All the Best Happy Hours

As some of life’s complications cause a pause in our Happy Hour (HH) adventures, I thought this might be a great time to reflect on the many and varied different levels, styles, and locales we have encountered so far – and to award those that we noted for their different attributes.

So – we here present the A Seat at the Table Happy Hour Awards. The ASTHHAs! No, I don’t think I’ll call them that. How about the HaHo Awards? No, again. Umm, let’s just do them and maybe come up with an award name later …

Best variety

This category has to go to Bar Louie in the Olivia Building in Carmel. Their HH menu consists of three prices levels of selections ($8, $9, and $10) for Bar Bites and Flatbreads. There is also a wide variety of Drinks. They offer a list of 26 foods as well as a long list of drinks ranging from $5.50 pints to $9 Martinis and Cocktails – an unsurpassed number! And everything we tried was delicious!

Best ambiance

Our second visit to Ocean Prime was outstanding in this category. All the aspects of an inviting, well-appointed, well-attended spot with great food and great service came together on our Thursday night “all-night Happy Hour” (4 p.m. ‘til 9 p.m.) visit.

Best food item

In terms of taste and appearance, Mrs. K and I are split (we have our own preferences after all) with Ocean Prime’s Crab Cake Sliders being her favorite and for me – an absolute favorite is too hard to pick. I really enjoyed so much of what is offered. As a food-lover, it’s all worth notice!

Most comfortable venue

I’d have to give this distinction to Eddie Merlot’s on 96^th Street. The bar area where HH was held had comfy, low, and padded chairs on wheels. Pillows were part of the arrangement, if you preferred. And a small fireplace added a comfort accent.

Best prices

Lots to choose from in this category, but $14 for the Flatbread and Sip at Seasons 52 is awfully nice. That gives you a meal size flatbread (from four varieties) and a generously poured glass of wine (limited varieties). For a couple – $28 plus tax and tip.

Alright, after pondering what I can call these awards, I came up with Best Of A Seat at the Table Awards – the BOAST Awards, if you will.

Congrats to all the winners – the decisions were not easy to make – there are just so many great Happy Hours out there!

Ken Klingenmeier offers his series of columns, called “A Seat at the Table,” wherein he reviews Indy-area restaurants – specifically their Happy Hour offers. Keep reading The Reporter for future restaurant reviews.