Sure, happy hour's always been our favorite part of the day, but here, the half-price hoopla doesn't start till after the sun goes down...way down. We ventured out after dark to find five great reverse happy hours around town. Here's the verdict:
1. T Cook's in Phoenix: From 10 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, order from a superb lounge menu where appetizers like mussels and fries and spicy seared tuna lettuce wraps served with squash, red pepper slaw and avocado aioli are half off (final price: around $7), wines by the glass are $6 and special drinks are featured.
2.FEZ: the trendy and colorful eatery in Central Phoenix has daily specials, but from 10 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday (1 a.m. Friday/Saturday) their beer, well drinks and margaritas (order a fun flavor like apricot or honeydew) are half-price; they also offer tasty small plates like grilled andouille sausage and peppers with mustard sauce or the FEZ fondue with grilled baguettes and zucchini strips for $6.
Check out more after-dark deals after the jump...
3. Carlsbad Tavern in Scottsdale: From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 2 on the weekends, this cave-themed New Mexican grill features a reasonably-priced late-night menu (nothing over $11) with specials like a juicy Carne Adovada plate (a huge tortilla of roasted pork doused with red chile and melted cheese), and well drinks and domestic beers for around $3.
4. Gordon Biersch: This chain's happy hour menus vary per location, but from 9 p.m. to close seven days a week (1 a.m. on the weekends), the brewery/restaurant features $2 off glasses of wine and Gordon Beirsch lagers and ales, and generous $5 and $7 appetizers (think potato chip nachos for two or crab-stuffed shrimp).
5. The Elephant Bar: It had to be included. From sweet potato fries for $3.50 to their ample classic burger for $5.50 (wash it down with a surprisingly tequila-generous margarita for $3), reverse happy hour at The Elephant Bar is our go-to chain for late-night deals. A $4 mojito with rum we can actually taste? The perfect reason to stay up late.