Brio Tuscan Grill gets a bravo for Happy Hour

One of the most difficult things about spending time together as parents is being able to afford both a nice, romantic dinner as well as a babysitter.  Sure, some of us are lucky enough to have a grandparent or other family member nearby to help out with babysitting, but for those of us that don’t you could find that you spent more on the sitter than you did on your time out with you significant other.   That’s one of the many reasons why “Happy Hour” makes Mr. Money Saving Parent and I very “happy” because we can still enjoy some delicious dining as well as not spend a fortune.  But not all happy hours are created equal, and that’s why Brio Tuscan Grille gets a “bravo” for theirs – because it is a happy hour unlike many others.

 $3.95 Appetizers or “Tuscan Tasters”

Yes, you read that right!  $3.95 a dish.  But Lisa, those dishes can’t be very big or tasty is probably what you are thinking.  But you couldn’t be more wrong.   You will find an authentic taste of northern Italy with a large variety of speciality items much like tapas and perfect for sharing with a group of friends, a night out for moms or a couples date night.   Here’s what you have to choose from:

• Tomato and Mozzarella Capri
• Shrimptini
• Beef Capaccio (a specialty there and the mustard aioli is “to die for.” )
• Margherita or Sausage and Pepperoni Flatbread
• Crispy Shrimp Piccante
• Brio Burger (yes a burger – and you would spend more than $3.95 at McDonald’s and it wouldn’t be half as good)
• Ravioli Caprese
• Spicy Shrimp and Eggplant (I admit I used my bread to “sop” up every bit of the black pepper cream sauce and my mother and I were fighting over the last bite).
• Roasted Garlic, Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

While there is a large selection of beverages, during Happy Hour there are also $5.00 drink specials that our non-designated driver can enjoy.  Choose from one of three wines, a selection of spritzers and sangria, martinis and mojitos.   I admit to a weakness for the Mango Mojito, and was thrilled when they even told me how to make it!

If you are wondering, Happy Hour at Brio is Mon. – Fri. from 3-7 p.m. and then again 9 p.m. to close.  Here’s a money saving hint, my babysitter charges less if the kids are asleep, and yours may too. So put the kids to bed and sneak out for some time together.

It is only available in the “bar” section, but wow what a section.  High top tables with beautiful cushioned seats, the bar and then some lounging areas too.   I loved the idea of a “mom’s night out” with some mommy friends cozied up in the corner lounge and enjoying food we didn’t have to cook, that no one asked me to cut for them and that no one had to be coaxed into a  ”no thank you bite.”   But guess what, while happy hour is great for all those thing you can also use it for a quick and inexpensive (though delicious) meal for the whole family.   Kids will enjoy the dip, burger, flatbread and ravioli so you can have a quick dinner out without draining the family budget.

But it’s in the bar you may be thinking.   Yes, it is, but there is plenty of seating and this place is family friendly.   No smoking is permitted, but only you know your Brio so only you can know for sure it’s the bar there is a good place for the kids, in my experience ours is.  We have a couple near us in the Houston area, but you can look for locations near you.

Did you know you can save even more with the Brio Rewards card?  Sign up today and get a free appetizer. 

If Happy Hour isn’t enough for you let me give a sneak peek at what you could be having for lunch or dinner.

Yes, I made everyone stop before they ate and let me take pictures.  Are you hungry yet?

A few more reasons to go to Brio Tuscan Grille:
The service was excellent and here are just a few reasons why I say that:

• A manager “chipped in” to help clean a table
• The server was able to answer all my questions about the food and even make drink or food recommendations
• Smooth service, professional, courteous

Not to mention the beautiful atmosphere and decor.

This was a special occasion, with my parents visiting from Ohio, but you don’t have to wait for one of those to happen to enjoy dining at Brio Tuscan Grille.  I know I’m not waiting for a special occasion to go there again – not with this Happy Hour that makes this money saving mama very happy!

Are you hungry now?

If so, feel free to pin this post or tweet @BrioItalian.