The Observer, March 2, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 19
Happiness abounds at the Wink's happy hour
For the next semester this space will feature a weekly happy hour review and competition of local establishments. The Observer reminds you to consume alcohol in moderation and responsibly. To add your comments, thoughts, questions, or offer to buy a beer, e-mail: happyhour@case.edu.
For a few brief euphoric moments at the Winking Lizard Tavern, happy-hour bliss appeared. An endless beer selection, quality American cuisine, and a diverse crowd created the standard to judge all other establishments. Then, sadly, we realized that our fantasy was dampened by either a ride on the Greenie back to campus or a walk through the melting and sloppy snow from Coventry. However, even this setback was not nearly close enough to ruin the terrific experience at the Wink which clearly established itself as the leader in the friendly happy-hour competition.
Any discussion of the Winking Lizard must start with its beer selection. Home to the famous World Tour of Beers, there are over 100 unique varieties ranging from fruity banana bread beers to German wheat beers to heavy and dark Imperial Stouts. Those with a strong liver and some disposable income may choose to register for the tour, and can work towards a full-tour jacket or a half-tour blanket (not to mention the extreme pride of having completed the tour in a year). Also, the widely-popular beer of the month comes in a special collector's glass to take home as a souvenir along with your very happy stomach.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with all the exotic styles, a full list is available on the back of every menu with beer type, country of origin, and alcohol content. Those simple denotations can turn any novice into a specialty beer expert in whichever style you choose. In addition, all standard options are available from a large tap selection with special prices and margaritas are only four dollars during happy hour.
If you are planning to go to the Wink, be advised that this is an establishment strictly for patrons over 21. The hostesses curtly ask for IDs as soon as you enter the bar, and you are not allowed in without one – no exceptions. Following along the same lines, the food service could take longer than expected, although the waiter was friendly, helpful, and understanding even after a few rounds of exciting conversation.
Stealing from every possible style, the American Cuisine at the Winking Lizard is tasty, diverse, and well-priced. Mondays and Tuesdays feature thirty-cent meaty wings with over a dozen different flavors. Daily specials on different burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas compliment the pasta, varying appetizers, and other options that fill up the menu. And no trip to the Wink is complete without multiple bowls of free popcorn – good on its own, or even better with the house barbecue sauce or ranch dressing leftover from wings. It is easy to see that this is a successful establishment when the menu features advertisements from Tag Heuer watches running up to thousands of dollars and the new Stonebridge Condominiums on the West Bank of the Flats that are priced up to one-million dollars.
Lastly, the Winking Lizard simply feels right – a good combination of large screen televisions, people sitting at bars and tables, and yet quiet enough to hold a conversation. A great mix of patrons ranged from students, faculty, and staff to a large number of people completely unassociated with the university – at least at this point in their lives. That great feeling was apparent from the first step into the bar, and continued even as we left – the sign of a great happy-hour, great establishment, and an unbelievable selection of beer.
