With giant lava lamps flanking the bar and walls hung with Fender guitars, records, and Janis-Jimmy-Johnny concert posters, Red House’s Happy Hour offers noteworthy appetizers, generous drink specials, and a side of rock n’ roll nostalgia.

Five-dollar bar bites, dollar-off poured beer and wine, and a five-dollar cocktail are offered from 5 to 7pm daily at Red House, and though their glistening house margarita was tempting, I stuck with the Port Hopper Golden Ale from Groton’s Outer Light Brewing for fear of wanting many more than one.

Bar bites that evening included Short Rib Pierogis, Crab Tots, and Prosciutto Sticks, and my date and I opted for all three. The tots and pierogis stole the show—savory blue crab with an herb aioli positively melts in your mouth, and the pierogis, drizzled with a horseradish sour cream, are decadent yet light. The prosciutto sticks are artfully presented in a little brushed metal cup and served as a crunchy-salty little snack—a good choice if you’re ordering entrees.

Red House has a great vibe, super-friendly wait staff, and—of course—live music once a month.

by Amanda Bloom