clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Kid-Friendly Spots Around D.C. That Adults Actually Enjoy, According to Eater Editors

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Annapolis, Maryland

Where to Eat Near the National Mall in D.C.

More in Washington DC See more maps
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, DC on September 16, 2024.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a longstanding hot spot for happy hour.
Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images

15 Best Happy Hours in D.C.

Where to find cheap beer, food deals, and deeply discounted wines

by Tierney Plumb Updated
View as Map
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a longstanding hot spot for happy hour.
| Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images
by Tierney Plumb Updated

Rather than compiling an encyclopedia of every single happy hour deal around, this map focuses on some of the best deals the DMV has to offer.

These bars and restaurants offer drastically discounted dishes, dirt-cheap drinks (think $5 draft beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails), and generous time windows, especially on weekdays. The following 15 spots help patrons save some cash on those after-work drinks and snacks, with extra points for excellent atmosphere.

For “unconventional” D.C. deals (extended, late-night, and weekend discounts), go here. And for newer happy hours around town to try, consider this list. And a roundup of dive bars that do deals well, go here.

Have another favorite? Share in the comments or sound off via email ([email protected]).

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Red Derby

Copy Link

This no-frills watering hole has a 24/7 happy hour that includes “lucky pick” beers, tequila, and whiskey shots for $3.50 each. And on Wednesdays, celebrate Paul Rudd night (and his epic visit back in 2008) with $3 Miller High Life, $5 glasses of bubbly and half-off tots and onion rings. Thursdays call for $3 PBRs and half-off grilled cheese, and Fridays and Saturdays spotlight $7 espresso martinis from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

3718 14th St NW (at Quincy St NW), Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 291-5000
(202) 291-5000

Also featured in:

Al Dente

Copy Link

American University students and neighbors will appreciate this Italian kitchen’s deep discounts, which include $12 pizzas, $5 draft beers, $6 house wines and $6 rail drinks (add $1 and spring for one of the fantastic mojitos). Daily specials start at 4 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

3201 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 244-2223
(202) 244-2223
An overhead photo of three pizzas on metal serving trays.
Pizzas are served at a deep discount during happy hour at Al Dente.
Al Dente

Also featured in:

Lulu’s Wine Garden

Copy Link

Make a date to hit this wine bar for its daily “golden hour” menu, with highlights like $7 house fries, $10 white queso, and a $11 hatch chili burger. Beers run $5 to $7, margs are $8, and some of the bar’s outstanding wines are $10 a glass and $39 a bottle. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463

Also featured in:

Sudhouse DC

Copy Link

The industry favorite on U Street NW serves dive-y beer cans for $4, drafts for $5, and super-cheap bar snacks ($5-$9) like mozz sticks, quesadillas, and totchos, plus rotating deals like $3 tacos on Tuesdays. Happy hour is all day Monday, Tuesdays to Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. — as well as 10 p.m. to midnight most days of the week (Sunday to Thursday).

1340 U St NW (at 14th St NW), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 525-4188
(202) 525-4188

Also featured in:

Bar Charley

Copy Link

Bar Charley’s happy hour deals include select $10.95 cocktails and tiki drinks, and $5 Old Time lagers. It runs all night on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays. Food picks include $9 hummus or $10 Brussels sprouts, and its famed aged white cheddar Charley burger is $15 (normally $20.95) and steak frites are $19.95 (normally $28.95).

1825 18th St NW (btwn T & Swann), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 627-2183
(202) 627-2183
Bar Charley DC cocktails
Tiki drinks at Bar Charley.
Rey Lopez/Bar Charley

Also featured in:

Pearl Dive

Copy Link

Pearl Dive's buzzing happy hour is the place to be on Fridays, when deals start one hour early at 3 p.m. (and run 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the rest of the work week). Score $2 local oysters (minimum of 12), a pound of Addie’s mussels (garlic, shallot, tomato, chicken stock, butter, lemon, and chili flakes) for $12, or chips and queso for $7 an order. Local drafts are $5, wines are $6, and martinis and Old Fashioneds are $8.

1612 14th St NW (at Corcoran Street), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 319-1612
(202) 319-1612

Also featured in:

Amazonia/Causa

Copy Link

Situated above its Michelin-starred tasting room Causa, lively rooftop bar Amazonia just unleashed a “Sour Hour” featuring all sorts of delicious pisco sours for $9 each (Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Peruvian street snacks like papas de huancayo and patacones (fried plantain) are only $10 and the anticuchos (skewers) are half-off during the deal.

