Cross a New Food Off the Bucket List — For Less — At These Happy Hours

Adventurous diners are often interested in trying the most unusual thing on the menu, whether it be an international dish never sampled before, or an offal riff that may require a strong stomach. But sometimes a diner just doesn't know if it's worth a mini-investment to give head cheese or fermented eggs a try.

One strategy to take: seek out restaurants that highlight interesting items on their happy hour food menus. Here's a weeks' worth of suggestions on how to expand a diner's repertoire for a little less money.

Monday
The dish: Sweetbreads (thymus glands)
Where to find it: DBGB, on the new Family Meal bar menu (served as tacos)
The price: $11 for three tacos

Tuesday
The dish: Pelmini (Russian dumplings)
Where to find it: Mari Vanna
The price: $9 during happy hour (5-7 p.m.). Pelmini Tuesday also means deals on family-style dumplings throughout the evening.

Wednesday:
The dish: Uni (sea urchin)
Where to find it: Sushi Taro (5:30-7 p.m. at the bar)
The price: $6 for nigiri (half-off $12).

Thursday:
The dish: Beef tongue (in this case, char-grilled)
Where to find it: Mango Tree (3-7 p.m.)
The price: $6

Friday:
The dish: "Liver and Onions" (a riff using chicken liver)
Where to find it: Jack Rose (first floor bar)
The price: $3.50 from 5-7:30 p.m.

Saturday:
The dish: Duck heads (served fried)
Where to find it: Thip Khao at the bar, every day (5-7 p.m.)
The price: $5

Sunday:
The dish: Boudin (Cajun sausages)
Where to find it: Acadiana, 4-9 p.m.
The price: $5 for "gas station" pork boudin balls

OTHER IDEAS: Try fried chicken skins at Bar Pilar during happy hour...experience the loroco flower in pupusas at Baby Wale during happy hour...give chickpea fries a shot during All Set's happy hour...sample squash blossom tacos during El Chucho's happy hour...plus, oyster virgins have so many options.