TWIS Happy Hour Guide: Old School Bar & Grill

This happy-hour excursion happened completely by accident. My boyfriend, Ethan, and I decided to do dinner and a movie Saturday night. The first two restaurants we tried (chains to which we had gift cards) were no-gos; the waits were too long. Attempt No. 3 was Darwin’s on 4th — one of our favorite happy hours in town. Not shockingly, at 6 p.m., there wasn’t a single seat available in the bar, which is the only place their happy-hour menu is served.

Like I said, season is here.

Our movie time fast approaching, we parked in the Main Street garage and walked into the first place we saw – Old School Bar and Grill.

And wouldn’t you know, it was still happy hour!

The when: Happy hour at Old School is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The atmosphere: In downtown Sarasota, you have your pick of eclectic and ethnic restaurants. But, sometimes you just need a bar. That’s Old School’s place in the lineup. A come-as-you are, no-assumptions, old-school bar. And there’s a quirk to catch your eye every which way you look – Star Wars Millennium Falcon hanging from the ceiling and license plates from seemingly every state coat the walls; Farah Fawcett and Pee Wee Herman’s smiling faces greet you on the bathroom doors. How could you not feel at home here? Like, dare I say ... everybody knows your name?

The food: As the name implies, this bar keeps it old school — only drinks on happy hour, no food specials. Although springing for some eats during your happy hour won’t break the bank. My guilty pleasure is on the menu, here: fried pickles. A basket with ranch is enough for two and only costs $4.75. Or, you can always go for a free basket of popcorn from the old-fashioned popper next to the jukebox. If you’re wanting a meal, here, you’ve got to go big, or go home. Order the Cheeto. It’s a burger, sandwiched between two grilled cheeses on Texas Toast. Yes, this is a thing that exists. And it is beautiful.

The drinks: Here’s the rundown:-two-for-one domestic drafts, $1-off bottles, $1-off wine and $1-off wells. We went with beer. The domestic draft deal doesn’t just include your typical Bud, Miller and Coors — Yuengling is two-for-one, too. And the bottle list – written above the bar in colorful chalk – was more extensive than I expected, with good variety.

Service: I always try to go for the bar when I’m in a hurry; the service is almost always quicker. But Old School’s bar was full when we arrived around 6:15 p.m., so we went for a slightly wobbly high-top in the middle of the restaurant. Even though the place was decently crowded, we never waited for service. I was very impressed.

The bottom line: Old School is a fun, chill escape from the typically-upscale downtown Sarasota dining scene. It’s a great option if you want to grab a couple inexpensive beers after work, catch a football game while drinking for less or actually get a table before a Saturday night movie during season. Good work, Old School. You’ve just earned a new regular.

Old School Bar & Grill is located at 1991 Main Street, Sarasota.