Happy Hour

By Melody Minx

Can there be two lovelier words put together than ‘happy’ and ‘hour?’ I think not. I’m not a big drinker, but those words pique my interest. Pictures of relaxed people laughing, drinks in hand, dance in my head. We are SO lucky to be one of the states that hasn’t made it illegal to partake of libations at a certain time of day and at a reduced rate, otherwise termed – Happy Hour. Yes, around 20 more ‘pure’ states believe that these lovely, social hours promote over-consumption. Strangely, one of the most drinkloving countries in the world prohibits happy hours, as well – Ireland. But just as those before us believed, I see it as a time to relieve stress and let my hair down a little.

Happy hours have been around at least since Prohibition and WW1. It was Naval slang for a time when the sailors would let loose a bit – participating in boxing matches or other athletic endeavors to boost morale and break up the monotony of sealife. And then during the driest time in our history, it became the thing to wet your whistle at a Speakeasy or friends home before going out for dinner. Thus began the Happy Hour.

Some are literally just an hour while most are two to four. I believe setting aside just ONE hour ruins the innate, relaxed nature. Many people come straight from work to decompress from the trials and tribulations of the job. A good Happy Hour is an opportunity to come as you are and break your routine or maybe mingle with coworkers in a relaxed setting. It’s also a fabulous time to meet new, diverse people. All walks of life converge on Happy Hours like the proverbial African watering hole, from garbage guys to CEOs. It’s an event most can frequent easier and more often than a big night out on the town. And lower prices are a great reason to try a new drink. The happiest of Happy Hours are those you can relax at with a group of people that make you smile. Be that at a casino, dive bar, cantina, shnazzy bar or your own backyard.

Here’s my recipe for the perfect Happy Hour (take heed, local haunts): It should be multiple times per week, twice a day. Optimal time would be 6-8p and 11p-1a. Beer, well and at least three food choices should be half off. Yes, half off. Throw in a special on one unique drink, something most people wouldn’t normally try. Smaller food portions are fine, but don’t just offer wings, please. I want to walk into a clean, lively spot with courteous staff, but this should be a given. If you have a patio or roof or other cool nook or cranny, use it.

Now, hand me my fruity drink. I’m ready to wind down from my workday. Oh - and if the halfoff drink comes with a sweet, hot dude, my Happy Hour is complete. A gOOd HAPPY HOur IS AN OPPOrTuNITY TO COME AS YOu ArE ANd BrEAk YOur rOuTINE Or MAYBE MINglE WITH COWOrkErS IN A rElAxEd SETTINg. IT’S AlSO A fABulOuS TIME TO MEET NEW, dIvErSE PEOPlE.

Special Advertising Publication from the reno News & review | RN&R NIGHTLIFE 2014 7