When the weather is gorgeous, there’s only one place to be, and that’s outdoors—especially for happy hour. Read below for some tips on where to imbibe al fresco.
If you want to take your pooch along, don’t forget our guide to pet-friendly happy hours.
If you’re looking for a bit to nosh on, check out our guide to cheap bites and booze.
I’ve already recommended a couple of my favorite outdoor happy hours (remember that odd but wonderful warm spell back in late winter?): The Tuesday Belgian beer happy hour at Bohemian Caverns and the happy hour at Rosemary’s Thyme, with a discounted food menu and a cute outdoor seating area, perfect for people-watching.
If you work downtown in the Golden Triangle and want an outdoor spot nearby, try the following:
Eighteenth Street Lounge, 1212 18th Street, NW. There’s no sign on the door, and you should dress nicely if you want to be let in, but the patio roof deck out back is a lovely place to forget that you’re in downtown DC’s business district.
The Big Hunt, 1345 Connecticut Avenue, NW. The Big Hunt is a pretty standard, solid drinking spot. You can sit in the booths and enjoy the beer specials, but upstairs past the second level is a small rooftop deck that’s an inviting place to hang out and sip.
Five, 1214-B 18th Street, NW. This popular dance club also has a funky rooftop deck. Bonus: Half-priced drinks on Tuesdays.
Science Club, 1136 19th Street, NW. Though the three-floor interior is the real draw here, Science Club has a small outdoor patio with umbrellas and tables, house wine for $5, Yuenglings for $3, and good people-watching as folks head home from work.
Keep an eye out here for more recommendations on great summer happy hour spots, as long as the weather stays this inviting.
