Good news for fans of sunshine, happy hours and Lower48 Kitchen: Our pick for Best New Restaurant of 2014 just completed a renovation of its outdoor patio in time for summer to finally arrive. The restaurant at the corner of 21st and Lawrence streets is celebrating the opening by expanding its evening happy hour and offering other fresh specials.
Since opening in late 2013, Lower48's happy hour has been a carefully thought-out adaptation of Chef Alex Figura's contemporary menu. The summer happy hour board keeps some old favorites, like the "Funions" onion chips with sour cream ($2) the burger, ($7) and a seasonally changing cheese plate ($6), but with smaller price tags. Genesee drafts and Upslope Brown Ales are still just $3, and all drafts are a buck less at happy hour, plus glasses of Italian Montepulciano and Hungarian Furmint are $5. You can also tip back a classic Manhattan, margarita or Moscow mule for $6 a pop. Lower48 has expanded happy hour to 5 to 7 p.m. daily to help capture a little more summer glow.
The new happy hour menu joins the much-lauded "Each" selection of tiny bites and Figura's regionally shifting prix-fixe menu, available for $34. Drink deals outside of happy hour include half-priced bottles of a select list of wines every Tuesday. But take note, prospective patio dwellers: The restaurant will be closed on Mondays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.