Two drinks & a bite: FB's

FB's new Quality Bar Grub menu includes bacon-wrapped dates (bottom), the Hot & Gooey Grille (with four cheeses) and a Farmer's Cheese & Crackers plate. (Credit: Jeff Swinger | Metromix)

I am always on the lookout for fun happy hour spots that are an easy walk from my office Downtown. When I heard FB's now offered food, I had to check it out. It's not just a nightclub anymore. I must admit it was strange going to FB's when the sun was shining, but I grabbed a co-worker and headed over to check it out.

The mood: When you are used to a packed bar crowd, walking into FB's at 5 p.m. seems awkward, but they are open! If you haven't been to FB's, they are known for their funky décor and unique drinks. For happy hour they pull out bar stools to take a load off and have plenty of lounge and table seating as well.

The drinks: I was thrilled to see Sokol Blosser's Evolution (a white wine blend) on the menu for $10 so I couldn't pass that up. My drinking companion ordered the Blueberry Love Soda for $12.

I tasted her cocktail and wished I was more adventurous with my drinks. The blueberry vodka, champagne and fresh blueberries were surprisingly light and not too sweet. After that round, we had to have more so we spilt another Love Soda. I am hooked.

The happy hour specials included $3 domestic beers, discounted house wine and well drinks. No crazy specials but any discount is a good discount.

The grub: My friend and I practically had the place to ourselves on a Friday. The secret must not be out that Chef Jimmy Gibson created the Quality Bar Grub menu. The menu was more extensive than I expected and I was pleasantly surprised by the creativity in the options.

This isn't your traditional greasy, guilty bar grub. They warn you on the menu that the Salsa 126 is "eFn addictive." I couldn't help but laugh at that one!

It was a tough call deciding what to order: Smoked Salmon Flatbread ($12) with Avocado-Goat Cheese Mousse, Onion and Caviar, Moroccan Bus Stop Chicken & Waffles ($12) or Smoked Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($10).

We opted for the lettuce wraps as they seemed to be a lighter option, since we both had dinner reservations after happy hour. The wraps were different than anywhere else. It was more like a chicken salad lettuce wrap with cashews, apples, grapes, yogurt dressing and a mystery spice (still trying to figure out what that one was). Different but good.

The menu options are a new twist on some old favorites, like wings with a pomegranate-ghost chili glaze ($10) or a grilled cheese twist with 4 cheeses, Cheetos and sundried tomato mayo ($10). I am definitely going back for the grilled cheese.

The verdict: While I am not an FB's regular I would absolutely go back for a chill happy hour and funky food.