Here’s one fake national fill-in-the-blank-day we can get behind: National Happy Hour Day, going down today when the clock strikes 5 (or in some cases, much earlier). To celebrate we’ve rounded up ten new discount drinking experiences, including recently opened spots—plus one bar debuting tonight—and fresh promotions. Whether you’re looking to commemorate the faux-holiday with $10-and-less deals or want to check out an unknown haunt, there’s a cheap cold one waiting for you.
3126 12th St., NE
Head to this neighborhood watering hole after work or late-night for new happy hour deals, where brews, wines, and cocktails run $4 to $6.
When: Monday through Thursday 4 to 7, and nightly 11 to close.
Chuy’s Springfield
6793 Springfield Mall, Springfield
The popular Austin-based Tex-Mex chain just debuted its second Washington location in Springfield, and you know what that means: another free nacho-bar car. Fill up on gratis chips, queso, and salsa out of the trunk during happy hour while sipping $9 house margs and Texas martinis, and $3 beers.
When: Monday through Friday 4 to 7.
8296 Glass Alley, Merrifield
Barman Bryan Tetorakis launches a creative happy hour called “off the cuff.” There’s no menu; guests simply name a spirit and tell the chef-tenders what kind of flavors they like, and $8 creations are made. To go along with your beverage: $4 snacks like crispy chicken skins and $12 ham or charcuterie boards.
When: 5 to 6:30, Monday through Friday.
1240 Ninth St., NW
Head to this funky Shaw bar, which is brand-new to the neighborhood but looks true to its name with plenty of vintage and salvaged items. Beers and wine are $2 off, fitting for the low-key setting.
When: Monday through Friday 4 to 7.
2031 Florida Ave., NW
Civil War buffs will fancy this cozy new drinks place, opening Wednesday, which takes its name from Union general George McClellan (his statue resides nearby). Drop by for rotating discounts on wine, beer, and the “daily ration,” a specialty punch served in a vintage bowl.
When: Monday through Friday 4 to 7.
801 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Downtown’s new burger, bourbon, and beer spot may become your “plan A” for happy hour. A discounted food and drink menu boasts $3 sliders, $4 drafts and nachos, and $5 whiskeys among other specials.
When: Monday through Saturday 4 to 6.
Poste winter lounge
555 Eighth St., NW
Snuggle up by the fire pit with a blanket and a cocktail at the Kimpton Hotel’s recently reopened outdoor winter lounge. Unfortunately, the hot drinks aren’t offered at happy hour prices—think rum-spiked cider for $14—but you can grab belly-warming booze inside and then lounge under heat lamps on the upper patio with $6 wines, $7 rye drinks, and complimentary s’mores.
When: Happy hour runs daily 4 to 7, except Sunday. The winter lounge is open Thursday through Saturday 4 to close, for temperatures 42 degrees and above.
7940 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda
Bethesda’s biggest roof bar/restaurant just underwent a revamp, complete with a fresh look and menu. Look for a new lineup of daily specials, including dollar-off tacos and $4 tequilas on Tuesday, half-price wine every Wednesday, and late happy hour on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 to midnight.
When: Daily; times and specials differ.
Vinoteca vermouth hour
1940 11th St., NW
Vino has long had one of the best happy hours around, with 15 wines by the glass for $5 and tasty discount eats. Now vermouth fans can head in on Mondays to learn more about the fortified wine—yes, you can sip it over ice—and try $5 vermouths such as Cocchi Americano and Carpano Antica all night, or a flight of three for $10.
When: Monday 5 to close; barman Horus Alvarez’s weekly vermouth discussion 7 to 8.
Washington Firehouse Restaurant
1626 North Capitol St., NW
Get drinks with a side of history at Bloomingdale’s bar/restaurant located in an old firehouse. Specials are more modern: $2 drafts, $4 house wines, and $8 signature pizzas.
When: Monday through Friday 4 to 7.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
