My friends and I had at least a month's worth of news to catch up on, so I suggested we meet at The Walnut Room Pizzeria, the six-month-old cousin to the original Walnut Room in Five Points. I was drawn to its central location, laid-back atmosphere, and economical menu—not to mention the $1.25 PBR pints during happy hour.

We cozied into our booth and ordered the cheese pesto bread (advertised as "famous"), cheese- and garlic-chocked slices that are the ideal accompaniment to cold brews. The bread didn't sit for long, but still we loitered—the conversation moving to boyfriends, apartments, and work/school—ordering more drinks and another appetizer. As we sat in our extra-large booth (meant for at least six), our table soon filled with empty food baskets and pint glasses drained of everything but frothy remnants of our PBRs.

And the corner joint began to fill up. Families arrived to pick up pizzas, friends sat down to share a slice, and passersby meandered in, lured by the sun-filled room, numerous tables, and calm ambiance.

Two-and-a-half hours passed before we noticed darkness was seeping into the skyline. Happy hour, it seems, doesn't just have to last 60 minutes. It's more about the company you keep than any specials—but we'll keep going for the bargains anyway.

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Specials include $1.25 PBR pints, $2.50 glasses of wine, and half-price appetizers.

2 N. Broadway, 303-736-6750