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Under-a-Buck Beer
Monday Apr 17, 2006.
By Erin Brereton
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 So in my continuing quest to find the perfect happy hour (and with a general awareness of the fact that this column isn't called "pricey thrills"), I sought out a less expensive, more inclusive after-work option. Enter Cactus Bar & Grill, 404 S. Wells St., the slightly obnoxious (depending on time of day) tavern known for its proximity to the financial district. I need to clarify one thing—Cactus isn't my typical bar. I don't even think it's Spring Break's typical bar. It's loud, it's large and it's filled to the brim with really drunk people and traders (sometimes both, sometimes one and the same). And, as on Spring Break, unless you're one of them, the drunk people are decidedly no fun. Why, then, would I choose to go there on a Tuesday night? Well, I had friends coming over for a quick drink, it's close to where I live and the deal runs all night. Forget the run-over-after-work-before-the-bargain-expires kind of happy hour. This puppy is good for the long-haul, and for less than you'd spend on laundry you can be swimming in beer (with no pesky dryer sheets but a somewhat similar spin cycle, if you have enough). Seriously. Parking at a meter outside is more expensive. Tuesday nights at Cactus feature 50-cent drafts (that's two quarters!) and $3 pitchers. On the night of our visit, Miller Light was on special (what a deal!) but I still ordered a vodka martini. My mistake, because this place in no way resembles a martini bar, so it was watered down, small and pricey (almost $10 for one made with the good stuff).
I wised up for the next round and went with a brew. My 50-cent Miller Lite came to me in a stein—one so large and tempting I convinced my friend, Jan, an undeterred Guinness drinker, to order one, too. And though she's not one for cheaper beers, she reveled in its inoffensive taste, frosty mug and pleasing price. Really, who can complain when you're drinking beer for three cents and ounce? The key to Cactus is to wait until the traders peter out. By 7 or 8 p.m., the place is pretty empty and likely to play decent music. (Lisa Loeb's "Stay?" It was like being back in high school, only with more neon signs, and the ability to legally obtain alcohol.) And though much of Cactus's food is standard bar fare, it's actually pretty good: My salad had crumbled blue cheese and candied nuts (and was less than $8), and Jan was more than happy to be able to order chili cheese fries ala carte. We didn't opt for the $3 pitcher. Sure it's the best deal, but it was early in the week and we all had to work the next day. But I did order up one more frosty 50-cent mug. I knew I wouldn't have time to finish it: In that always unsure, "Should we stay for another?" unspoken conversation, Lisa had already asked for the bill and Jan was holding her keys. But you can hardly call it a waste. For two quarters, even just a few sips make it a deal. Want to drink at Cactus? Other weekly night specials include a $3.75 frozen drink deal on Thursdays. For more information, call (312) 922-3830 or visit Dontdrinkandtrade.com.
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