Dom Blu Hollywood

Fresno’s Most Stylish Happy Hours

Reviewed by Michael Blu De Francesco and Seth Lewis.

We chose three happy hours each with its own unique style and ambiance to share with you. We went with an open mind, not knowing what each of them had to offer. We ate a lot, drank a lot, but the most fun we had was people watching. Something we found out about these restaurant is they all could have used a little bit of DomBlu style.

Livingstones: Here we have a neighborhood restaurant and bar that has been a staple in the Tower District for many years. We walked in and felt like we were in a San Francisco wharf restaurant with the mounted swordfish, the rich wood and red bricks.

We got there right at the height of happy hour and sat amidst the lively crowd. They offer Firestone, Newcastle and Widermier for $3.25 and $3.00 Margaritas as well as some great apps like their Shrimp and Crab Quesadilla (½ order available for $6.95), Jalapeño Poppers ($5.95), and Cajun Stuffed Mushrooms ($9.75). When the chef is in a good mood, he whips up a pizza. Serve yourself between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The food is good, but it is mostly about the drinking and socializing, people seem to have that feel good rockabilly style. The happy hour here is casual. Show off your latest ink, knock a few back and meet someone new.

Elbow Room: At the Elbow Room you’re sure to experience the real Fresno, sports and Bulldog-oriented, there is always a game playing on each of the many large screen TVs. There’s a friendly wait staff, and it’s just a place where if you go often enough, they are sure to remember your name.

You might see business people from the nearby financial center for an after work pit stop or ones who wish to stay all night. Later in the evening, the meet and greet starts with the more dressy younger or “as young as you feel” crowd.

Here is the run down for the Happy Hour (which is every day 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday to Thursday 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.):

• Menu $6.99 – Cheese Burger W/Fries, Chicken Tenders W/Fries, Chicken Quesadilla
• $1.99 each or 3 for $5.00 – Carne asada or Fish tacos W/ Jalapeño Sauce
• Thursdays $4 Heineken and Dos Equis

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: We saved the best for last! This place has got style. When you’re in there, you feel like you are on the 50th floor of a New York high rise. This happy hour menu is more sophisticated— hence the name, “Prime Hour” 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Appetizers and drink specials are served in the lounge at high tables, mini banquets or booth tables. The veal ravioli is glamorous, the calamari is crisp and seasoned with a fantastic sauce, and the New York steak with béarnaise on their outrageous garlic bread (served medium rare after all its prime) is worth the trip. You can choose from select cocktails, wines, domestic and imported beers. All items are surprisingly well priced from $3.00 to $8.00 each. Ruth Chris is the place to be and be seen after work.