So having just yesterday read up on this place, I found myself curious and excited about checking out a new happy hour stop, especially with the title of "Happiest Hour."

First off, the decor of the place is clearly dated. It's kind of between rustic and greasy spoon. It really does have the potential to be really cool, but the service and overall feeling leave MUCH to be desired.

Upon ordering a drink clearly after Happy Hour began, a few people stumbled in. After drink orders were taken care of the bartender (some girl in shorts and a hoodie, the only person working in the place) went back to the counter to read her book, occasionally glancing up to see if any new people came in.

When asked to see a menu, as part of the appeal of this place was supposed free appetizers, I was quickly responded with "the kitchen is closed, but there's some pretzels over there in the grab bowl if you want" pointing to soome obscure corner near the entrance, not even offering to get me some. So foodless I went. I would also hardly consider a dirty bowl of pretzels free appetizers.

Upon ordering a second beer (the Flagship Red Ale was delicious by the way) the bartender asked if the same glass was okay. I thought this weird, as I've never had that asked before. I then observed (after the place filled up a little) that this is the normal trend. When glasses were brought back empty a new glass was not filled. Rather, each and every used glass was filled and brought back to their respective table. They must not be able to afford clean dishes?

The crowd did seem to be made up of some regulars in their fifties or sixties, and a few hotel guests. The only enjoyment I got out of the place (besides the delicious beer) was the old gal at the end of the bar saying how she may become a serial killer because some government agency is still ysing type writers. The comment made me smile.

The bar seemed cluttered too, between the bartender's book and other eblonging at the end of the table, to the random papers strewn about the bar back.

There is also no POS system, just an antiquated cash register, circa 1988. This did turn out to be a slight headache when paying my bill. After two beers I said I was good, and the bartender said "that'll be $9.00." I asked if that was the happy hour price, which The Stranger review quoted as being 4:30-7:00. Her response was "got got here way before happy hour started," which was extremely not the case. I told here "I got here right at 4:50, just in time." She then seemed a little put off, but then apologized and said "okay, seven dollars." I paid in cash and did not leave a tip.

So yes, the place is in a basement and does have some real potential. The random mural on the wall does leave one curious. But between an understaffed, appathetic staff behind a cluttered bar (with a dirty back mirror) and no food to go along with their weekday only happy hour, much is left wanting. Unless they make some drastic changes, or at least offer real food during happy hour I do not think I will be returning.