If you're looking for a laid back happy hour experience, stop by Rittenhouse wine bar Tinto on Tuesdays from 5–7 PM. Once a week, Jose Garces’ Basque tapas bar puts a series of pintxos (small bites), wines, beer and cocktails on special, creating a happy hour unlike any other in Philadelphia.

Three signature cocktails are on the specials menu, including Sangria Tinto (red wine, lemon, applejack,
guindilla, fruit – tinto is Basque slang for red wine; $4.50), Sangria Blanca (white wine, Absolut Peach, fruit; $4.50) and Mairritze (cachaça, muddled mint, lime, blood orange; $5). Wine enthusiasts can choose between a glass of Tempranillo – the most traditional Spanish tapas pairing – and Chardonnay (each $4), and brewheads can go for a $2 Lagunitas Czech Pils.

What really sets Tinto apart is the food offered on their happy hour menu. All eight pintxos are small tastes of the handcrafted dishes served on the wine bar's regular menu. With ingredients such as duck, sheep's cheese and garlic sausage, it's evident that each toothpick-skewered mouthful is made individually and fresh. The portions are not quite large enough for sharing, but at $2 each, who cares? And don't worry if you're not familiar with the names of the dishes or cocktails, the bartenders are more than willing to explain exactly what you're ordering.

With limited bar space and the once-a-week event schedule, seating does fill up quickly, so get there early or bring a backup plan (Garces’ Village Whiskey is right next door). Once you’re seated, though, the calm, relaxing vibe is perfect for professionals unwinding after a long day at the office.

Photo courtesy of the restaurant