Tandy's Top Shelf Happy Hour is Dandy

I heard recently about Tandy's Top Shelf's happy hour specials and I figured I would go check them out. It was as good as everyone said it was, especially when it comes to prices. 

First, the happy hour specials are half off appetizers and drinks between 3 and 7 p.m. in the lounge or on the patio. I chose a big booth over in the corner, with enough room to eat, drink, and do some work. 

I ordered a mojito which was OK. The mint was only a garnish and the soda water seemed a tad flat. However, there was a good balance of rum with the other ingredients. I decided to try a second one and it was a slight improvement over the first. 

The appetizer list offered a lot of choices and I couldn't decide what to get. So, I ordered a Tandy's Sampler, with four items: Crab & Scallop Fritters, Red Pepper & Artichoke Dip, Chicken Dippers, and Beer Battered Shrimp.

First, it was almost a meal it was so much food. The highlight of the sampler was the fritters and dip. The fritters were good-sized, chewy and not overpowering, which was perfect. The dip was hot but not too spicy and more than enough to go with the bread. The dippers were good, standard chicken fingers, and the shrimp were too, but fried a tad too long. Three dipping sauces rounded out the platter. 

While Tandy's was a bit empty when I arrived at 4, by 5:30 p.m. on a Friday, it was hopping, and that's no surprise: When I received the check, two drinks and the sampler came to less than $10, which was astounding.

I'll definitely come back to Tandy's and check out the other items on the menu. Tandy's is located in Eagle Square, in the space formerly occupied by the Capitol Grille, in the basement below Orr & Reno.