TWIS Happy Hour Guide: MADE

Free.

Welcome to happy hour at MADE (that stands for “Modern American Delicious Eats,” in case you were wondering). If I can give you one piece of advice about this happy hour, it is this: sit at the bar. Not just in the bar area, but at the actual bar. Here, Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., you’ll be served a free bar plate. The contents of that plate change from night to night, depending on what the chef decides to whip up.

Friday, it was salmon tartare with a strawberry sriracha glaze, maple bacon crouton and chicken mousse. Last summer, I had at plate comprised of a fried green tomato (one of my favorite MADE appetizers) with ahi tuna, bacon-wrapped tater tots and a lettuce cup. The flavors are always unique and exciting – you won’t be disappointed. And, if for some reason you are — hey, it was free! But, for real, this little tease will probably just inspire you to order more from the full menu.

Drink specials: The bar plate isn’t all MADE has to offer during happy hour. They also offer $6 specialty cocktails, $3 Bud Light and Yuengling, and $4 wells and house wines. The specialty cocktail menu is where you’ll want to go. They make some of my favorites in town. My top three would be the MADE Manhattan (straight up!), the Apple Jack (Jack Daniels and apple pie moonshine) and the Son of a Peach (jalapeño tequila, peach puree and fresh basil). Friday, I tried the MADE mule. Made with huckleberry vodka (a popular ingredient at MADE), it’s sweet but very refreshing too, thanks to the ginger beer, lemon and lime.

The bottom line: MADE serves some seriously creative and delicious stuff. It’s the best free food you’ll get in town, hands down. To top it all off, the service is always super friendly, and you get to bask in the beauty of the American flag, in all its metal, alcohol-flanked glory.