour Review Remiiixxxxxxx

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This is the REEEEMMMIIIXXXXX *in my best Diddy Voice! For the month of June I'll be reviewing a few Happy Hour's that I've done in the past! First up is Plank Seafood and Provisons. Located in the heart of Old Market Omaha 1205 Howard St. Happy Hour is DAILY, Monday-Saturday 3pm-6;30pm. Sunday Noon- 8pm. Plank offers discounted appetizers and cocktails.

First on the list is the Redbeard's Rita ( Cabrito Silver Tequila, housemade Limoncello, fresh lime, simple syrup, and pomegranate. Besides squeezing the orange slice I couldn't taste much of anything. I was expecting a punch that pomegranate has and I didn't get that. Just reminded me of a old fashion margarita.

You can't come to Plank without having a few oysters! For $1.25 a piece during Happy Hour you can't go wrong. I loved the seasonal horseradish and ginger mignonette to pair! Absolutely great combination!

Next, Poutine Fries! For $5 you get natural cut fries, Wisconsin white cheddar cheese, and braised bacon gravy! I love their version of this Canada dish! The fries were nice and hot. Gravy had tons of flavor, and loved the freshness from the green onions! Great with your favorite cocktail. Just makes you feel warm and soft inside.


Last thing I had was the Petite Po' Boy Fish Sandwich (tomatoes, pickle, lettuce, and creole mustard). Two things that was unfortunate about this dish. 1. I forgot to take a picture. 2nd. I originally ordered the Shrimp Po' Boy but they gave me fish. I'm the type of person that doesn't complain much so I didn't mind. The waitress was kind enough to give me the Shrimp Po'Boy to go for free.

What I wish this Po' Boy had was texture and flavor! The fish itself was very bland. Tasted like they just rolled the fish in corn meal and flour with no seasoning. The bread was soggy from toasting with butter, the creole mustard tasted like the standard aoili. Quite disappointed in this dish ;-(

Overall I give Plank Seafood and Provisions 3 smiles! The prices are great, but from the dishes I tried flavor is much needed!