DC's happy hour scene serves everyone from K Street power brokers to Capitol Hill staffers to creative types in Shaw. Most spots run 4-7pm with competitive pricing to draw the after-work crowd.
14th Street & U Street
The Gibson
U Street | 6-7pm
Intimate speakeasy with serious cocktails. Limited happy hour, worth seeking.
Churchkey
Logan Circle | 4-7pm
500+ beers, 50 on tap. The beer bar in DC with excellent happy hour deals.
The Dabney
Shaw | 5-6:30pm
Michelin-starred bar program. Excellent cocktails, fireplace cooking.
Downtown & Capitol Hill
The Hamilton
Downtown | 4-7pm
Live music venue with extensive bar. Great for groups and after-work.
Off the Record
Downtown | 4-7pm
Hay-Adams Hotel bar where politics happens. Power broker vibes.
Bluejacket
Navy Yard | 4-6pm
Brewery near the stadiums. Great house beers, solid food.
Rose's Luxury
Capitol Hill | 5-6pm
Famous restaurant's bar. Limited happy hour, excellent drinks.
DC Happy Hour Tips
- Metro is key: DC traffic is terrible. Take the train.
- 14th Street is hot: Best concentration of bars and restaurants.
- Shaw is rising: Lots of new spots with creative programs.
- Politics everywhere: You might overhear something interesting.