‘Happy’ Days: Where to Raise a Glass Now!

THERE'S NO SHORTAGE of happy-hour steals and deals in this town, but every week seems to bring a new batch of must-try bevs and bar bites at hot spots all over Houston. Here are three social hours to hit now.

Guard & Grace

Houstonians have had their share of queso and tacos, but chef Andrew Stephens takes the pair to the next level during social hour — 3-5:30pm, Tuesday-Friday — at Downtown's Guard and Grace. The upscale steakhouse reopened in October, and just this month added back a happy-hour menu. Don't skip the queso lobster, a mouthwatering blend of cheese that is partially melted, then topped with tender hunks of lobster before being baked to perfection. The tacos use smoked wagyu brisket, fresh-made tortillas and pickled-onion slaw. Still not indulgent enough? Try the fries, seasoned with a special housemade powder of beef fat.

Mutiny Wine Room

In the Heights, escape to California wine country — for a steal! The MWR Flight #750, an educational Napa-centric wine flight, is only $7.50 on Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-6pm. Each month features a different selection of sips, all explained by one of the tasting room's wine "stewards"; this month's includes Oestermann Cabernet Franc, Avery Rose Cabernet Sauvignon and Imagi Mundi Sauvignon Blanc.

Mutiny Wine Room (photo by Jenn Duncan)

The Nash

Downtown's newest restaurant, The Nash, has rolled out a stellar happy-hour deal on weekdays from 5-6:30pm. Enjoy The Nash Combo — either a full margherita or bianco pizza with a bottle of house red or white for $25 — on the large, dog-friendly patio, and or inside, where the spacious interior boasts a floor-to-ceiling bar and open kitchen. Other HH deals include $5 spicy southwest tater tots — with roasted corn, aged smoked cheddar and herbed crema fresca — and Forbidden Eggs, the spicy-sweet app for which the restaurant is already becoming known. Craft cocktails are just $7 during this timeframe, and a draft beer will run you $3. Cheers!