Did you say Happy Hour in Lincoln, Nebraska?

Since I am not traveling for a few weeks, I thought I would do some exploring in my own backyard. Lincoln knows a thing or two about a great happy hour so I checked out a few of those restaurants and bars and picked these four favorites:

Venue Restaurant and Lounge

Venue is an upscale contemporary restaurant that hosts it's happy hour on Monday, all day from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Tuesdays there is no cork fee so you can bring in our own bottle and share it with some chef inspired meal creations, and on Wednesday they offer 25% off most bottles of wine. A happy hour menu is specific to the time frame and you can enjoy Southwest Blackened Shrimp Pizza, Asiago Truffle Fries, General Tso's Brussels Sprouts, and many other tasty items. They have a number of drink specials, starting with $6.00 glasses of wine, $6.00 cocktails including Martinis, Old Fashioned, Margaritas, Mojitos, and more. There are $3.00 well drinks, $3.00 bottles of beer, and $1.00 off special drafts. This in an incredibly good deal, and I've got to say the martinis are perfect! Reservations are highly recommended as the place fills up fast. They are located at 4111 Pioneer Woods Drive - check out their website for the phone number and more information at yourvenue.net.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

They actually offer happy hour Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and all-day Sunday until closing time at 10:00 p.m. They have a very generous happy hour menu with reduced prices on beer, seltzers, house wines, and sake. They also have discounted cocktails with most of the prices around $7.00 to $8.00. They offer shared plates of their famous Crispy Brussels Sprouts, (my favorite), Mango Crab Rangoons, and Edamame. The sushi menu is filled with a plethora of raw and cooked rolls, specialty sashimi, salads, soups, and vegan items. I promise you will not leave there hungry and the prices are excellent. They are located at 808 R Street in the very popular Haymarket District and they do take reservations. Check out their website at bluesushisakegrill.com.

Fleetwood

Fleetwood is considered a modern American restaurant with a casual and easygoing atmosphere. Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The happy hour menu features most of their appetizers and shareables at half the price off of the regular menu. Featured are Margherita Flatbread, delicious different flavored deviled eggs, Firecracker Shrimp, Steak Fondue and much more. The classic cocktails are $7.00 and that includes Dirty Martinis, Old Fashioned, Margaritas, and pitchers of beer. They too are located in the famous Haymarket District at 8th and O Street in one of the remaining 19th-century buildings that still exist downtown. They take reservations as well so log onto their website at getfleetwood.com.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

This is brand new to Lincoln and I added this because it was impressive, and a welcome addition to Lincoln. It is known for its atmosphere, scratch kitchen, and wood-fired grill. Happy Hour is only at the "Firebar" and on the outside patio so it gets crowded quickly. It runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It features $5.00 well drinks, $6.00 glasses of wine, $7.95 craft cocktails, and $2.00 off draft beers. The menu is pretty awesome. The Steak Tacos were delicious and you get three, ($10.50), as well as the Prime Rib Sliders ($11.95), Fired up Shrimp ($9.95) and tasty Chicken Chile Nachos ($6.80). I added prices for the food so you have an idea the cost. I really liked this place, and I will tell you the Dirty Bird Martini slid down my throat like melted butter. It was amazing. Reservations can be made at firebirdsrestaurant.com. This is a chain restaurant so make sure you put in Lincoln when you go online to make a reservation.

So, I invite you to check out these places and let me know what you think. If you have a favorite one, I would love to hear about it and I can add them to a future story. Until then.....

Remember to be grateful.........

Until we talk again ............