If there were a category for biggest happy hour, Seasons of Coeur d'Alene just might win that, in addition to snagging honors for best happy hour.
The lounge and U-shaped bar collectively seat around 100 people, says Chef Scott Miller, who has been with the downtown restaurant since it opened in 2011. "True story about being able to hold a conversation during live music nights," says Miller, since the large room allows you to sit close to or far from the music, depending on your gathering.
The happy hour menu is also large, created just for the main lounge and fireplace area. There are 20 items, ranging from $2 to $8, including crispy sweet potato fries, edamame, single tacos, and hummus with olives and roasted peppers.
"As opposed to discounts or smaller versions of our regular menu items, we created a very specific menu with lots of perfectly sized choices for snacking," says Miller. "The menu really lends itself to having an afternoon 'picnic'!"
Some of the most popular dishes, says Miller, are tacos and sliders. "We've noticed that people really like that they can have a nice salad starter [mini beets, Caesar or bistro salad] and follow up with the pork polenta tart for a very inexpensive early supper."
Seasons specializes in $6 martinis — try the Lemon Drop for a refreshing, puckery pop of flavor — and $7 Moscow Mules, but also has a strong wine and beer offering, including $5 sangria and $3 Blue Moons on tap.
Located at the corner of Second and Lakeside, Seasons still gets plenty of foot traffic, yet is a bit removed from the clatter of cars and commotion on Sherman Avenue. That's especially nice during warmer months, when Seasons opens the table-height windows throughout the lounge for the feeling of al fresco dining.
Even better, Seasons' happy hour is 3 to 6 daily — ladies night on Wednesdays goes until 7 pm — making it a great place for any size get-together, from first date to after-work team building to a pre-funk for a night out on the town.
