Manderes is another location that was highly recommended through Facebook. It was also another place that has no information on their website as to whether they have a Happy Hour or not, so we hopped on our scooters and scooted on over to find out. We arrived at the bar and were greeted right away, so we immediately asked if they have a Happy Hour. They do! But it only goes until 5pm, and at this time it was 5pm on the dot (literally, my digital watch numbers displayed 5:00 when I took a look). The bartender graciously offered our first beverage at the Happy Hour price (which is $2 off a beer). We also found out upon gaining their Happy Hour knowledge, that they are a beer and wine bar only, so no fancy cocktails this time. We both chose the Farmers Valle which is a Mexican Lager.
For it being right at the start of the 5 o’clock hour, the bar (and restaurant) was fairly crowded. Now, this location is not very large, so the perspective of crowded vs other larger locations may be a bit skewed, but non-the-less, there were several people there. After we sat down, there were no empty seats at the bar. Now I tend to have next to nothing observation skills, but because of this blog, I’ve been trying to hone in on them at least during our Happy Hour adventures so I can be sure to report about our experience. One of the things I observed (and this is absolutely useless information, but something I just wanted to share because I happened to notice), was that out of the fairly equal male to female ratio, I was the only female having a beer instead of a glass of wine. I wonder if there’s some sort of psychoanalysis that would define why?
The décor in Manderes is pretty cool, particularly if you are a music lover. Adorning the walls there are various types of guitars (the two made out of corks caused another DIY inspired moment), and abstract musical posters depicting different guitarist legends. The other patrons at the bar fell into the more mature range and everyone appeared to be very friendly with each other. I even lost my date for a while as the gentleman next to Brian engaged him into conversation for quite a while. I was sitting in the last barstool seat on the end, so had I engaged in conversation with the person next to me that would be a whole other psychoanalysis.
I mentioned the beers we got but I haven’t mentioned our appetizers. This was by far the priciest place we’ve been to so far, and not arriving during Happy Hour hours definitely didn’t help. We chose the Fried Zucchini and Bruschetta (no fancy names for their appetizers, just straight up what they are. Something I didn’t really notice until typing this out). At least with the higher price point we were paying I do have to say the portions were huge. I didn’t think we’d be able to consume the entire tray of zucchini that was set before us, but somehow (I guess because it was so tasty) we managed. The bruschetta was so good I am actually craving some right now just thinking back about it. It was served on grilled ciabatta (which was soft instead of the typical crunchy bread it’s served on) and held a very flavorful tomato mix on it along with bacon (yes, bacon!) and shaved parmesan. Looking back upon the photo I took of the Happy Hour menu we had asked to see while we were there even though it wasn’t Happy Hour anymore, I now notice the bruschetta is not one of the offerings. So there’s our bright side of getting there too late. We wouldn’t have gotten to experience the bruschetta. We still would have ordered the fried zucchini since it was on the menu, however, as per information our very helpful bartender Ian supplied, it would have been a smaller portion. Technically, according to my belly as we scooted our way back on home, that would have been okay.
With its cool atmosphere, friendly bartenders and patrons, Manderes is a place we’ll be returning. Brian came up with the suggestion that if your wife wants to go shopping at Target, maybe plan to go between the 2pm and 5pm hour so you could walk on over and have yourself a discounted beer (or wine) while you wait. When Brian mentioned that, I think for the first time during our marriage he was disappointed I’m not a Target shopper.
Time to Get Happy
Tuesday – Friday 2pm – 5pm
Location
1004 East Bidwell Street Unit 600, Folsom, CA
Website
*Information provided on this blog was current upon the post date. Please confirm on the restaurant’s website prior to visiting as to whether times, days, menus, etc. are still accurate.
Your funny!
Thank you, I try. 🙂
Manderes has been a favorite of mine and my husbands since they opened (in what is currently BJ Cinnamon) about 16 years ago. Don’t hesitate to go for dinner. The portions are generous, and you can easily split a meal. I LOVE the steak salad and the salmon with pesto risotto. Oh and they often have a portabella mushroom as an appetizer that is so delicious! Also, they frequently have coupons on Restaurant.com. Best to check for those at the beginning of the month.
I have had the steak salad a few years ago and I do remember it being delicious!! Ohhh… I used to use Restaurant.com years ago. Thanks for the reminder and all the info!!