You know how sometimes when you get carded, you threaten to punch your waitress in the face just to keep her from revealing your age to the rest of your party?
Well, one of two things could happen, either of which will foretell the mood for the rest of the evening.
She could call her manager and tell on you for threatening her, which would subsequently get you kicked out of the bar, or she could smile, wink and swear to keep your secret.
Our waitress did just that when we visited the Houlihan's in Brentwood for "Happy Hour".
The staff at Houlihan's is helpful, attentive and sympathetic to those they serve. A conscientious waitress was always looking in to make sure the drinks were full and the customers happy.
While the restaurant offers a menu full of items that are better than your typical bar food, the place to be is the bar; especially during happy hour when the specials are superb.
They are featured daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to close. The earlier of the two offers house cocktails at half price, as well as $5 appetizers (excluding mini burgers and pizzas).
The later time slot offers half off both house cocktails and draft beer. This allows for plenty of options, given you can choose any cocktail you want or from 20 draft beer selections.
Sharing a plate of appetizers during happy hour is a given. Nothing too fancy, nothing too bland, and into this category fall delights such as fried asparagus and Thai chili chicken wings.
The asparagus was cooked tender-crisp, perfect under a thin breading which did not overpower the asparagus' natural flavor.
The Thai wings were spiced just right. A tangy and slightly spicy glaze covered the wings, and the presentation was garnished with sesame seeds and spring onion. Not too fancy but delicious all the same, and more importantly, easy to share.
Conversation tends to flourish over drinks, especially over drinks the size of a liter pitcher, which is exactly how the Long Island Iced Teas are served up. Around seven varieties are offered, in addition to the Georgia Peach version, which is aptly described as an "orgasm in your mouth."
Other hits include the Mini Martinis, which are served in flights of three, your choice, from an assortment of six. The Cosmo Mini, the Guavatini Mini, and the Chocolate Smoovie Mini were all delicious, but that is about it.
If you cannot handle your booze then this is the selection for you, 'cause there is not much liquor in them.
If it is liquor you want, then you are probably already familiar with straight up martinis.
Let us be honest, some bartenders just cannot make a good martini. Not the case here.
The Luxe Dirty Martini is definitely a winner. It features your choice of Grey Goose vodka or Bombay Sapphire gin plus a selection of olives, and served as dirty as you like it.
Houlihan's happy hour dishes up more than good food and fine drinks. The comfortable atmosphere also allows for good times.
Décor is slightly eclectic but it is still your everyday American bar, and everything put together almost makes you forget that you are sitting in a restaurant franchise instead of your corner bar.
Houlihan's has several locations in the area but the Houlihan's restaurant in Brentwood is located at 1221 Strassner Drive. The Brentwood location's phone number is (314) 863-9116.
Be the first to comment on this article!