Ponzu Sushi & Grill (Aksarben-Omaha)

Located adjacent to the Aksarben Cinema in Aksarben Village, Ponzu Sushi & Grill (2110 S 67th Street, Omaha) has been described as a “nouveau American fish house, combining cutting edge food with contemporary architecture. With a wide variety of sushi, a full grill menu and a full service bar Ponzu has something for everyone in your group. Happy Hour is everyday from 3pm to 6pm with a reverse Happy Hour Friday and Saturday from 9pm to close. Chose from various discounted grill items (like black pepper calamari or kobe beef sliders), $5 and $8 sushi rolls, $5.50 specialty cocktails and various other drinks such as $5 Big Saporro’s and $4.50 house wines.

I immediately liked the exterior and interior of Ponzu. Lots of clean lines makes this place appear modern and “cool” while still allowing enough space for large groups. Service was great for the duration of our stay and the waitress was super helpful and inviting. Our drinks were prepared quickly and the grill and sushi items arrived hot and fresh respectively. Happy Hour is also open to the whole restaurant which is a plus if you have a larger group that wouldn’t be able to be accommodated at the bar. A great place to stop before or after a movie at Aksarben Cinema (which was the idea in the first place I’m sure).

I sampled the $5.50 Stormy Ginger which includes both rum and ginger ale. This drink was super refreshing and the rum matched all three of the items I ordered surprisingly well. I’ve never thought of rum as a particular pair for sushi but the Stormy Ginger proved me wrong.

My first dish to arrive was the Kamakazee Shrimp ($6: breaded and tossed in sambal aioli). The presentation was nice and the shrimp were hot and crispy. The aioli was very good although I wish it had a bit more kick to it. They lasted well, not getting soggy throughout the night and still tasting great after they had gotten a bit cold. Two or three lasted until the next day and passed the microwave test, not getting soggy or hard after a few seconds heating up.

I also tried some of my friend’s Pork Potstickers ($6: fried served with sweet & spicy ponzu). I enjoyed that the wrappers they used weren’t too thick, ensuring the potstickers weren’t too tough. The filling was nice, would have liked a bit more flavor. The sauce that accompanied was ok, but I went without it on most of them.

For sushi I tried the Crazy Crab roll ($5: spicy crab, avocado, rolled in panko, topped with unagi sauce). These rolls were super fresh and you get 8 pieces so well worth the $5 price tag. Was surprised it wasn't a bit more spicy, but was also glad that they didn’t put in huge chunks of avocado, overpowering everything. Definitely some of the best sushi I’ve had in a while (which ended in me drunkenly eating it cold later).

Ponzu gets 5 smiles. I immediately wanted to return the next day and will definitely explore some of their rolls not on special during HH (I tried my friend’s Jammin Salmon and may be an Itchy Salmon convert). Great vibes and atmosphere here and quality food and drink. Plus with its prime location in Aksarben Village, it wasn’t jammed packed (although it was 10pm on Valentine’s Day when I checked it out lol).

Ginger Pan Asian Grill (Lincoln)

Lincoln’s newest sushi spot and Mongolian grill, Ginger Pan Asian Grill is located on 6055 Apples Way (great news for South Lincolnites like myself, no more trekking all the way to the Haymarket for sushi)! Specializing in sushi, Asian entrees and a large selection of items for their Mongolian Grill, Ginger has a bit of something for everyone. Happy Hour is 3p-6p Monday through Saturday and ALL day Sunday. Specialty drinks are $5 as well as $2 Bud Light draws, sushi rolls range from $2.50-$4.50 and select apps are $3.50-$5.

Ginger’s decor is very sleek and modern. Happy Hour is in the bar area, where you can either sit at the sushi bar and watch the magic happen, select a booth for a bit of privacy or sit at one of the hightops. The music is modern radio fair, a bit better than the usual surfer/semi Asian background music most places default to. Service was quick and efficient, a plus as Ginger hasn’t been open more than a month or so. The place wasn’t super packed, which I attribute to not many people being aware Ginger is open. Can see this place becoming a hot date spot.

