Commons Club's Happy Hour
The Virgin Hotel was buzzing with activity on a sunny summer Friday afternoon. Wedding guests were boarding a bus, party people were heading up to the pool for sultry selfies, and laidback locals filed into Commons Club for happy hour.
The Bar at Commons Club practically glows thanks to the two-story glass window that acts as a backsplash for the horseshoe bar. The seats were quickly taken around it. Others chose to lounge in the plush seats around the bar, a place where they can get a little bit closer to each other, going over the fun yet to come that night. This is the scene for happy hour every Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m.
The latest menu for this afternoon delight is called "Mmm," because all good things start with "M." I admittedly didn't notice the M-ness while looking at the menu; I was taken aback by the excellent offerings. A listing of lovely cocktails were available for just $7 and Miller High Life ponies were the low price of $3.
I tried out Tommy's Margarita. Tommy has great taste because this was a solid margarita. To my liking, it wasn't sweet (though those who prefer it that way have the option to rim it with sugar) and very well balanced. Other than sugar, you have the option of a salt or Tajín rimmer. Liking a jolt of spice and excitement, I chose the Tajín.
My friend chose the Mai Tai, which he labeled as "terrific." Of course, I had to have a sip. The pretty, tiki-inspired drink was a tropical treat that was also very well balanced. Not too heavy with spices and not too sweet. Other options include M drinks such as mules and martinis.
The M foods were a little tough to choose from (who doesn't want a muffuletta?), but the final choices were the Meatball Sampler and Mesquite BBQ French Fries. The Meatball Sampler featured a trio of large meatballs: chicken, lamb, and beef/pork. Each had its own unique flavoring and were as tender and moist as the ones your local family-owned Italian restaurant made. The lamb had a noticeable Greek fresh, herbal taste to it, but I think the very traditional beef/pork meatball really hit the spot.
As you may know by now, I can't truly judge a restaurant until I've tried the French fries. And how could I resist these? A rather large bowl of fries was presented to me (definitely a great amount for the price), and the perfect fries were dusted in mesquite BBQ seasoning. Served with a side of maple bourbon ketchup that added deep flavor and a hint of sweetness, I may be back just for these to be honest.
Commons Club new happy hour menu will definitely make you go, "Mmmmm." Come check it out after work one of these upcoming weekdays.
