After a weekend holed up in your apartment Googling tax deductions, it’s time to reconnect with the world. That means getting together with friends for free food, soaking up as much sunshine as possible (hello patio dining), and even popping some happy hour-priced bubbly–all on a newly-modified budget, of course.
Alphonse Italian Market & Osteria
1212 U St., NW
If bureaucratic reality has you daydreaming of an Italian vacation, this U Street eatery offers the next best thing. Happy hour runs all night, Margarita pies go for $10, and a $5 negroni menu will restore your faith in la dolce vita.
1625 I St., NW
For those who like it straight and boozy, head to this downtown steakhouse for 50% off of all alcoholic beverages, all day long (or as long as you’re standing).
Multiple locations
California Tortilla gives away a free order of chips and queso with any purchase. Just mention the secret password. Hint: it’s the name of the only thematically-appropriate Beatles song (Taxman).
974 Palmer Alley, NW
Your best bet for a happy start to this otherwise unhappy day: Centrolina, where baristas pour free drip coffee in the market from 8 am to noon.
777 I St., NW
Whether you prefer beer, wine, or cocktails, all come tax-free at Del Campo’s bar (we’re partial to the smoky margaritas). The promo is offered all day long.
1819 Seventh St., NW
Happy hour runs from 11:30 am to 11 pm with a menu of $5 plates including sliders, fish tacos, and an intriguing dish called “tots n’ tentacles.” Draft beer, house wine, and rail liquors are also poured for $5. The only thing not $5 today? Their $3 fries.
Multiple locations
Each and every customer to stop by Great American Cookies on Monday is entitled to some extra “dough” in the form of a free chocolate-chip cookie.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
1652 K St., NW, Washington, DC; 145 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD
The happy hour at this surf-and-turf stalwart runs all day long. At the K Street location, that means bites like edamame and hummus go for $3, and domestic drafts are just $4.50, while you can take on more substantial fare for $5, $7, and $9.
999 E St., NW
This special requires a bit more effort, but the payoff is juicy. From 6 to 8 pm you can “sing for your supper” and get a Legendary Burger on the house. (Backup singers will be available to help you hit those high notes).
3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
It’s the little things that show a restaurant cares, like Liberty Tavern opening their happy hour at 2 pm rather than 4 pm so the tired taxpayers can start their week off right.
Multiple locations
Craving comfort? Grab a friend and head to this local New Haven-style pizza chain, which offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on slices.
555 Eighth St., NW
This Penn Quarter spot offers 10% off the total bill on both dining and drinks all day. An added perk: catching the sunshine in the expansive outdoor courtyard.
2404 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Pop in any time from 11:30 am to 10 pm for bites from chef Danny Lledó’s melting-pot happy hour menu, where draft beers go for $5, house wine and cocktails $7, and $5 to $9 global snacks like tarte flambée flatbread with crème fraîche, onions, and apples.
7134 Main St., Clifton, VA
Get a taste of luxury for half-off at this Clifton spot, which serves local stingray oysters garnished with strawberry and elderflower. Wines by the bottle or glass are also 50% off, including bubbly.
Multiple locations
This sporty craft beer chain with locations in Virginia and Maryland offers a “beer refund” for customers. In Maryland, this means your first draft brew is free, while Virginia drinkers will get $5 off their bills.
Hayley is an Associate Editor at Washingtonian Weddings. Previously she was the the Style Editor at The Local Palate, a Southern food culture magazine based out of Charleston, South Carolina. You can follow her on instagram @wandertaste.
