Sake Dinner at Sparrow; Wine Dinner at Provsions; More

DOWNTOWN— This post offers a take on the Original OKRA Charity Saloon that opened last month near Market Square. "While the selection isn't deep by today's cocktail standards, the bar functions quite adequately as a drinker's bar, fully stocked to make 98 percent of what an average customer would order at a neighborhood joint." [Eating Our Words]

MIDTOWN— Sparrow Bar and Cookshop will host a dinner in collaboration with the Texas Sake Company this Friday January 25 at 7:30 p.m. Chef Monica Pope has created a five-course menu of items that are paired with the locally brewed rice wine. Cost is $75 and tickets are available here. [EaterWire]

LISTICLES— Here's a list of 10 happy hour spots broken down by time of day (regular or reverse) and frequency (all day or certain days). For smokers, there's the Mason Jar, which is located in tiny Hedwig Village where smoking inside is still legal. [CultureMap]

MONTROSE— On Thursday January 31, The Pass & Provisions will host a dinner featuring Barolo wines from Elisa Scavino. The four-course meal costs $175. Call 713-628-9020 for reservations. [Facebook]