To find the origins of the famed “happy hour,” one will likely have to go all the way back to the days of William Shakespeare’s King Henry V. But if you don’t want to go back in time to the Elizabethan Era for a little history lesson, the more likely correct – and recent – origin of the term stemmed from the United States Navy, where social clubs held regularly scheduled “happy hours” which included a variety of entertainment including boxing matches, music, dancing and movies.
These days, the term dropped the boxing matches to be synonymous with an afternoon full of good times, great company, competitively priced drinks and small bites. Happy hours come in all shapes and sizes from dive bars to desert picnics, but the most elegant and intimate happy hour in the East Valley is at none other than Ember – We-Ko-Pa’s take on fine dining just outside Scottsdale, Arizona in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation – every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6 PM.
Here are a few reasons Ember needs to be your new go-to happy-hour spot.
Specialty Beer, Wine and Cocktails
You sure can’t have happy hour without drinks at a reduced cost, but with $5 draft beers, $5 house wines and $10 specialty cocktails, you can’t really go wrong. Ember has eight draft beer selections on tap ranging from the light and crisp H’Mala Genesee New York Lager with a hint of hops and a smooth finish to the ultra-hazy Elysian Space Dust IPA. And a host of house wines will pair nicely with any appetizer that might tickle your fancy.
Cocktails more your style? Pick from 10 specialty amalgamations all hand-crafted by professional mixologists and guaranteed to appease any palate. From new takes on old standards like the Sacred Smoke Manhattan, to unusual combinations of rye whiskey and vanilla bean which aims to redefine decadence, if you consider yourself a fan of the last barman poet, you’ll do just fine at Ember.
Mouthwatering Appetizers
If you’re feeling a little peckish but not exactly ready for a full-fledged meal, belly up to the bar or sink into the lounge at Ember for happy hour where signature appetizers and salads are just $10. Choose from elegant options like Wagyu meatballs with house-made ricotta with a tomato basil sauce or Saltspring Island Mussels in a fennel cream broth with lamb chorizo on grilled ciabatta. And there’s always lighter options like Jumbo Tiger Prawn cocktail with shaved horseradish root or a simple and splendid Caesar salad.
Live Entertainment, Elegant Setting
The lounge and bar area at Ember is a contemporary take on old sophistication, oozing class in every way. Live entertainment is featured nightly during Ember happy hours with talented musicians covering today’s best hits in an intimate and relaxing setting. Think Don Draper meets 20s speakeasys with a burning desire for romance.
