Best if Far from Busiest

Like anyone with an over-valued sense of self, I wonder why things I like aren’t always immensely popular (and then am grateful they aren’t). That said, here are two of S.B.’s biggest secrets. First, there’s Happy Hour at SOhO (1221 State St. in Victoria Court, 962-7776). It runs Monday-Friday, 5:30-7 p.m., and that already gives it a leg up. Drinks and food are cheaper, it’s pleasant (sure, more so in summer when the patio beckons), and you can talk with friends. Second, there’s weekend brunch at the Hungry Cat (1134 Chapala St., 884-4701). Normally you have to wait, but on weekends, you can hang out over coffee or a killer Bloody Mary (try the Schnockered featuring Plymouth gin). Chorizo gravy and biscuits are now my favorite pig-out food to kick off a Sunday.