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November '13
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Areal - Happy Hour
December 3rd, 2013
By: Maren Swanson
Dear Love,
Santa Monica is a considered a destination city for me. Yes, it's only a 30 - 45 minute drive for me from West Hollywood (if traffic is good), but in happy hour time that's like 3 hours. I have to figure in the drive there, the limited amount of drinks I can have (aka sober up time) and the drive back time. See what I mean? My shoddy "destination happy hour" excuses disappear however, when I find a real happy hour gem.
Areal in Santa Monica shined for me last week when I stopped in to check out their new happy hour menu. Before we were seated, the hostess mentioned that happy hour was served throughout the entire restaurant - score. The patio area was cold that night, but the staff lit heaters to keep us warm and all of the seats were covered with an optional blanket for extra cozy coverage.
Happy hour is offered everyday of the week with great specials on drinks and food, but let me explain that the options are fantastic. The happy hour menu features $3-5 dishes at the top (truffle fries, oyster shooters, kettle chips) and additional plates near the bottom like tuna or beef tartare, ceviche, pizzas and stuffed squash blossoms. I recommend starting with the oyster shooter (ginger-caviar champagne mignonette) - it's awesome and intense! You can also order fresh, meaty Lobster Popcorn for only $5. Need I say more?
Tuna Tartare
Lobster Popcorn
Ok, I must. Their happy hour beer selection isn't your average line up of typical light ales either. Sip on Hangar 24 "Helles" Lager, Lagunitas IPA and Weihenstephaner Hefeweisen all for only $4. Plus the cocktail list showcases some great deals on bar-list favorites like the Moscow Mule, Bee's Knees (gin, lemon juice, honey), margarita, 50/50 martini and an Old Fashioned each for only $6.
The Bee's Knees
50/50 Martini
If you aren't in the mood for football banter in the bar, then step outside on the patio for live music on select nights or dine in the main room and watch the action at the open-kitchen counter. Everyone here seems to be having a good time, even the staff. Many may miss the old vibe of World Cafe, but I bet if you hit up this Main Street spot again, you will change your mind.
Areal restaurant's new happy hour menu is stellar; great food and drink options, spot-on prices and a fun atmosphere. I suggested to the manager that they add one to the West Hollywood area. I will keep you posted...
XOXO,
Maren
2820 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-1661
Happy Hour: Monday, 5pm – 7pm; Tuesday - Sunday, 4pm – 7pm
$4 Beers, $6 Cocktails, Wines & Discounted Appetizers
- LA's Premiere Happy Hour Search Site Featuring Over 1,000 Happy Hours Within 50 Cities in Los Angeles County
