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 curdsâa factoid: Fresh ones squeak when you bite into them. This is because the cheese curd is screaming.
Happy hours: MonâFri 11 amâ6 pm and SatâSun 11 amâ3 pm, plus a late-night happy hour that runs every day from 10 pmâclose.
Happy-hour drink specials: Weekdaysâ$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). Weekendsâ$5 Minnemosa, $4 screwdriver, $3 red beer (Rainier, tomato juice).
Happy-hour food specials: Weekdaysâ$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).