It's frustrating when happy hours end at 7 p.m. (or earlier). Many of us can't hit the bar until 6:30 anyway, so it turns out to be more of happy half-hour. Boo.
Thankfully, Hampton's on King keeps its happy hour kicking until 8 o'clock, seven days a week. Saddle up to the dimly lit pub's standout attraction, the bright red bar top, to check out the daily specials.
The booze:
The bar's location is close to both Campus and Victorian Village, and its beer options accommodate both crowds. There are some rotating craft brews on tap - a Great Lakes choice is always available - as well as many, many ice-cold domestics.
The best part is the prices. Bud Light, Miller Lite and Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles are a mere buck during happy hour. All other domestic bottles are only $1.50. You'd be hard-pressed to find a cheaper beer.
If you're not a beer drinker, Hampton's has all-day daily specials for you, too.
Six dollars gets you Bacardi and Coke pitchers on Mondays and margarita pitchers on Tuesdays. Long Islands are $3 on Wednesdays, the bar's karaoke night, and Thursday through Saturday there are $3 bomb shots.
The food:
There are just as many food specials at Hampton's as there are drink deals. The most enticing bargain is Friday's half-off appetizers.
The tater skins I tried were crispy, cheesy and covered with just the right amount of slightly burnt bacon. I was more than satisfied with Hampton's take on this appetizer staple.
My only regret is not trying the highly recommended wings - I had chicken for lunch that day. But thanks to a friendly staff and some great specials, I'll be heading back to sample them soon.
