Want to get out of the house, but not stray too far from its comforts? Second Home Kitchen and Bar in Cherry Creek has what you're looking for. Located inside the JW Marriott, this comfy spot caters to both the cozy neighborhood it is located in and the international clientele that stay at the hotel. That makes for quite an interesting mix of people at happy hour.

However, the first thing bartenders Sean and John will say is that happy hour at Second Home is really Social Hour. From 4–6 PM, Monday –Friday, hotel guests, after work commuters and residents of the neighborhood stop by for unique small bites like $1 deviled eggs or pimenton popcorn, $2 pancetta crostini or sweet potato fries and $3 chips 'n' dips or grilled fish tacos. To wash down these pleasant plates you have a choice of an eclectic mix of cocktails.

The bar makes everything possible in house, including syrups, juices and infusions. For those who like sweet, the Elder Pear is made with Grey Goose La Poire, St. Germain, Lillet Blanc, simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lime. The pear and elderberry blend well with the drink — sweet, but not too sugary — and the whole mix pairs well with the savory cheese plate or the crostini.

Also on the sweeter side is Lavender Love, made with Remy Martin V liqueur, Lillet, Crème de Violette, lemoncello, fresh lavender and a sugar rim. The sweetness of the lemoncello is tempered by the crisp lavender and the liqueurs in this lavander-colored drink. Tastes just as good as it looks.

A unique but classic cocktail is called Death in the Afternoon. This drink features a raw sugar cube, Leopold Bros. Absinthe Verte, orange bitters, lemon, mint and prosecco. More on the minty side, Death in the Afternoon is light and bubbly and mixes well with the restaurant’s candied pecans. Sean and John recommend this as a perfect after dinner drink.

For those more inclined to the classics, Second Home also serves a traditional martini, the Second Home Manhattan and the Chartruese Mojito. The bartenders do like to get creative, so if you don't see something to fit your taste, have them create something just for you. The bar also has an extensive craft beer list featuring 12 premium beers imported from Belgium. Select lagers are only $4 during Social Hour.

While the weather lasts, enjoy Second Home’s secluded outdoor patio. Relax on a comfy sofa next to the long fire pit after the sun goes down and the air begins to chill. Don’t sit at home by yourself when you can be social at Second Home in Cherry Creek. Cheers! (150 Clayton Lane; 303-253-3000).

Photos by Carrie Dow