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This Issue 10/27/2005

Also in this issue

• Sangria Savvy
• The sexy Origins of Halloween
• Tangled up in Jew David Berman turns focus inward
• Holy crap -- Uma Thurman is on j-date?!?
• This movie...how do you say...ah, yes...blows
• Hanson: The 'Street' Interview
• Mexican Food Ain't Pretty

If you're looking for a different happy hour scene but don't want to spend the cash for a cab, walk north on 36th to Zocalo for killer drinks and satisfying food.

Time: Weekdays, 4:30-6:30.

Drink: All drinks on the menu are 25% off and include beer ($2.50-$3.50/bottle), sangria ($4.50-$6/glass), wine ($5.50-$6) and margaritas ($5-$6.50). The Zocalo sangria, laced with tequila-macerated strawberries and seasonal fruit, is divine and potent. Adventurous drinkers should opt for the spicy Pablotini, a tequila-based martini with Rose's lime juice that features a habanero garnish. Try the Especial, a traditional margarita with a splash of orange juice. The beer list contains nine imported bottles including Dos Equis, Corona and Pacifico alongside domestic favorites. The entire second shelf above the bar features a dizzying array of the finest tequilas around.

Food: All appetizers are 25% off during happy hour. The award-winning guacamole ($8) is a perfect complement to the margaritas and is served in a stone mortar bowl with freshly made chips and warm tortillas. The goat cheese-filled empanadas ($8) are mouthwatering, served with a classic fresh tomato salsa.

Ambience: The bar is simply decorated, comfortable yet minimalist in design. Bachata, merengue and salsa music are softly piped in over the speakers as black-clad servers glide effortlessly through the restaurant. Bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, providing the stories behind each of the specialty cocktails alongside expert food and beverage suggestions.

Clientele: As varied as the selection of tequila, from students to groups of 30-somethings, donning jeans, slacks and everything in between. Vocal regulars provide valuable recommendations when opportunity knocks.