TWIS Happy Hour Guide: Darwin's on 4th

I’ve explored quite a few of Sarasota’s many happy hours, and they all have something unique to offer. But when you break it down, Darwin’s on 4th comes out as my overall favorite.

Best food, atmosphere, deals and, unequivocally, the best beer. But in the midst of all my happy-hour explorations, I’ve been neglecting my favorite spot. So I stopped by Wednesday night before seeing The Players Theatre’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” to reaffirm the Peruvian restaurant’s premier status.

Hours: 5  to 7 p.m. daily

Atmosphere: Happy hour at Darwin’s is only offered in the bar area, which has a variety of seating options. The wraparound bar offers close proximity to the bartenders and the best service; long high-top tables accommodate large groups; and cozy, cushioned booths offer a little more intimacy.

However, the likelihood that you’ll be able to choose which spot you want is slim. The bar is always crowded during happy hour, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, and after 6 p.m. Part of the draw has to be the live music in the bar Wednesday through Saturday. The genres vary, but the talent always garners applause. On the most crowded nights, service can be a little slow, but it’s always friendly.

Food: Darwin’s offers $5 and $6 food items. This list has changed slightly since the last time I was in, but all my favorites are still there – truffle parmesan fries with huancaina sauce ($5), alitas de pollo (chicken wings with lime, soy sauce and aji limo pepper, $6), clásico ceviche (corvina, leche de tigre, red onions, cilantro, sweet potato, cancha and cuzco corn, $6) and pork tacos (tomatillo salsa, caramelized onions and avocado aioli, $6). And if you get a seat at the bar, you’ll find a bowl off cancha (Peruvian corn nuts) free for devouring.

A surprising standout is the sirloin steak burger. For $12 (most expensive thing on the happy hour menu, but $2 cheaper than in the restaurant, and soooooo worth it), you get the juiciest burger topped with sundried tomato aioli, pepper jack cheese, bacon and onions on a rosemary bun. It used to be served with delicious plantain chips and chimichurri, but now it’s offered up with the even more amazing truffle fries. I never expected to find one of the best burgers in town at a Peruvian restaurant, but Darwin’s can give any pub a run for its money.

In place of some of the missing food items from the happy hour food menu, you will find something glorious – dessert. There are two $6 choices ($1 less than the regular menu) – pastel de tres leches (extra moist cake soaked in three milks, strawberries and meringue, with strawberry gelato) and tumbao pot of mousse (bittersweet and white chocolate mousses in a dark chocolate pot, café cappuccino, tartufo chocolate, mango and raspberry sauces). That last one is one of my all-time favorite desserts. As with all of Darwin’s dishes, the presentation is beautiful, but this one is also edible. Once the amazing mousse is devoured, I love to smash the chocolate pot with my spoon, demolishing it into tiny, delectable pieces.

Drinks: Darwin’s offers select $4 drafts, $6 cocktails, $4-6 glasses of wine and $4-6 martinis. I tried a new one – the mango tango martini. It wasn’t my favorite — a little artificial tasting. If you’re ordering a cocktail on the happy hour menu, my favorites are the traditional mojito or watermelon martini (a refreshing and summery compliment to the amazing and unique tuna tiradito – tuna paired deliciously with slices of fresh watermelon and ginger soy sauce, $15, not on happy hour).

But really, you should be drinking beer at Darwin’s. The very popular Summadayze IPA is on happy hour for $4. If you’re anything like me and you can’t make decisions, go for the beer flight – $10 for four 5 oz glasses of Darwin’s microbrews (or $2.50 a piece, if you want more than four). On Wednesday, I tried the Guava Ale, Chicha, Circa American wheat ale, Inka Mocha Porter and Lama Mamma Milk Stout. The Chica was my favorite – light but complex. No word on whether it was brewed in the traditional Peruvian method of chewing the corn before brewing... Darwin’s also offers daily drink specials written on its blackboard facing the wall. Wednesday’s were wine specials and a black grape mojito for $8. One of my past favorites was Darwin’s pumpkin ale (best pumpkin beer I’ve ever had) for only $4.

So, has Darwin’s retained its status as my favorite happy hour in town? Absolutely. And I cannot wait for their new brewery to open up in Bradenton. One can never have too much Darwin’s in their life.