Buffalo Wild Wings @ Victoria Gardens

Buffalo Wild Wings

8188 Day Creek Blvd. #140

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739-8556

Phone: 909-899-9832

Unbeknownst to me, Buffalo Wild Wings has 50cent wing Tuesdays, which was quite a nice surprise since that’s where I chose for my next stop on the tour of the Inland Empire in search of the best happy hour. Not only does BWW have great h-dub specials ‘note: happy hour will be referred to as h-dub from now on’ Monday thru Friday from 3pm-6pm. The atmosphere is ideal for a twenty something male who enjoys good sports, cheap food & cold beer. The bar alone has over 25 televisions, broadcasting either sporting events or NTN plus the “potential” is endless. Combine that with the half off appetizers, over 15 different draft selections to choose from plus the outdoor patio to enjoy the southern Cali weather, and you can book me as a repeat offender of BWW.

Omokase

Omokase

8220 Haven Ave. #102

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

(909) 941-4111

There is nothing that I enjoy more than sushi, and when you combine that with fantastic happy hour price specials, what’s not to love. Omokase has a full bar, as well as a nice selection of draft beer and sake. $3.50 for 16oz Kirin or Sapporro will put a happy smile on anyone’s face. The trendy California roll and spicy tuna roll are $1 off during happy hour, as well as a 50% off appetizer selection that includes a delicious shrimp tempura. One big surprise at Omokase is the $3 shot menu that includes sake bombs, Jager shots, and Washington apples. There is a very casual atmosphere, as I enjoy a place that allows flip flops and shorts. You can enjoy Happy Hour at Omokase from 3-6pm Monday thru Friday, as well as Wednesday and Saturday nights from 8pm-close. Kung Pai

Yardhouse @ Victoria Gardens

Yardhouse @ Victoria Gardens

12473 N. Mainstreet

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

(909) 646-7116

I decided to make the first stop on my tour of Inland Empire at a place of familiar surrounding. Though I had never been to this particular location, I was well aware of the Yardhouse reputation for being synonymous with the Guinness Book of World Records. They have had multiple locations entered in the GBOWR for most draft taps at a single restaurant location, before alcohol entries were banned from the book in 1991. I have sampled two such venues, the original location in Long Beach as well as the Costa Mesa location. My YH of choice though happens to be the Westgate location @ University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

YH is notoriously over-priced for appetizers and entrée’s but their draft selection is second to none. Being a Monday night, the atmosphere was surprisingly upbeat, and the restaurant was about 60% full @ 8:00pm.

I decided to only roll with two selections on this particular trip, and my first choice was the usual. Newcastle please, albeit $6.25 for a pint. A tad bit expensive as you will realize down the road, especially for the size. I already know a number of places who give you more Newcastle for your buck around the I.E. and O.C. as well. No time for complaints though. Our journey through the draft empire has just begun. Before leaving I sprung for a Long Coast Downtown Brown. It had the same roasted, nutty taste as a Newcastle, only 25 cents cheaper. If you are like me and enjoy appetizers, it's best to come during happy hour as the majority of their appetizers are $10 and up. Take advantage of the cheap beer & cheap food. YH offers happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6pm, as well as Wednesday & Saturday nights from 10pm-midnight.

Fantasy Draft

I'm starting this blog more for a personal account, in an effort to find the best ice cold brew for your $ in the Inland Empire. Being a relatively new I.E. resident myself, there's no better way to figure out the lay of the land than to get out and navigate it. I will not use any references, Google searches, or even MapQuest. Simply an exploration mission starting now, and ending when the final keg has been tapped. Be sure to check back and see where my first destination will take me.