I started with the pineapple mojito ($5) which was ready quickly (Ginger has a full bar opposite the sushi bar.) The drink was super pretty (I care about those kind of things) but outside of that, I wasn’t impressed. There was something a bit off about it but I couldn’t place what. Would probably try a Mai Tai or Gingertini next go round.

The first item that arrived was my crab rangoon ($4.50). I was glad that Ginger doesn’t serve smaller portions for HH, everything is big enough to share. These were winners because they actually had crab in them! Not just the blah cream cheese most places pass off as crab rangoon. They came out super crispy and the sweet and sour sauce wasn’t too thick or sweet. Definitely the best thing I had that night.

For sushi I went with the spicy tuna roll ($3) which again was a great portion (8 pieces) and well presented. These rolls were as fresh as sushi can be in a landlocked Midwestern city. Can see myself liking this place more than a certain other sushi chain (rhymes with true).

I’m giving Ginger 4 smiles. Overall I really loved this place. I’m chalking up my drink with my tastebuds adjusting after i was sick days before. The crab rangoon and service was great, but I do wish there was more of a variety with their sushi items. Include more of the specialty rolls for a slightly higher price like $6 or $7. I’d gladly pay it.

Granite City Happy Hour Review

 

 

 

 

Granite City Food and Brewery located 1001 N 102nd St, right by Westroads Mall Omaha. Granite City offers Happy Hour EVERY DAY PEOPLE! Yes everyday twice a day baby! Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm, Saturday-Sunday from Noon-5pm, and every night 9pm to close.  Happy Hour consists of $4, $6, and $8 small plates. $5 Cocktails, Martinis, Wines, Sprits, and Skinnies for the calories watcher out there.



 

Before my Happy Hour visit, I visited Granite City before for their Brunch. Granite's Brunch is noteworthy. I was impressed how Granite City offers their Happy Hour twice a day, giving patrons options and convenience which I really love.  My beautiful Mother joined for this review, and first thing she ordered was the Red Sangria Sunset. I have to say the Sunset was the best I tasted and worth $5 and more. Just the right about of wine and not too much fruit.

 

When ever there is a quesadilla on the menu I order! I just became a fan of the two tortillas smashed together creation. I liked how they drizzled the sour cream on top. I always over dose on the cream. I do wish the chicken was more flavorful and had some sort of kick. Overall it was okay for $6, but not very noteworthy.

Potatoes and Sour Cream just go together like the cream in a Twinkie. Okay maybe that wasn't the right metaphor but you get it. This dish was the small version of the Idaho Nachos with shredded cheese, chives, tomatoes, and huge dollop of Daisy...hahahaha.  I loved how the potatoes were in waffle fry form (my favorite). You can definitely get full of this one plate. Ask your server for the Granite Dip....then thank me later.

Next we tried the Chicken Tenders basket with French fries. Not more than your average chicken tenders that you can get at your local fast food joint.

Overall I give Granite City 4 Smiles. I love the options of food and drinks, and I'm really happy about the convenience of the times that are offered. Happy Hours everyday is great, but when you offer it twice a day everyday its a plus.

Toast (Lincoln, NE)

Located in the Fallbrook area of Lincoln, Toast (570 Fallbrook Blvd. #105) is a coffee house, neighborhood deli and watering hole inspired by elements of the European cafe bar. An intoxicating blend of espresso, delicatessen finds (with a twist such as the hashpuppies or the smoked salmon quesadilla) and a first class selection of fine wine, aged spirits and premium ales, Toast is at once homey and hip, not overdoing it on either fronts. Their Happy Hour runs weekdays from 3:30p to 6:30p offering $1 off the price of any draft beer or bottle, glass of wine, cocktail or martini. Daily specials run all night and as I was there on a Wednesday, I got to see what Wine & Wings! Night was all about (50 cent wings, min. order of 6, 25% off bottles of wine in addition to the $1 off a glass).

