P.F. Chang’s appeals to the masses

Most bars have a whiskey sour, and some have their versions of a Moscow Mule. Going out with friends and family is fun, but things start getting static and boring when you frequent the same places that offer the same beer, the same cocktails, the same wine — the same everything. Sometimes we need to switch things up and take in some new scenery on Friday night.

P.F. Chang’s offers fresh and creative cocktails and brews at low prices during happy hour, Monday through Friday, from 3-6 p.m.

TripAdvisor and Yelp! offer advice on places to get drinks in Des Moines, and all of the lists include some good ones: Zombie Burger, High Life Lounge and others. If you’ve been living in Des Moines for very long, you’ve likely been to these place multiple times already. Burgers, fries, beer — the usual — are always offered. But your taste buds may need some spice in their life.

So this Friday night, instead of going to “your place” and ordering the usual, visit to P.F. Chang’s to shake things up. Yes, P.F. Chang’s. Their innovative cocktails and craft beer will change your world. O.K., maybe not, but they might just change your mind about drinking.

Most people are probably visiting P.F. Chang’s for its great food. Even people who typically don’t like Asian food can find something to appeal to their tastes on the menu of this Scottsdale, Arizona, chain of restaurants. And after scarfing down a heaping plate of noodles, it makes sense that a drink would be the best finishing touch.

The drink menu is a pleasant surprise, offering 12 different specialty cocktails and an array of special import beers, as well as craft and domestic. And don’t forget the saké. Specialty cocktails feature new takes on the classics. For example, check out the Long Island Rum Tea, which has Cruzan Mango, guava and aged light rums. The tropical flavors will make bar-goers feel like they are actually vacationing on the beach, and the quick service is even better than a resort.

Also try the Bert’s Gin & Tonic, which features premium gin and star anise, the Twisted Whiskey Sour, which includes Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Cointreau, and the Moscow Mule, which boasts Russian Standard Vodka and house-made ginger beer. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Moscato & Grapes, which is SKYY Moscato Vodka, Plymouth Gin and lime juice. All of the cocktails will give you something new to try, and it won’t be hard to forget the usual rum and Coke you’ve been drinking all winter. P.F. Chang’s combinations are fresh and delicious.

P.F. Chang’s appeals to the masses with domestic and craft beer, but the imported beers are where the modern twist comes into play. Try a Tsingtao Lager, which, according to the website, is the No. 1 Chinese beer in America. It’s fresh but has a nutty taste, which accompanies nearly every dish on the menu perfectly.

They also feature five different kinds of saké. One is served warm, three are chilled, and they offer a plum wine. And since it is a family restaurant, P.F. Chang’s also offers a slew of nonalcoholic drinks. They’re just as creative and delicious, only without the next-day headache.

P.F. Chang’s is the Asian food for non-Asian food lovers and the place to get some of the most creative drinks in Des Moines. CV

P.F. Chang’s
Happy Hour
Mon. – Fri. 3-6 p.m.
Beers and sake: $3
Wine: $5
Cocktails: $6

Hours
Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.