Zayda Buddy's Pizza & Bar

5405 Leary Ave NW, 783-7777

Description: A Ballard pizza pub that plays up a Midwestern theme.

What's on the dinner menu: Annoying phrases ("You betcha!"), numerous fantasy dishes (such as the breaded pepper-jack half-pound burger, served with gravy, $9.99).

What to order: A Bloody Mary ($6 during weekend happy hour) served with a Rainier chaser and garnished with veggies and deep-fried Wisconsin cheese curds.

More on cheese curds—a factoid: Fresh ones squeak when you bite into them. This is because the cheese curd is screaming.

Happy hours: Mon–Fri 11 am–6 pm and Sat–Sun 11 am–3 pm, plus a late-night happy hour that runs every day from 10 pm–close.

Happy-hour drink specials: Weekdays—$2 Rainier, $3 microbrews, $3 well drinks, $3 Minnesota Pops (vodka, grape soda, lemon juice), $6 Minnesota Martini (pint of Rainier plus a select shot). Weekends—$5 Minnemosa, $4 screwdriver, $3 red beer (Rainier, tomato juice).

Happy-hour food specials: Weekdays—$5 corn dog or cheeseburger with fries, $3.99 appetizers (green bean hot dish, deep-fried fish sticks), much more.

Tuesday bonus: Tater tots are free all day (with purchase of any beverage). recommended