Velveteen Rabbit Happy Hour. Downtown

Get the $6 cocktail. That's the whole reason to be here, and it's a genuine steal given how these are built: house syrups, fresh ingredients, spirits you've probably never tried. A $6 craft cocktail at this level beats the $5 beer or $7 wine for sheer value, though all three hold up if cocktails aren't your thing. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 5 to 7pm.

Velveteen Rabbit is downtown's serious cocktail lounge, dark and intimate without leaning on speakeasy gimmicks. Brick walls, vintage furniture, velvet touches that earn the name. The bartenders treat drink-making as a craft and are happy to walk you through the menu or build something to your taste. Music stays low, usually indie, soul, or jazz.

The food specials keep pace: $6 small bites and an $8 cheese plate, both meant for grazing rather than filling up. The room is small, so a big group should coordinate ahead or plan to split up.

Find it at 1218 S Main St in the Main Street arts corridor. Sitting at the bar gets you the best view of the work and the easiest conversation with the staff. Parking is street or nearby lots, so leave time for a short walk. Come early on a weekday if you want a relaxed seat before the room fills.