920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 629-3942
(202) 629-3942
A cocktail with a name imprinted on the top
Amazonia/Causa boasts the biggest pisco library in the U.S.
Rey Lopez for Causa

Also featured in:

Boqueria

Copy Link

There are options aplenty during daily happy hour at Boqueria (weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends). Sip on $8 glasses or $32 pitchers of sangria in addition to $9 house wines, $8 dirty martinis, and a $9 shishito pepper-infused margarita. Traditional Spanish tapas such as pan con tomate and patatas bravas are all available for a reduced price. Order a tequila “oct-shot” for six ($35) and get a free app.

1837 M Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20036
(202) 558-9545
(202) 558-9545
Boqueria’s dining room, with tapas seating to the left, banquette seating to the right, and a pantry area in the background with a leg of jamon.
Boqueria’s Penn Quarter dining room.
R. Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

Cucina Morini

Copy Link

Head to Cucina Morini’s lounge for $7 (vodka, gin, or bourbon) martinis alongside $6 bites like marinated Sicilian olives and rosemary potato chips from chef Matt Adler. Its $10 answer to an espresso martini is a frothy nitro variety made with Grey Goose, amaro, Luxardo espresso liqueur, La Colombe espresso, and vanilla. Over its Navy Yard sibling Osteria Morini, a newly revamped happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) features $7 classic cocktails and a stellar free bar snack from Adler: freshly made popcorn tossed with roasted garlic oil, rosemary and citrus salt, Parmigiano, and chives.

901 4th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Also featured in:

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Copy Link

Downtown’s surf-and-turf institution in a bustling former bank has one of the best (and longest) daily happy hours in the city. From 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., saddle up to the handsome bar or tall tables to enjoy half-off cocktails, wines, beer, and oysters. Under-$10 snacks include lobster deviled eggs, beef tenderloin sliders, king crab rolls, and calamari.

750 15th St NW (at H St NW), Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 489-0140
(202) 489-0140

Also featured in:

Love, Makoto

Copy Link

Head to the back of Japanese food hall Love, Makoto to encounter Hiya Izakaya, a zen respite to enjoy daily discounts from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday to Sundays. A $7 beverage list includes Sapporo on draft, sake, tequila-and-yuzu cocktails, bubbles, a rotating highball, and $5 snacks like edamame and skewers.

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 992-7730
(202) 992-7730

Also featured in:

Ambar Capitol Hill

Copy Link

The Balkan brand’s generous happy hour offers food starting at $5 and drinks from $6. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, fill up on Balkan specialities like urnebes dip, Ambar fries, drunken mussels and more. Pair up dishes with a $7 glass of Moldovan wine or a cocktail like the bar’s Old Fashioned ($8), made with plum rakia and bourbon. Drinks are discounted all day on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Capitol Hill original is joined by a newer D.C. location in Shaw and a Clarendon, Virginia outpost.

523 8th Street Southeast, DC 20003
(202) 813-3039
(202) 813-3039
Tables and chairs surrounding a bar
Ambar Capitol Hill underwent a big refresh in 2020.
Goran Kosanovic/Ambar

Also featured in:

Boardwalk Bar & Arcade

Copy Link

Daily discounts with a side of Skee-Ball? Yes, please. The Wharf’s resident arcade bar slings cotton candy and popcorn for $2.95 and hot dogs for $6.95 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Other deals include $6.95 beers, under-$8 rails, under-$10 wines, and $10.95 frozens. The adult “Happy Meal” ($10.95) features 10-ounce Miller High Life, a shot of whiskey, and popcorn.

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 481-0044
(202) 481-0044

Also featured in:

Mission

Copy Link

An undisputed favorite when the Nationals play at home, Mission’s daily happy hour draws crowds before, during, and even after games. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (and all night on Monday), delight in $32 pitchers of margaritas or palomas, discounted 16-ounce or 22-ounce drafts, $6.50 tequila shots, and food like queso fundido or nachos ($5-$10.50, proteins extra). Late-night weekend happy hour kicks off at 11 p.m. An additional location resides in Dupont.

