Arizona sun beating down, books weighing more by the minute, feet dragging after the last class, starving and cranky.
Being in college isn't easy and finding cheap food and drink isn't either. This is why happy hour was created — use it as a stress relief from 3-7 p.m.
A lot can happen at happy hour. It's the best time of the day and, obviously, the happiest. Off of work or free from school, everyone (21 and older) wants to grab a cold brew or a half-price bite to eat.
The best places near campus to get a happy-hour buzz are waiting just around the corner. If you want the best and cheapest, listen up and hear it here first.
Postino Annex
615 S. College Ave.
(480) 927-1111
Happy hour: All days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for wine by the glass and pitchers of beer, $5. Monday and Tuesday evenings after 8 p.m. for a house bottle of wine and bruschetta, $20.
"Postino's is definitely my favorite place for a 'cheap date'," early education junior Taysja Garcia says. "Mondays and Tuesdays are the best because they have bruschettas and a bottle of wine for twenty bucks, you can't beat it."
Postinio Annex in Tempe is a new addition to the college town, offering a classy and relaxed vibe. Postino started out as an old Post Office building in Arcadia that was renovated into a "WineCafe" when the partners began serving approachable wines and foods with locally grown ingredients.
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St., Suite 104
(480) 303-9967
Happy Hour daily from 2 to 6 p.m and reverse happy hour from 11 p.m. to close. $3.75 pints and $13 pitchers.
"I like to to go to Four Peaks after a stressful day at work," ASU alumnus Jason Heckendorn says. "Their beer is the coldest and best."
Four Peaks wasn’t always a brewery. First, Four Peaks was a creamery; Pacific Creamery and later Borden Creamery. It was a place for cows and now it is a place for a cold brew after class or work. It has a laid-back feel that will put anyone in a good mood.
The Arrogant Butcher
2 E. Jefferson St. #150
(602) 324-8502
Happy hour: Monday to Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m.
Nothing could be better than the ambience of city life while eating a delicious sandwich after a long day of school work. The Arrogant Butcher sits on the corner of Jefferson and has a beautiful patio that is just walking distance from ASU's downtown campus. Don't miss their appetizing happy hour menu.
The Vine Tavern & Eatery
801 E. Apache Blvd.
(480) 894-2662
Happy hour: Wednesdays, $1 "you call it" drinks
"The Vine is close to everything, basically walking distance and their specials are pretty good too. My friends and I meet up there a lot," communications junior Brianna Stearns says.
The Vine Tavern & Eatery in Tempe is a local hot spot for ASU students and the food and drinks are decently priced. It has a cozy atmosphere where everyone can hang out and socialize.
The Vig Fillmore
606 N. 4th Ave.
(602) 254-2242
Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.
The Vig captures a metro new look and has a "hipster" vibe. After school, the Vig is a fun, friendly, upscale neighborhood tavern. With a mix of live music and disc jockeys there is something for everyone's taste. "Let's just go to the Vig," is their slogan because of the friendly neighborhood ambiance.
Gringo Star Street Bar
501 S. Mill Ave., #101
(480) 306-8633
Happy hour: Daily, 3 to 9 p.m.
"I love their hummus," health and wellness sophomore Kiersten Raynes says. "There are a lot of windows and patio space to people watch, it's a fun place."
Gringo Star Street Bar is one of the most well-known bars on Mill Avenue, but most people go out at night when the bar is packed, and don't realize they have a great happy hour. It is a fun place to make new friends and play games in the arcade area.
Squid Ink Sushi Bar
2 E. Jefferson St.
(602) 258-0510
Happy hour: Daily, 3 to 7 p.m.
Squid Ink gives sushi a distinctive and unconventional new experience. They have a fun vibe that appeals to the fast-paced business lunch crowd, eventgoers, hip foodies and students on their lunch breaks. There may even be a local DJ mixing some lunchtime tracks. Squid Ink even offers midnight sushi, take-out and delivery through Grub Hub.
Sushi 101
902 E. University Drive, D-101
(480) 317-0101
Happy hour: Daily, 4 to 7 p.m. and reverse happy hour from 9 p.m. to close
"I like Sushi 101's happy hour," business management senior Rene Valenzuela says. "I even go there late at night because they have reverse happy hour, and it's close to my house."
Sushi 101 is another Tempe hot spot on the corner of University Drive and Rural Road. It is a great place to hangout in-between classes and study or get the happy hour deals after class.
Cibo
603 N. 5th Ave.
(602) 441-2697
Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.
"I love Cibo, that place is delicious," biology senior Hanna Coumans says. "I am gluten free and they have a lot of options for me so that is another reason it's one of my favorite places."
Cibo (chee-boh) has an old pizzeria atmosphere in downtown Phoenix. With brick walls, hardwood floors and a fireplace it will feel like home. It is perfect for a chill afternoon or evening to unwind with friends.
Original Chop Shop
222 E. University Drive
(480) 307-9336
Happy hour: Daily, 4 to 7 p.m.
With fresh organic foods to fuel the brain, Chop Shop has what everyone needs. It is a fast, grab-and-go or sit-and-chill spot. Chop Shop has space to lounge or play games, and it has an all new happy hour. Indulge in healthiness.
Happy hour is a money saver for college students and just happens to be in the right time slot when classes end. Happy hour spots are found all over the Valley and there are plenty more to find. Everything in college is so expensive, but eating out doesn't have to be.
It is time to make happy hour a happier hour. Go and get the grub on.
Reach the writer at hnchrist@asu.edu or on Twitter @halschris.
