When we got married, I enjoyed learning to cook for my husband, but it was clear by the time we crossed the threshold that we had been raised differently when it came to what our moms had cooked for dinner.

I – one of five kids in a large blended family – had enjoyed the best weeknight casseroles on the planet.

He – an only child – was accustomed to a weeknight steak and four side dishes.

Thirty-five years later, I’d be just as happy with a good, cheesy casserole, a slice of buttered bread and a glass of ice-cold milk. However … I must say that I have learned to appreciate a good steak.

On a few occasions since we’ve lived in Austin, we’ve treated ourselves and one or more of the kids to a steak dinner somewhere really nice. But for the most part, that’s a rare treat.

Happy Hour? That’s another story. We’ve enjoyed lots of weeknight hours of happily sitting outside, listening to music, and munching on some delectable bites from the appetizer section of the menu.

None has been better than Bob’s Steak and Chop House at 3rd and Lavaca, downtown.

Happy Hour at Bob’s is encountered on the 2nd floor patio, where the greenery separates you and your table from the busy street scene below.

White table linens, comfortable seating, bistro tables for two, and fabulous music make this a great place to kick back and relax with your best friend, or entertain a prospective client.

A loaf of hot, crusty bread will appear upon the table in no time, along with a generous pour of your favorite wine.

The restaurant’s manager is likely to come by for an unhurried story behind the selections on the menu. When he mentions spicy bruleed cream corn, you probably will not be able to say anything but yes, please. Or, oh, wow, that sounds amazing. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

We tried three small plates; however, we should have scaled it back a notch. Bob’s happy hour portion on the plate is as generous as the pour in the glass. I totally recommend the corn, though, and the steak skewers are the most perfect bites of filet. If you can handle a third choice, the Brussels sprouts are your best bet.  They come out smoking hot, with the perfect roasted char restaurant goers have grown to appreciate.

Since I’m always on the hunt for Austin’s perfect creme brulee, and since we could get caught up in the rapture at any moment, I decided to have dessert. Not all of it…but enough to be able to tell you how good it was. And then one more bite after that.

Encouraging intentional adventure, a cheesy, comforting casserole any day of the week, and a weeknight steak skewer on occasion, just because.

PS – More happy hour suggestions here and here. It’s a trend!