Happy hour spots in Rowlett worth hitting after work

Rowlett is not exactly known for its bar scene. But if you know where to go, there are a few spots where you can get a good drink after work without driving to Rockwall or Garland.

1. Gloria's Latin Cuisine (Lakeview Pkwy) Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 3-7 PM

• $5 house margaritas
• $4 domestic drafts
• Half-price appetizers including the black bean dip and plantains
• The patio is the move if the weather is reasonable. Lakeview Pkwy views are not exactly lakefront but the vibe works.
• This is the best happy hour deal in Rowlett. The margaritas are strong and the food is legitimately good.

2. Fish City Grill (Lakeview Pkwy at Dalrock) Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 3-6 PM

• $3 off cocktails
• $5 house wine
• Discounted appetizers — the ceviche for $7 is a steal
• Quieter atmosphere than Gloria's. Good for an after-work drink where you can actually have a conversation.

3. Chili's (Lakeview Pkwy) Happy hour: Daily

• $5 Presidente margaritas (always)
• $6 bar bites menu is the real deal — the crispy cheddar bites and the skillet queso
• Look, it is a Chili's. I am not pretending otherwise. But the $5 Presidente margarita is one of the best values in casual dining and the Rowlett location has a decent bar area.

4. Cotton Patch Cafe (Lakeview Pkwy)

• They have a bar. It is small. The beer selection is domestic-heavy. But if you want a cold Shiner Bock after work in a quiet booth, Cotton Patch gets the job done.

What is missing: A proper brewery or taproom in Rowlett. Rockwall has multiple. Garland has a growing brewery scene near downtown. Rowlett has zero. A brewery on Main Street or in the Sapphire Bay development would be instantly successful.

Also missing: a cocktail bar. Not a restaurant with a bar. An actual bar where the cocktails are the focus. Rowlett's nightlife is basically "restaurant patios that serve drinks" and that is it.

My routine: Fridays after work I alternate between Gloria's happy hour (when I want food too) and Fish City (when I just want a drink and quiet). Both are on Lakeview so I am home in 5 minutes.