When it comes to Happy Hour, Saucebox in Northwest Portland does it right. And how! First of all are the drinks. Saucebox has more than forty signature cocktails, and the place mats have a pictorial and description of each of the cocktails, so you can peruse your next order through the bottom of your curent drink! And for Happy Hour, the bartender selects a different specialty to feature each day. And it’s just five dollars! My favorite Happy Hour drink is an “oldie, but a goodie” — a boxcar made with brandy, triple sec, and lime. It’s delicious. Saucebox is also known for sake, and though I’m not a big fan, they have the best sake I’ve ever tasted. If you’re a beer fan, you’ll find all kinds, including the basics, Portland brewed varieties, and lots of unusual brands. Even better than their splendidly prepared cocktails, Saucebox has an incredible Happy Hour menu. Saucebox doesn’t just throw some peanuts on the bar and call it Happy Hour. No, indeed. You get to choose from all kinds of Asian fusion dishes, starting at only one dollar. One dollar snacks include taro chips or steamed edamame. For two dollars, you can try the miso soup or have an order of fries. Three bucks will get you the famous Saucebox crispy Brussels sprouts, served with a slow poached egg. The four dollar snacks feature sweet potato spring rolls or pork egg rolls or pad thai. And if you want to splurge and spend five dollars on your Happy Hour snack, you might try the spicy wok shrimp, the Szechuan ox tail noodles, or a tricked-out burger. Five dollars for a great burger in Portland is almost unheard of. Happy Hour starts when Saucebox opens at 4:30 and goes until 6:30. So be sure to get there early to take full advantage of reasonably priced drinks and totally out of the ordinary bar food.