Early in the week, Puccini & Pinetti's happy hour pulls in plenty of punters. Offering half price drinks in the vicinity of Union Square seems to be a hit with tourists and this Italian restaurant is likely to be buzzing on a Tuesday evening. If you aren't famished, skip the full menu, and order one or two of the bar snacks - the chunky meat balls, in a Bolognese sauce with grated mozzarella ($5), are pretty filling. The garlic fries (also $5) - skinny McDonalds-style fries topped with sizeable pieces of garlic - also hit the spot. During happy hour, you can get a pint of Peroni or Anchor Steam for just four bucks. Even when Puccini & Pinetti is full of tourists, the service can be really helpful and friendly. The wood and white decor plays it safe, but the funky background music adds to the convivial buzz. 8/10