1221 Van St SE (at N St SE), Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 810-7010
(202) 810-7010
Wooden ceilings and furniture, a full window view and wooden flooring in Mission’s Cactus Room
Mission’s rustic Cactus Room overlooks Navy Yard.
Mission Navy Yard

Also featured in:

Jackie - American Bistro

Copy Link

This Kennedy-themed restaurant’s happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays with $5 beer, $7 wine, and $9 cocktails. Meanwhile, next-door sibling beer garden Dacha does a $15 beer-and-burger deal along with $5 pints (and $10 boots) all day Monday; Tuesday to Thursday until 7 p.m.; and Friday until 5 p.m.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 919-3800
(202) 919-3800
Tierney Plumb is an editor of Eater's Northeast region, covering D.C., Boston, Philly, and New York.

More in Maps

© 2025 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Red Derby

3718 14th St NW (at Quincy St NW), Washington, D.C. 20010

This no-frills watering hole has a 24/7 happy hour that includes “lucky pick” beers, tequila, and whiskey shots for $3.50 each. And on Wednesdays, celebrate Paul Rudd night (and his epic visit back in 2008) with $3 Miller High Life, $5 glasses of bubbly and half-off tots and onion rings. Thursdays call for $3 PBRs and half-off grilled cheese, and Fridays and Saturdays spotlight $7 espresso martinis from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

3718 14th St NW (at Quincy St NW), Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 291-5000
(202) 291-5000

Al Dente

3201 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

American University students and neighbors will appreciate this Italian kitchen’s deep discounts, which include $12 pizzas, $5 draft beers, $6 house wines and $6 rail drinks (add $1 and spring for one of the fantastic mojitos). Daily specials start at 4 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

3201 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 244-2223
(202) 244-2223
An overhead photo of three pizzas on metal serving trays.
Pizzas are served at a deep discount during happy hour at Al Dente.
Al Dente

Lulu’s Wine Garden

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Make a date to hit this wine bar for its daily “golden hour” menu, with highlights like $7 house fries, $10 white queso, and a $11 hatch chili burger. Beers run $5 to $7, margs are $8, and some of the bar’s outstanding wines are $10 a glass and $39 a bottle. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463

Sudhouse DC

1340 U St NW (at 14th St NW), Washington, D.C. 20009

The industry favorite on U Street NW serves dive-y beer cans for $4, drafts for $5, and super-cheap bar snacks ($5-$9) like mozz sticks, quesadillas, and totchos, plus rotating deals like $3 tacos on Tuesdays. Happy hour is all day Monday, Tuesdays to Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. — as well as 10 p.m. to midnight most days of the week (Sunday to Thursday).

1340 U St NW (at 14th St NW), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 525-4188
(202) 525-4188

Bar Charley

1825 18th St NW (btwn T & Swann), Washington, D.C. 20009

Bar Charley’s happy hour deals include select $10.95 cocktails and tiki drinks, and $5 Old Time lagers. It runs all night on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays. Food picks include $9 hummus or $10 Brussels sprouts, and its famed aged white cheddar Charley burger is $15 (normally $20.95) and steak frites are $19.95 (normally $28.95).

1825 18th St NW (btwn T & Swann), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 627-2183
(202) 627-2183
Bar Charley DC cocktails
Tiki drinks at Bar Charley.
Rey Lopez/Bar Charley

Pearl Dive

1612 14th St NW (at Corcoran Street), Washington, D.C. 20009

Pearl Dive's buzzing happy hour is the place to be on Fridays, when deals start one hour early at 3 p.m. (and run 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the rest of the work week). Score $2 local oysters (minimum of 12), a pound of Addie’s mussels (garlic, shallot, tomato, chicken stock, butter, lemon, and chili flakes) for $12, or chips and queso for $7 an order. Local drafts are $5, wines are $6, and martinis and Old Fashioneds are $8.

1612 14th St NW (at Corcoran Street), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 319-1612
(202) 319-1612

Amazonia/Causa

920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Situated above its Michelin-starred tasting room Causa, lively rooftop bar Amazonia just unleashed a “Sour Hour” featuring all sorts of delicious pisco sours for $9 each (Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Peruvian street snacks like papas de huancayo and patacones (fried plantain) are only $10 and the anticuchos (skewers) are half-off during the deal.

920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 629-3942
(202) 629-3942
A cocktail with a name imprinted on the top
Amazonia/Causa boasts the biggest pisco library in the U.S.
Rey Lopez for Causa

Boqueria

1837 M Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20036

There are options aplenty during daily happy hour at Boqueria (weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends). Sip on $8 glasses or $32 pitchers of sangria in addition to $9 house wines, $8 dirty martinis, and a $9 shishito pepper-infused margarita. Traditional Spanish tapas such as pan con tomate and patatas bravas are all available for a reduced price. Order a tequila “oct-shot” for six ($35) and get a free app.

