Free Bar Snacks

Amazing Graze

by Kelly White

"Utz are better than nuts!" went a fictional commercial slogan on a recent episode of Mad Men. What's better than both? The Israeli corn chips at Zahav. The imported crisps call out to idle hands in three varieties: classic falafel, zesty BBQ and the enticingly named smoke. Munch away — you'll be dining on small plates tonight.

Happy hour at the Dive means on-the-house cheese pizza from Napoli across the street — the limit is two slices per patron. Throw in the almost-free beer specials and you've got dinner and drinks for mere pocket change.

The addictive mix on bar at Pennsport's the Ugly American is akin to good old American Cracker Jack, but it takes a Mexican turn in the spice department, with habanero and cayenne heating up popcorn and salty peanuts coated in sticky toffee.

Not in the mood to shell out dough for the raw bar treats at JBs? We won't think twice if you load up on gratis oyster crackers and horseradish instead. The buttery little hexagons aren't exactly aphrodisiacs, but if you abide by the adage that beggars can't be choosers, they'll do.

We're a bunch of choosers, though, which is why we hold out for the complimentary snack at James. The tiny helping of fancy green olives is just the trick to help us start building a whopper of a tab. Speaking of olives, their Blue in Green martini with blue-cheese-stuffed olives is so worth it