I arrived at Toast relatively early as I was doing my review in conjunction to a work ladies night so not many people were there yet. As the night went on more people trickled in for drinks or to have dinner, including a few families. Toast works in that weird way, you can have one table throwing back beers (ours) and a family with small children enjoying mini corndogs in harmony. The waitstaff is attentive and genuinely seem to love the people who come in, from first timers to regulars from the surrounding neighborhoods. Though the HH specials focus more on the drinks, their actual menu is an amazing hodge podge of traditional and intriguing items (I didn’t include actual reviews of the apps we tried outside of the wings since they weren't on special but as a protip: try the hashpuppies).

After much deliberation I tried the Bourbonade ($5.25: Maker’s, triple sec, lemonade, 7up). I enjoyed that it wasn’t too lemony nor did it have an overwhelming pop taste. Very mellow and the right amounts of everything to wash down any of the delicious bites on the menu. The mellowness did have the effect of making the drink seem watered down, but as my table concluded this could mean one of two things; I’m coming up on a drinking problem, or it’s a sneaky drink, one that catches up to you after two and now you're drunk in the bathroom telling girls how much you love their shoes (ok if you’re a girl, not so much if you’re a guy..in case you were wondering).

Next up (and pretty much the most important part of this article) are the wings. 50 cent wings! Will these wings take up the void that is the day after/before BWW’s special days. With so many flavor choices (buffalo hot or hotter than hot, honey mustard, espresso bbq, and sweet & spicy Asian chili) you certainly feel like a kid in the candy store, thoroughly satisfied with your OG flavors (like buffalo hot) and fun new kids on the block(honey mustard anyone). My table tried both the Asian chili and the espresso bbq (because we are at a hybrid coffeehouse so yes get everything with espresso in it) both different experiences. I really love Asian chili sauce especially when they get the kick level right (insert martial arts joke here) which Toast has achieved on all counts. I always have a quarrel with the fact that restaurants don’t seem to season their chicken wings anymore if there is a sauce slathered on it, but that’s never going to change. The wings were hot and fresh and enjoyed by all anyway.

The espresso bbq wings were another story. I wasn’t quite sure what I was expecting. Certainly not for them to taste like a cup of coffee sauce (which they didn’t) but would they be bbq-ey at all? Would I need the accompanying ranch or bleu cheese? The chicken was hot and fresh and quality wings. I couldn't discern a real coffee flavor, just a mild bbq so I felt slightly shafted. I expected these to be in your face (so yeah maybe I lied about the cup of coffee sauce comment) but maybe they are better this way. Just a faint reminder that you can also get a great cup of coffee here, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I also tried the Smith & Forge Hard Cider they had on tap partly because you shouldn’t get wasted in front of your co-workers at your FIRST ladies night (duh) but also because the waitress talked it up so much. First impression was it would be better with a shot of Jameson (I know, I know) but the more lasting impression was that I like this more than Redd’s and Woodchuck. Everyone go get a Smith & Forge if you are into a hard cider now and then, post haste (plus it’s made from apples and those things keep the doctor away).

I give Toast 4.5 smiles. I like going there, I like the variety, and I like the people. Slightly dislike that their HH doesn’t have any appetizer specials other than Wine & Wings Night. We could have had it all Toast.

Saints Pub + Patio Midtown (Omaha)

Located in Midtown Crossing with a West Omaha location opening mid-January, Saints Pub + Patio (120 South 31st Ave, Omaha) is an upscale sports bar offering a full menu, over twenty flat screens and a large outdoor patio. Their daily Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday 2p-6p with a reverse drink special only Happy Hour Monday - Saturday from 10p to close. Specials include $6 appetizers (excluding the sampler), $1 off premium pints, $2 domestic drafts & wells, $3 Long Islands and $4 house wines. Sunday is all day Happy Hour along with $4 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas.

