Piatti in Mill Valley - Friday August the 27th

Piatti
625 Redwood Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-380-2525
Happy hour at Piatti's Daily 4 - 6:30 pm

There is only one thing to say, Piatti has a great happy hour, and apparently everybody knows cause it was already packed when we got there at 5:30! We were able to grab a little corner of the bar, and eventually were able to expand. Even though the bar was packed (they only serve happy hour in the bar area) we were able to get great service, which is always appreciated and noticed.  Having the bartender come out from behind the bar to serve us our food was a welcome surprise...nice touch!  
All offerings were under $5, Bella (beautiful)!

Tap Beer $3, House Wine $4, Well cocktails $5
All Food on the happy hour menu $5

Piatti's carries their own private label wines and has them on special for the Happy Hour, $4.  In addition they carry some rare finds by the glass off the regular menu, 2008 A. Rafanelli Zin, Dry Creek, no kidding!
The food was simple but spectacular, it was like an Italian affair to remember! Our favorite offerings were the Ostriche, a Fried Local Oyster Po' Boy "sliders", and the Polpettini, tomato Braised pork & Ricotta Meatball "sliders". Both the "sliders" were served on Artisan buns that were like little soft pillows of goodness from heaven. We also loved the Pizza Margherita, with fresh house made mozzarella, crushed tomato sauce, and fresh torn basil, yummy and huge for an " happy hour size" pizza!

Over all rating from the group 9 out of 10, Lo Amavamo (we loved it)

The Tavern at Lark Creek in Larkspur - Friday August the 20th

The Tavern at Lark Creek
234 Magnolia Avenue 
Larkspur, CA 94939-2099
(415) 924-7766
Happy Hour at The Tavern: 5:00 to 6:30 M-F.


We went here on a lark, since we had been in Larkspur the week before and thought, oh why not... at least they have free valet parking! What can we say about this place... free popcorn and a sustainable food philosophy are always appreciated. That being said, a little seasoning of the food would have also been appreciated. Spices are natural, no?
Tap beer $3, sangria $4, tap wine and well drinks $5
"Nibbles and bites" $3.95-$5.95

The $4 sangria or should we say "san-disa-gria", was a bit unbalanced with too much citrus and  not enough sweetness. Our favorite offering was the seasonal heirloom tomatoes with blue cheese, yum. We also tried their famous mini mac and cheese croquettes which was ok along with the tavern fresh ricotta, lemon and oregano, again ok.
We really liked the tavern atmosphere and casual nature. Best piece of art was the chalkboard baring the quote, "I don't have a drinking problem except when I can't get a drink" by Tom Waits, which reminded us of another favorite lyric of his, "She got me harder than Chinese checkers" ;-)

Overall Rating from the group: 7.5 out of 10... which speaks for itself, sigh

Left Bank in Larkspur - Friday August the 13th

Left Bank Brasserie

507 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939-1328
(415) 927-3331
Happy Hour at Left Bank: 4:30 to 6:30 and then it starts up again at 9 to closing M-F.

Well, it may have been Friday the 13th, yet this place was anything but scary and instead it was a nice surprise. Collectively, the group has been to hundreds, maybe thousands of happy hours and still Left Bank managed to elicit high praise for its great selections of food and drink, all for under $6, no kidding!

Glass of wine, well drinks, etc: $5
Gourmet small plates with LARGE portions: $5-$6
Our favorite offerings were the petite burger, fig & prosciutto tartlet, and steak tartar.
Service was great. House wine selection was decent. The only bummer... seating outside was not available for groups (or maybe it was just us?). Typical French atmosphere with the highlight of the Moulin Rouge topless/bottomless dancer portrait in the corner to satisfy the eight year old boys in the crowd.

Overall Rating from the group: 9.25 out of 10... in other words we liked it A LOT