Heading home from work in stop and go traffic on 60 east from Tempe to San Tan Valley. I said I need a strong cocktail, quick. Alma school was the next exit so I got off and immediately Yelp'd "Happy Hour". Old Chicago was the first to come up. The poor star rating and mixed reviews didn't scare me off. I knew I just wanted a stiff drink and something to munch on, no real expectations.
I walked in and immediately went to the bar. It wasn't too crowded but they had a nice crowd in there. I noticed a few of the patrons had on Cubs hats, not sure if they were visiting or transplants but I thought, "Hey ... if they like it I'll probably like it too." I was immediately greeted by the bartender. I ordered a whiskey with a splash of coke and an orange slice. It was EXACTLY what I needed. It did have a lot of ice, so much so that I could barely stir my drink with my straw, but it was a strong cocktail. I ordered the Spicy Fried Pickles to munch while I drank. They were delicious! Do get ranch instead of the Sweet Thai Chill (I think that was the name) that's offered with the pickles. The ranch was a great compliment to it. I ordered one more whiskey and coke and took off.
My bill was less than $10 bucks, $9.73 to be exact. I ordered 2 stiff drinks and a munchies. I was in and out within 45 minutes. It was great! I'll definitely stop in again on my way home from work.