When the workday comes to a close, I often opt for a quick bite—something small to carry me over to a late dinner. One of the best spots to find this kind of snack is the five-month-old BSide in Uptown, whose menu leans on simple variations of comfort food.

I jokingly refer to the happy hour menu as the “after-school special.” That’s when the eatery presents a lineup of $4 and $5 dishes reminiscent of eats that might have been waiting at home when you got off the bus: smashed, fried bologna sandwiches with American cheese, mustard, and pickles; grilled cheese with Gouda and peppered bacon; plates of assorted pickles. It’s the BSide’s icebox chicken, however, that keeps me coming back.

5280 February 2015
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In fact, in just a few short months, the restaurant’s coconut milk–marinated, gluten-free crusted bird has built a huge fan base. Variations of the dish can be ordered at lunch (on a sandwich), dinner (hot and crispy, served with sides), and brunch (drizzled with toasted-ancho honey and a slab of jalapeño cornbread).

But the best deal, of course, is during happy hour. From 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, $4 buys you two breast pieces served in a tin bucket, picnic-style—that is, cold—with a side of house-made agave mustard. Even after being refrigerated, the golden, crispy skin retains its crunch and the meat is tender, not dry. I round out my after-school, er, after-work snack with a canned craft beer (four bucks during happy hour) before making my way back into the real world. 1336 17th Ave., 303-474-4960, thebsidedenver.com

Our Favorites (Happy hour prices)

Icebox Chicken $4

Smashed Bacon Gouda $4

Smashed Friend Bologna $4

Pickle ‘n’ Veg Plate $4

Hop Chef Meatballs $5