Sports bar scores points for dip, mozzarella sticks
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: Sluggo's Sports Grill, 161 N. Centennial Way, Mesa

Happy hour: 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

The vibe: A cloud of smoke wafts through the air at Sluggo's on an early Friday evening while people in their 30s to 60s fill the spacious bar drinking bottles of beer and drafts. Trophies, helmets, jerseys and other sports memorabilia decorate the Mesa bar.

The food deals: Selected appetizers — such as the spinach-and-artichoke dip, potato skins, chips and salsa, chips and cheese, fried mushrooms and zucchini, mozzarella sticks, onion rings and nachos — are half off.

The drink deals: $2 domestic drafts; $2.50 margaritas and well drinks; $3 import drafts.

The review: The spinach-and-artichoke dip ($3.25), which is usually served in a bread bowl, comes with a side of garlic bread instead because the bar is fresh out of bread bowls. The creamy dip has a thinner consistency than we're used to, but that doesn't get in the way of the taste. The dip, which also comes with a side of tortilla chips, is extremely cheesy and scrumptious. The golden mozzarella sticks ($3) come in an order of six and are fried to perfection. They're also topped with a dash of Parmesan, which adds a zestiness to them.

The inside scoop: The bar offers $2 16-ounce domestic and import pints from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays.

Info: and www.sluggosgrill.com

Where is your favorite happy hour destination? Send suggestions to Kelly Wilson at or .