Well, I’m straying a bit from my usual blog subjects, but I thought this one was worth it. We focus on places to enjoy a unique and memorable Happy Hour. Well, there’s nothing that says that place can’t be your own home and I’ve found a place to help you do just that. In Long Island City, nearly in Astoria, in the Costco buildings on Vernon Blvd. is KHH Liquors. KHH is not affiliated with Costco, but obviously has some sort of working relationship with them as they have stores near Costco in CO, CT, and another on the way in MA. Simply put: KHH has some of the best prices on wine and liquor (they don’t sell beer at the NY store) I’ve come across. Atmosphere is not the name of the game here. KHH is literally a warehouse with palettes of merchandise, and that’s what allows them to keep their prices low. I find them most useful for everyday wines and spirits, but they do carry some high end products, as well. Bear in mind that items and prices change frequently, but here are some representative selections from my most recent visit:

Penfold’s Rawson’s Retreat

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon

Alamos Malbec St. Francis Chardonnay

All of these are fantastic wines to share with a party or at your home happy hour and all is under $10 at KHH. Well under, which is a great deal. Moving up the ladder a bit we have:

Frog’s Leap 2004 Zin

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages ‘02

And a number of other high end wines for well below expected prices. Their liquor selection is equally varied. Well worth the trip! Watch for upcoming Hip Pocket Video on our very own home Happy Hour!

McReilly’s Update:

I continue to visit McReilly’s and am now recognized by the bartenders. Soon, I may be able to consider myself a regular. This latest visit, I wandered in during a Yankees/Mets game. The place was raucous with friendly but pointed bar banter being tossed the length of the bar. I sat smack in the middle and watched the same two fellows that had a baseball debate go to town again. Great fun. The bartender even checked in with me to jokingly make sure I hadn’t come in for a quiet meal. I hadn’t. I got exactly what I came in for: a third place in full swing!