Looking for a reason to hoist a pint Saturday? Here’s a historic one.
OK, it’s not a national holiday, but Saturday is National Beer Day. And many restaurants and watering holes nationwide have gotten in on the action offering deals to sate beer drinkers’ celebratory thirsts.
There is a historic element to the revelry. On this day in 1933, the sale of beer containing less than 3.2% alcohol by volume was again permitted in the U.S. The dry spell has lasted since the imposition of Prohibition in 1919 after President Woodrow Wilson’s veto of the 18th Amendment was overridden by Congress.
When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill, The Cullen-Harrison Act, in March 1933, he said, “I think this would be a good time for beer.” The legislation didn’t officially go into effect until April 7.
Buffalo Wild Wings, the restaurant chain, says the idea of National Beer Day was brewed up by Justin Smith, a beer lover and patron at its restaurant in Richmond, Va.
For the “holiday,” the restaurant chain is giving members of its Blazin’ Rewards loyalty rewards club 100 bonus points with each eligible purchase Saturday. Sign up for the program at www.blazinrewards.com.
Here’s a sampling of other National Beer Day deals available Saturday at participating locations:
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurants: Get “grande-size” beers at happy hour prices all-day Saturday.
Bahama Breeze: The chain offers a special way to celebrate National Beer Day with the Ultimate Coronarita, a margarita and beer mash-up, which starts at $11.99.
Duffy’s Sports Grill: Get $1.99 Bud Light, Miller Lite and Coors Light beers Saturday at all locations.
El Fenix: This promotion lasts beyond Saturday. Get $1 draft beers everyday through April 30.
Grand Central Terminal: Discounts and beer tastings can be found throughout the New York transportation hub. Among them: Beer Table To Go is offering 20% off growlers Friday to Sunday and Central Market New York has 10-ounce draft beers for $3 all day Saturday while supplies last.
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks: Celebrate with a new drink, The Eye Opener, made with Bloody Mary mix, BBQ sauce, bourbon, whiskey and fresh celery served with a small glass of Coors Light.
Olive Garden: Through May 27 or while supplies last, the Italian restaurant is serving a 22-ounce Blue Moon Belgian White in a commemorative pilsner glass part of Blue Moon’s Artist Series. The limited-time glasses are available to take home with or without the purchase of a beer for $2.99.
Quaker Steak & Lube: If you’re looking for a large beer, the chain’s “Lube Tube” is 100 ounces and served in a three-foot tube with a chilled core. Depending on the beer choice, prices range from $15 to $30.
Rock & Brews: The restaurant chain along with Kona Brewery is having a Big Wave Surfboard Giveaway. Visit participating restaurants in April to receive a “text to win” code entering them to win one of four Kona surfboards.
Spaghetti Warehouse: Get a 22-ounce draft beer for $5 Saturday.
The Pizza Press: Get select pints for $5 Saturday at participating locations.
Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar: Get $2 domestic beers and $3 craft beers Saturday.
Taqueria La Ventana: Get $2 beers and micheladas Saturday at all locations.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Through Saturday, get a $10 pizza and beer dinner, which includes a choice of any individual deep dish pizza or Chicago thin crust and any 14-oz craft beer with a coupon posted on the chain’s Facebook page.
Village Burger Bar: Get a $1 off all Texas beers Saturday.
World of Beer: Check your local World of Beer for specials and events Saturday but get exclusive deals year-round with the WOB Rewards program. Sign up atwww.worldofbeer.com/WOBRewards.
World Market: Through Saturday, members of the Explorer Rewards program get 30% off all beer at participating stores.
Yard House: Among the 100-plus beers offered at the company’s 70-plus locations will be some special brews for National Beer Day including Funkwerks Tropic King from Fort Collins, Colo., a farmhouse ale with notes of pepper and ginger.
More deals: Many breweries, locally-owned bars and restaurants also will have beer deals Saturday. One of the easiest ways to find specials is by checking social media.
If you plan to celebrate, please choose a designated driver or plan ahead for a safe ride home. In parts of Texas, ride-hailing service Lyft is teaming with the Texas Craft Brewers Guild to offer 10% off rides in the greater Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio areas on Saturday and Sunday (limited quantities, go to the Lyft blog for codes).
On Twitter, you can peruse #NationalBeerDay for countless other local deals and celebrations.
By the way, if this list has made you thirsty, many beer lovers have taken to celebrating Friday as New Beer’s Eve. You can also mark your calendars for Dec. 5, or Repeal Day, the day in 1933 when the 21st Amendment was passed, repealing Prohibition and allowing states to allow sale of alcohol.
