Our rundown of pub grub favorites

Whether ordered as preludes to dinner or meals in themselves, everyone knows that appetizers are sometimes the best part of the party. That’s why we’ve handpicked some of the most crave-worthy drinks and starters on the local bar scene, including hand-dipped monster onion rings, perfectly fried portabella mushrooms and crispy funnel cake fries. Cheers!

Beer-Battered Onion Rings

Thick-cut, hand-dipped onion rings served with ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. Pair with an ice-cold Leinenkugel Summer Shandy.

Happy hour: It’s always happy hour at ECCO.

ECCO Lounge, 703 Jefferson St.

Fresh Clam Combo

A mix of crispy, hand-breaded surfer clams and Clams Casino served with chipotle garlic aioli. Pair with a Mother’s Three Blind Mice Brown Ale.

Happy hour: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

O’Donoghue’s Steaks and Seafood, 900 E. High St.

Prison Nachos

Tricolored chips covered in seasoned beef, homemade beer cheese sauce, black olives, green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream and salsa. Pair with a Maximum Sentence IPA.

Happy hour: 3 to 6 p.m.

Prison Brews, 305 Ash St.

Portobello Mushroom Fries

Beer-battered and deep-fried sliced Portobello mushroom wedges served with creamy house-made ranch dressing. Pair with a perfectly poured Guinness.

Happy hour: Nightly drink specials

Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub, 700 W. Main St.

Honey Barbecue Wings

Sweet and tangy wings served with carrots, celery and your choice of ranch or bleu cheese dressing.  Pair with a layered frozen cocktail: Slurricane, Riptide Rush, White Gummy Bear, Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada.

Happy hour: Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.; 50 cents off all alcoholic drinks

J.Pfenny’s Sports Grill & Pub, 217 E. High St.

Sliders and Funnel Cake Fries

Mini sliders topped with American cheese with crispy funnel cake fries covered in powdered sugar. Pair with an Arrogant Bastard Ale.

Happy hour: Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.; $2 domestic bottles, $2.50 domestic drafts and 50 cents off all other alcoholic drinks

Spectators Sports Bar & Billiards, 232 E. High St.

Hot Spiced Boiled Shrimp

Half-pound of boiled spiced shrimp served with Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce. Pair with a Shock Top Belgian-Style Wheat Ale, garnished with a fresh orange wedge.

Happy hour: Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.; $2.25 domestic bottles and nightly drink specials

Bones Restaurant & Lounge, 210 Commercial Ave.