I decided to do my review on a Sunday so the space was pretty packed. There was still seating at the bar and at a few tables so it seemed less crowded than it really was. The decor was nicer than most sports bars which I enjoyed. I'd like to come back and check out the patio more when the weather gets nicer. All of the tvs could be a bit overwhelming for someone who may just want to see a particular game. I enjoyed it as I could watch other games while the Broncos game was on a commercial break. I sat at the bar & was immediately asked for my drink order which was nice. I went with a mimosa as they were on special and Sunday's without mimosas are sad. It was a pretty standard bar/restaurant mimosa. Would have liked less juice more alcohol. Also made a note to ask for a pineapple juice substitution next time.

I ordered the Pepper Jack Bites ($6: hand cut, battered pepper jack cheese, chipotle ranch) first. Really liked the bit of kick from the cheese in combination with the chipotle ranch. It was a nice size to share with my friend who was along for the ride. I noticed that the smaller bites seemed to be just breading, as if the cheese sort of melted since it wasn't the same consistency as mozzarella. But the larger bites as they cooled a bit were more like traditional mozz bites. These bites also get snaps for the breading not being too thick.

I also got an order of the Saints Loaded Fries ($6: waffle fries, queso, tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, shredded cheese, green onions and sour cream with your choice of beef or chicken) choosing the chicken option. My only real complaint with these were the actual fries. I wish they had some sort of spicy seasoning on them. Most of the flavor came from the toppings and queso. My friend said he really enjoyed the queso while I was expecting it to be a bit spicier. Again it was the perfect size to share with someone and the chicken was good, not dry at all. Also reheated well the next day.

I give Saints Pub + Patio 4.5 smiles. Even with the unseasoned fries and some of the bites lacking on the cheese side I would order both apps again. They have a variety of drink specials which is a plus. Saints is a great place to spend a few hours on a lazy Sunday watching all the sports action or a Friday after work when you don't feel like cooking and want some good snack food and drinks to wind down. 

Wilson and Washburn Happy Hour Review (Omaha)

 Located in Downtown Omaha on 1407 Harney Street just a block away from the Orpheum Theater, Wilson and Washburn gives you low-key comfortable vibe. W&W resides in a 19th Century building that adds the charm that compliments the Old Market. What is remarkable about W&W, is the name its after, after the most successful female brothel owner Anna Wilson. Not only was Anna Wilson the real Supreme (aka Queen of the Underworld) in her day, but also a philanthropist who did a lot of charity work and giving. Kudos to W&W! 

W&W Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday 2pm to 6pm and all day Sunday. I live for an all day Sunday Happy Hour! W&W offers $1 off draft beers, $5.5 premium wells, $5.5 House Wine, and Select Apps at a discounted rate

Normally when I do a review I stay away from beer, take it that I'm a blogger and I need to try new things I decided to give it a try. W&W is proud to have 24 craft and import beers on tap. I tried the Vanilla Bean Blond. This beer is actually brewed in Nebraska by the Infusion Brewing Company. Yes, for the locals! When it comes to beer...I don't know much but what I know about this beer is that its all good in my book and I can drink it every day. It has a slight but noticeable vanilla note right at the end as soon as you swallow and goes down smooth.

 

When I saw Poutine Croquette on the menu I was sooo excited. I've been WAITING for ages to try the famous Canadian dish of French fries, gravy and cheese curds my mouth was savoring. I think I was a little too excited cause I didn't pay attention to the word "Croquette", when they brought the dish to me I was a little hurt. Only for a 30 seconds though. W&W Poutine Croquette ( mashed potato, Jisa Farmstead curds, and Newcastle Gravy) was absolutely delicious. The coating of the croquette was just right and not soggy. I could taste the cheese curds inside and the mash had the perfect consistency. I loved how they imported beer into the gravy and it wasn't overpowering. Could use just a little bit more salt for my liking.   Normally when you order this dish you get 5 pieces, I just wanted a sample. 

