Virginia Inn
1937 First Ave, 728-1937
Description: A lovely old bar and
restaurant in downtown Seattle that serves bistro cuisine.
Celebrity happenings: Almost 20 years ago, a scene from Cameron Crowe’s Singles was shot here. Paul Giamatti made his vaguely disturbing big-screen debut (he’s one of a pair of extras engaged in a heavy make-out session), while Kyra Sedgwick and überdork Campbell Scott sat in the corner booth. (Also quietly showcased: her high-waist stonewashed jeans, his feathery updo.)
Happy hours: Daily 4–6 pm.
Happy-hour food specials: Fancy appetizers available for half price ($3.50 deviled duck eggs, $4 smoked wild salmon, $4 pâté maison).
Happy-hour drink specials: None, and the drinks aren’t particularly cheap. But you’ll have to buy one to qualify for the fabulous food specials, so get over it ($5 pints, including Old Seattle Lager and Mothership Wit; $7.50–$8 glasses of wine; $8.50 cocktail specials, such as the Dark and Stormy, featuring Reed’s Jamaican root beer, Myers’s dark rum, and lime). 
My favorite thing about the VI is that when they closed for expansion they put in their window an irony-deaf display tribute to the people who used to be able to afford to drink there.
I talked with the current owner. He allowed a group of regulars to buy their favorite beer at the price the previous business had been charging. And he’s held this deal for over 20 years= not such a bad deal.
I love the Virginia Inn. Non-smoking long before it was the law. Hoegaarden on tap.
CHECK OUT JAE’S ASIAN BISTRO AND SUSHI FOR AWESOME HAPPY HOUR 🙂