The Sample Room – NE Minneapolis

If you haven’t  been to the Sample Room yet, it’s about time–and, not just because of their killer happy hour, but also for their fantastically curated charcuterie plate. Packed with cured meats, deviled eggs, currants, figs, mustard, and sooo much more (sorry, this one’s not on happy hour but trust us, it’s worth it!).

Our recommendation? Tavernillo Red (3.5), Truffled Bacon Fat Popcorn (4.50), and a good book. The Sample Room is the perfect place to kick back solo and sip a glass of wine.

Happy Hours
Weekdays, 3-6pm M-F
Late Night, 10pm-Midnight Sun-Thurs
3.50 Wine (Tavernillo White or Red), Taps & Rails
3.50-6.50 Appetizers and small plates
You can visit the Sample Room in Northeast Minneapolis at 2124 Marshall Street NE or online at the-sample-room.com.

The Lowry – Uptown

“Burgers Whiskey Oysters Eggs” The Lowry sign proudly displays.  Hidden within, an array of bar snacks and decent happy hour wine specials. We also love that The Lowry has happy hour until 7:00pm. We 9-5’ers find it awfully hard to get happy when we’re rushed after work to hit the deals ending at 6:00pm.

Happy Hours
Daily, 4-7pm & 10pm to close
$6 Wine, $3-4 for rails and tap beers
$5-8 Bar Snacks

You can visit the Lowry in Uptown, Minneapolis at 2112 Hennepin Avenue or online at thelowryuptown.com

Vic’s Minneapolis

Vic’s boasts an impressive 99 bottle wine list including a remarkable eight “moderately priced bottles” for $13 or less (you read that right, $13. Per bottle). The majority of the other 91 bottles on their list fall around or under $20. We can’t lie to you on this one. Vic’s actually doesn’t actually have a “happy hour” until May 27th (more on that below), but with wine prices this reasonable, it’s 2-for-1 all the time.

Their dining menu ranges from reasonably priced sandwiches and appetizers to high-end fare. If you aren’t looking for a spendy dining experience, order a bottle of wine and share an appetizer on their magnificent open-air deck with unbeatable views of historic main street and the Mississippi River.

Happy Hours
4pm to Close M-F
10am to Close Sat & Sun

Starting May 27 you can visit Vic’s for their Summer Progressive Happy Hour Monday thru Friday throughout the summer: 2pm to 3pm $2 bottles, 3pm to 4pm $3 bottles, 4pm to 5pm $4 bottles (increasing $1 per hour), in addition to a rotating selection of small plates.

You can visit Vic’s in the Saint Anthony Main neighborhood of Minneapolis at 201 Main St. SE or online at vicsminneapolis.com.

Pazzaluna – Saint Paul

This upscale Italian eatery has an expansive wine menu. Don’t let their entree prices (or formal attire) deter you, their twice-daily happy hour has fantastic deals. Consider grabbing a seat at the bar – you won’t have to wait for a table and will get the most entertaining seat in the house, watching the bustle of the kitchen at work.

Happy Hours
Daily, 4-6pm & 9pm to close
$5 Wine, $3-6 for wells, beers, or cocktails
$5-10 Appetizers

You can visit Pazzaluna downtown Saint Paul at 360 St. Peter Street or online at www.pazzaluna.com.