 Next on the list was the Fish and Chips( cod. Warsteriner beer batter, coleslaw, tartar sauce, fries). When it comes to coleslaw, I only could trust my mama's. Now I can trust W&W. Their way of making coleslaw to me changes the game. As I was devouring this small dish I kept asking myself what spice did they add to make it taste so good and smoky that I need to tell my mom? CUMIN! Yes, people cumin. I promise you it goes soo well together you have to try it yourself.

This fish it self was hot and fresh with big pieces. The batter was perfect and not soggy. Overall a good dish worth $7.50.

 

 

 

 

As I writing my notes down for this review, I had the opportunity to meet Executive Chef Travis. I told him about Happy Hour Happy Girl and how I'm a big foodie. I told Chef Travis how I loved the coleslaw and next thing you know he brings me something to sample (I felt all special and famous ) What he presented to me was the Smoked Pulled Pork Eggroll. Inside was the 18hour smoked pork and coleslaw. Hot, crispy, and straight out the press good! It was like Mexican, Asian, and American all in one. Tons of flavors but you get the smokey-ness and tender from the pork, the cumin from the slaw, and the Asian flavor from the dipping sauce. Overall A1.

 

W&W has amazing customer service. I love the imprinted newspaper-paper for the dishes that bring out the  charm of W&W.  To me if makes the food exciting and gives you an experience. I wish W&W had more food items to choose from but overall I have them 4 Smils.

Vega (Lincoln, NE)

Located on the second level of Lincoln's Railyard District, Vega (350 Canopy Street, Suite 220) is a gem among Nebraska’s live music venues. With ample space for local, national and international talent as well as a full service bar and restaurant focusing on high quality locally sourced food and drink Vega is also recognized as one of the best spaces for showcases and private events/fundraisers. Multiple screens let you watch sports on game days and an expansive stage and open layout makes it great for live music (I’ve even taken an early morning yoga class here). They have a daily Happy Hour from 5p - 8p as well as Reverse Happy Hour following every show. The special is a standard $1 off every drink. Vega also has daily specials on their menu items Monday - Thursday and other drink specials all day Friday and Saturday.

I visited Vega on a Monday before MNF had a chance to kick off so it was just me and the staff for a while. They were pretty attentive from the start even after two other patrons arrived about 45 mins into my stay. As there were no shows that night they even had “A Year Without Santa Claus” on the big screen on stage (I love Christmas movies). I decided to take advantage of their Monday special while I was there (½ off their gourmet burgers with a side) and ordered The Fleetwood Mac ($5: mac’ n’ cheese, parmesan, smokey bacon & fresh basil) with a side of fries. I was very excited as Vega uses organic grass fed local beef and other locally sourced ingredients. The burger and fries were presented very well. The fries were hot and crispy, but I do wish they would have had a bit more sea salt. The burger was a bit dry which I attribute to it being well done (I rarely order burgers anything but medium well but wasn’t asked or given that option) and the actual beef didn’t seem to be seasoned. I was disappointed that the mac and cheese wasn’t “gourmet” but more Kraft boxed. I could barely taste the bacon which was another let down. As basil isn’t the strongest flavor in the pantry it didn’t do much to save The Fleetwood either.

I also ordered a Jamie & Ginger ($4.59: Jameson whiskey & ginger ale) which is nearly impossible to mess up. I did appreciate that Vega had actual ginger ale and that it was a tall. I also appreciated that the HH special includes everything, not just rails or beers.

Overall I give Vega 2 smiles. I would definitely come back to catch a live show or for a private event. The drink specials would probably peak my interest again but I’m not sure how many other menu items I would be apt to try after my burger experience. I did thoroughly enjoy the venue however.