Library Park in Lakeport has moods–you can catch it on a Friday night in July, and it’s full of happy people resting on lawn chairs and blankets, listening to live music coming from the gazebo. If you stop by on a blustery February morning, you can watch the waves slap on the bulkhead and rock the docks while Mt. Konocti plays peek-a-boo between the rainclouds. Or, if you have the opportunity to stop by on a fall afternoon, you can feel the crispness in the air and see the leaves slowly turn yellow and orange while a stillness settles in. Perhaps a few children play on the swings while a retired couple passes by, walking their dog. There’s a quiet in the air, but no sense of rush–it still will be a while before the cold winter arrives. On days like these, it’s a perfect opportunity to step aside from the everyday grind, get out, and savor the park. And if you have the chance, why not spend some time enjoying the view from the roof of Ali’s Kitchen?
It’s clear that happy hour has more to offer than just discounted food and drinks, and one of the best things it brings is the ability to enjoy a restaurant during its less-busy times of day. If you’ve visited Ali’s Kitchen in Lakeport, you know it can get busy during the dinner rush. But if you show up between two and five, you have the opportunity to pick your choice of tables, relax with a beer, and enjoy your meal with no rush at all. Then you have plenty of time to savor the beauty of the park, watch the bass boats skim across the water, and sip on your Negro Modelo.
Ali’s Kitchen offers a simple happy hour, one that won’t overwhelm you with choices, which is perfect for a day like today. You’re here to relax. You can select a couple of beers at a discounted price and have the opportunity to get two tacos with beans and rice for $10. It’s the perfect afternoon treat, meant to fill you up, but not leave you overfull.
Ali’s happy hour tacos come with choices: beef, chicken, or carnitas. If you’re certain of which you like best, pick one. But if you’re not sure, get one of each. The carnitas are rich, marinated, pulled pork, filled with flavor. The chicken is more delicate and tender. And the beef brings a punch of flavor, salty and earthy. All rest on doubled-up corn tortillas and are topped with cilantro and fresh onion. Radishes and lime wedges accompany them, and I recommend them on top of any meat you choose.
Be sure to ask for some hot sauce, too. I prefer the spicy hot sauce because of the flavors it brings, but they also offer it in a mild version. Regardless, you will be happy with your choice. And to fill in the edges, Ali’s Kitchen offers perfectly flavored refried beans, creamy and comforting, and their rice is fluffy and flavored with just the right amount of chicken stock.
Plus, you’ve got an afternoon to enjoy it, soak in the view, and savor the beauty of a fall day. What could be better?
155 Park St, Lakeport, CA 95453
Phone: (707) 485-2809
