Drink up, be happy at Rudee's Restaurant and Raw Bar

Libations in the cabana. We thought that sounded like a swell way to send ourselves sailing into a long weekend. So we joined a throng of Oceanfront locals for the 3 to 7 p.m. happy hour over at Rudee's Restaurant and Raw Bar, the first of our summertime investigations into outdoor happy hours.

The cabana is an annex to this 27-year-old seafood restaurant. It's perched right on the Rudee Inlet docks alongside a row of sport fishers and pleasure boats. A bike rack jammed with a rainbow of cruisers signaled a strong local crowd.

The annex is split into three distinct parts: the grassy cornhole area, the bar - which is covered - and a dockside dining room where you can eat alfresco while swaying to and fro aboard one of 14 gliding, covered picnic tables.

All in all, a pleasant way to ease yourself into the weekend.

The vibe

The music - piped-in tunes from the likes of Jack Johnson - is not the main event. Think cornhole and easy conversation rather than pulsing music and dancing.

The crowd

A mostly local crowd, many from the surrounding neighborhood who arrived aboard beach cruisers. Ages ranged from 20s to 60s. There were even a few families with children in the glider area.

Dress

Everything from wingtips to flip-flops, ties to tattoos.

Best thing overheard

"... and George had the bathing suit top of the girl in his room! He didn't even use Febreze on it!"

Libations

The list of five signature drinks concludes with "The Rudee Ruckus," a riot of spirits - rum, vodka, gin, blue Curacao - shaken into a froth by your bartender, with pineapple and sour mix, for $10.50. There's a two-drink limit on that one. We mostly saw people drinking ice-cold, bottled beers or highballs served in plastic cups.

The happy hour deal

Domestic beers are $2.50 during happy hour ($4 thereafter); well drinks are $3.50 ($5.50 thereafter).

Edibles

The sole special is 55-cent wings. But waiters will gladly make the trek across the parking lot shouldering anything from the regular menu. Sandwiches from $7.95; entrees from $14.95.

Parking

An ominous proposition during high season at the Oceanfront. At Rudee's, it's pleasant if you go the complimentary valet route. John Kane, the senior valet, is an easygoing fellow and a charmer with the ladies. Why, we consider it part of the experience. Don't forget to tip - $5 is the average.