If you ask any Washingtonian what their favorite past time is, besides making fun of summer interns, they will most likely say Happy Hour. There is not many things that defines Washington, D.C. and brings people across party lines (had to make a political reference, it's in the rules) than a good Happy Hour in DC. Everyone had their favorite watering hole and there is a good chance that when you walk by a table at a high class K Street bar or a Dive down the street you will find everyone from Hill Staffers to upper level lobbyists and heads of agencies all sitting down for a drink.
So, if you are visiting DC and truly want to live like a local, you have to take part in Happy Hour and see the locals in their element after a hard day making sausage (or laws as most people like to call them).
I've picked my three favorite Happy Hour places in three different categories for three different budget levels (an DC titles to go with them) so you can hopefully find the place and atmosphere that is right for you.
The Intern
The Bottom Line
1716 "I" (Or Eye in some places) St, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Metro Stops: Farragut North or West
This bar is my absolute favorite in Washington. I will use any excuse to go here, that may be because it's a University of Kansas bar, but I also love to go here for the no frills attitude and budget helping prices.
Most people would call this a "dive bar" but this is a dive bar that will find 20 year olds next to 60 year olds having a good drink.
Their happy hour specials and food specials can't be beat. If you are in town on a Friday they have a beer special that is $1 a bottle from 4pm - 7pm. On Tuesdays some of their appetizers are only $3 each. My friends and I will head here for our every other week standing Happy Hour and pick out one of each of their six choices and chow down and the bill will end up only being around $15 per person.
The Hill Staffer
Capitol Lounge
231 Pennsylvania Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Metro Stop: Capitol South
This Capitol Hill bar is a just steps from some of the House of Representative Office Buildings and is a frequent haunt of Hill Staffers looking to unwind after a long day of votes and political fights. The staff here is amazing and you can tell they really care about their customers and want them to relax. If the upstairs bar is packed, make sure to head down to the downstairs bar and find a place to hang out there.
They have a great beer selection and a set of specials every night that ranges from pizza to ribs to a chef's choice. My favorite is the Tuesday special of .25 wings all night!
The Lobbyist
The Prime Rib
2020 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Metro Stops: Farragut West or Foggy Bottom
If you are in town and want a drink in an upscale atmosphere with the high and powerful of Washington, one of your best bets is to head to The Prime Rib on K Street, what is considered the center of lobbying shops in DC.
The bar doesn't really have any drink specials, but you can find an expensive wine list and a full selections of spirits to fit your hearts desire.
Make sure you get a spot by the door so you can see who is coming in and out, you never know who you might see heading in for dinner.
Hope this list will help you have a truly Washington, DC experience. As always, if you are going to be in town, let me know and hopefully we can meet up for a drink!
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