Cheap Eats: High-End Happy Hours

ORDER THIS // Vietnamese Chicken Spring Rolls ($4.50)
Get these crispy rolls filled with chicken, lemongrass, garlic and peanuts for half-price during the Tremont restaurant’s happy hour. The fresh veggies refresh your palate — just be sure to give your taste buds a warning before you dunk into the Hong Kong dipping sauce. It packs a powerful punch. OTHERS OPTIONS: Fahrenheit nachos ($6) aren’t really nachos but a heaping pile of spiral-cut spuds layered with goat cheese sauce, bacon, chives and sea salt. Duck confit wings ($5) will provide your fill of protein with two fist-size wings smothered in sweet teriyaki sauce, crushed peanuts and scallions.

ORDER THIS // Brochette de Parma ($5)
Opting to create dishes separate from its regular menu for happy hour, Bistro on Lincoln Park has assembled an array of nicely priced options with fun takes on classic foods. Take the Brochette de Parma. The breaded semolina polenta has a creamy, cheeselike consistency that reminds us of fried cheese on a stick from a fair — albeit a classier version with fresh tomato sauce and Parmesan reggiano cheese. OTHERS OPTIONS: Mozzarella en carozza ($5) is a clever twist on grilled cheese and tomato soup using house-made mozzarella and pesto with a smear of tomato sauce. Duck confit shepherd’s pie ($5) layers a duck, onion, celery and cabernet mixture with mashed potatoes.

ORDER THIS // Tempura Battered Green Beans ($5)
These have been a Flying Fig happy hour staple for years, and there’s good reason for that. Light, airy and crispy — you might even think you’re eating french fries or a classic green bean casserole. Whatever favorite food it evokes, it’s hard to keep from reaching for more. OTHERS OPTIONS: The roast chicken baguette sandwich ($5) loads on the brie, bacon, sweet onions and tomato jam. Hand-cut fries ($2.50) may seem ordinary at first, but a sprinkle of rosemary and a tasty harissa (a North African red hot sauce) aioli take them to the next level.