1837 M Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20036
(202) 558-9545
(202) 558-9545
Boqueria’s dining room, with tapas seating to the left, banquette seating to the right, and a pantry area in the background with a leg of jamon.
Boqueria’s Penn Quarter dining room.
R. Lopez/Eater DC

Cucina Morini

901 4th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Head to Cucina Morini’s lounge for $7 (vodka, gin, or bourbon) martinis alongside $6 bites like marinated Sicilian olives and rosemary potato chips from chef Matt Adler. Its $10 answer to an espresso martini is a frothy nitro variety made with Grey Goose, amaro, Luxardo espresso liqueur, La Colombe espresso, and vanilla. Over its Navy Yard sibling Osteria Morini, a newly revamped happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) features $7 classic cocktails and a stellar free bar snack from Adler: freshly made popcorn tossed with roasted garlic oil, rosemary and citrus salt, Parmigiano, and chives.

901 4th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

750 15th St NW (at H St NW), Washington, D.C. 20005

Downtown’s surf-and-turf institution in a bustling former bank has one of the best (and longest) daily happy hours in the city. From 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., saddle up to the handsome bar or tall tables to enjoy half-off cocktails, wines, beer, and oysters. Under-$10 snacks include lobster deviled eggs, beef tenderloin sliders, king crab rolls, and calamari.

750 15th St NW (at H St NW), Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 489-0140
(202) 489-0140

Love, Makoto

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Head to the back of Japanese food hall Love, Makoto to encounter Hiya Izakaya, a zen respite to enjoy daily discounts from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday to Sundays. A $7 beverage list includes Sapporo on draft, sake, tequila-and-yuzu cocktails, bubbles, a rotating highball, and $5 snacks like edamame and skewers.

200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 992-7730
(202) 992-7730

Ambar Capitol Hill

523 8th Street Southeast, DC 20003

The Balkan brand’s generous happy hour offers food starting at $5 and drinks from $6. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, fill up on Balkan specialities like urnebes dip, Ambar fries, drunken mussels and more. Pair up dishes with a $7 glass of Moldovan wine or a cocktail like the bar’s Old Fashioned ($8), made with plum rakia and bourbon. Drinks are discounted all day on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Capitol Hill original is joined by a newer D.C. location in Shaw and a Clarendon, Virginia outpost.

523 8th Street Southeast, DC 20003
(202) 813-3039
(202) 813-3039
Tables and chairs surrounding a bar
Ambar Capitol Hill underwent a big refresh in 2020.
Goran Kosanovic/Ambar

Boardwalk Bar & Arcade

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

Daily discounts with a side of Skee-Ball? Yes, please. The Wharf’s resident arcade bar slings cotton candy and popcorn for $2.95 and hot dogs for $6.95 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Other deals include $6.95 beers, under-$8 rails, under-$10 wines, and $10.95 frozens. The adult “Happy Meal” ($10.95) features 10-ounce Miller High Life, a shot of whiskey, and popcorn.

715 Wharf St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 481-0044
(202) 481-0044

Mission

1221 Van St SE (at N St SE), Washington, D.C. 20003

An undisputed favorite when the Nationals play at home, Mission’s daily happy hour draws crowds before, during, and even after games. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (and all night on Monday), delight in $32 pitchers of margaritas or palomas, discounted 16-ounce or 22-ounce drafts, $6.50 tequila shots, and food like queso fundido or nachos ($5-$10.50, proteins extra). Late-night weekend happy hour kicks off at 11 p.m. An additional location resides in Dupont.

1221 Van St SE (at N St SE), Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 810-7010
(202) 810-7010
Wooden ceilings and furniture, a full window view and wooden flooring in Mission’s Cactus Room
Mission’s rustic Cactus Room overlooks Navy Yard.
Mission Navy Yard

Jackie - American Bistro

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

This Kennedy-themed restaurant’s happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays with $5 beer, $7 wine, and $9 cocktails. Meanwhile, next-door sibling beer garden Dacha does a $15 beer-and-burger deal along with $5 pints (and $10 boots) all day Monday; Tuesday to Thursday until 7 p.m.; and Friday until 5 p.m.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 919-3800
(202) 919-3800

Related Maps