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Boston's Best Cheap And Free 'Happy Hour' Food

Although the traditional "happy hour" idea of cheap drinks after work doesn't exactly fit within the parameters of Boston's "style" -- i.e. the traditional setup is outlawed in Massachusetts -- many restaurants and bars offer cheap and affordable food specials to their patrons in order to lure in extra business during what would normally be prime "happy hours" of the day. Here are a handful of the best and most reliable options for "happy hour" grub in the city of Boston.
ThePublickHouse
(credit: eatgoodfooddrinkbetterbeer.com)

The Publick House
1648 Beacon St.
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 277-2880
www.facebook.com/thepublickhouse

The Publick House is a happy hour hotspot that caters to both vegetarians and carnivores alike, offering up copious food and drink specials alongside a fairly epic beer selection to keep a wide variety of customers happy and satisfied after work. Smothered fries, mac 'n cheese and various other comfort classics make up The Publick House's fan-friendly menu which has earned this Beacon bar 'n grille an established following. The Publick House continues to offer up rave reviews and business for this go-to happy hour destination.

The Q Restaurant
(Photo from The Q Restaurant)

The Q Restaurant
660 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(857) 350-3968
www.thequsa.com

Located in the heart of Chinatown, The Q Restaurant serves up a delicious respite from the usual burgers and pizza fare found amongst the city's pub grub faithful. It instead provides a fresh, Asian-inspired menu of traditional classics and exotic ideas for the more adventurous appetites. The Mongolian hot pot, sushi and tofu platters have proven quite popular with guests, while the veggie platter ensures that palettes of all sorts will be welcome at The Q. This is a modern and hip looking restaurant which is likely to entice the city's upper, middle and business class contingents for their next happy hour.

Related: Boston's Best Local Standup Comics And Comedians

Jacob Wirth Restaurant
Jacob Wirth restaurant

Jacob Wirth
31-37 Stuart St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 338-8586
www.jacobwirth.com

Also located in Chinatown, Jacob Wirth's specialization in German comfort food may seem at odds initially with the rest of the neighborhood culture, yet this is what makes this Stuart Street dining spot recommended for something a little different from the norm. Schntizel, bratwurst and weisswurst --a traditional Bavarian sausage made with veal and bacon -- is the order of the day in this traditional beer hall, although Monday nights feature 25-cent wings and cheap beer specials. These are the deals that makes Jacob Wirth's absolutely irresistible for the college crowd and money-minded consumers seeking out the best happy hour bang for their buck.

silvertone
(Photo Credit: Silvertone)

Silvertone
69 Bromfield St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 338-7887
www.silvertonedowntown.com

Centered within Boston's downtown area, Silvertone specializes in comfort food; the sort of stick-to-your-ribs, bad-for-you-yet-oh-so-good style of grub which is perfect after a long, grinding day at work. Sinful, bacon-topped mac 'n cheese, affordable steak tips and big mouth burgers are the order of the day here at Silvertone. This spot offers a simple yet delicious menu which pairs nicely with the relaxed decor and cocktail menu. In a sea of classy and not exactly price-conscious bars in the downtown area, Silvertone provides a welcomed, easily enjoyable change of pace.

Blasi's Cafe
(Photo from: Blasi's Cafe)

Blasi's Cafe
762 Adams St.
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 825-4566
www.blasiscafe.com

Blasi's Cafe is something of a community staple within the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester, a place where townies and visitors alike are likely to hit anytime they're in the area. Blasi's is a first-name-only kind of place; a down home Italian-American joint where customers are family and treated to down-home cuisine like chicken parm and fat belly sandwiches. A stop at Blasi's guarantees wonderful taste, value and that warm and fuzzy full feeling for your money. It's the relaxed atmosphere that makes Blasi's a perfect place to unwind after a long day.

Related: 7 Great Local Beers For Novices And Experts Alike

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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