It was a not so spooky event that left the college crowd thirsty and wanting more on its opening night inside the Hard Rock Café at Universal CityWalk. Happy Horror Hour did not deliver.

Blood Thirsty Thursdays pre-event party takes place on the second floor of the rock and roll restaurant. The upstairs area features a bar offering specials on select drinks and discounted food items.

There were $4 draft pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon that are good if you’re looking to keep it simple. One of the best and most festive drinks being ordered at the bar were $3 trick or treat bags, which were a can of beer inside a Halloween candy bag. There were also monster drink specials where you can choose from four cocktails, such as a rose sangria and cucumber melon cocktail. But, they were small in size and sweet in taste. Sticking to the beer specials seemed to be the way to go.

While the drinks tasted good, it was getting them that actually seemed to be the problem. There were two bartenders who seemed to be unorganized in their slow efforts to accommodate the semi-crowded bar.

There were also select menu items at a slightly discounted price being offered at the exclusive event. The bartender recommended chicken nachos and the cheeseburger. The food is delivered by employees walking around shouting your name so be sure to keep an ear open if you order food. The food was adequate in size, but $13 is still a high price for a plate of nachos.

Walking around the second floor there were scattered tables in place for people to sit and mingle. Along the walls were glass cases filled with instruments and famous outfits worn by musicians. There was rock and roll paraphernalia on every inch of the walls and the ceiling. The only Halloween themed décor was on the television screens where flashes of Halloween Horror Nights logos were being advertised.

The balcony was definitely the place to be. There was a DJ spinning a mix of new hits and old school jams. The balcony overlooked the CityWalk which allowed for good people watching while enjoying the tunes.

All in all, the Happy Horror Hour was uneventful and not friendly to the college budget. It was a good idea that had been executed poorly.

Happy Hour Hop is a biweekly column dedicated to OC’s best deals and finest atmospheres.