Too many of us break our banks in the name of socializing — from going out to dinner with friends to chipping in for party booze. If you want to save your hard-earned cash but still be able to eat and drink out, there's good news. The ASU Tempe and Downtown campuses are both light rail stops away from some of the Valley's best happy-hour spots. Check out some of these quality deals perfect for a student’s budget. Phoenix
George and Dragon Pub Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Light rail stop: Indian School Road and Central Avenue. Drinks: $1 off all alcoholic beverages and $1 shooters with pint purchase. Food: $1 off appetizers that are sure to satisfy your cravings for traditional English pub grub. Try the vegetarian pasty for a twist on a classic British treat. Atmosphere: Will please sports fans. The staff is usually accommodating enough to switch the channel to your favorite live match.
Sidebar Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Stop: McDowell Road and Central Avenue. Drinks: $4 wells, $1 off all beers, $2 off glasses of wine and $8 off wine bottles. Atmosphere: Laid-back yet chic décor, including exposed brick and dim lighting. Leaves you feeling relaxed and ready to take on the night. Carly’s Bistro Happy Hour: Everyday from 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. Stop: Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue. Drinks: $1 off draft beers and wine. Food: Half off all appetizers, including gourmet dips, flatbreads and cheeses. Atmosphere: As a central hub in the Roosevelt Art’s District, you can feel the creative atmosphere from the moment you walk in the door. It attracts young professionals and often promotes local musicians by allowing them to perform live in the space.
Tempe
Macayo's Depot Cantina Restaurant Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. Stop: Mill Avenue and Third Street. Drinks: $3 pint drafts or margaritas, $2 Dos Equis. Food: Free bar food including French fries, burritos, chips, veggies and spaghetti. Atmosphere: Family-friendly and fun. The chain is known for its vibrant personality and is a good place to kick back and catch up with friends.
Ra Sushi Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Stop: Mill Avenue and Third Street. Drinks: $2 sake and $3 beers. Food: Eat your fill with half-off sushi and appetizer prices. Get a delicious Japanese meal for a fraction of the price you’d normally pay. Atmosphere: Lounge-like but generally loud. Ra tends to attract a slew of folks with elegant taste.
Four Peaks Brewing Company Happy Hour: Daily from 2 to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to close. Stop: Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane. Drinks: $3.25 pints and $12 pitchers. Atmosphere: Beer lovers young and old gather in the large brewery to relax and mingle with all types of people. Near Tempe’s industrial district, its warehouse-feel is one of a kind. Reach the reporter at ndgilber@asu.edu.
