D.C.'s Happiest Hour

There are 2,233 restaurants in the District and more than half of those offer happy hour specials. There’s really no better place to indulge in half-price, delicious bites and drinks. You can find everything from tacos to tapas, cocktails to chardonnay, and best of all, great company!

We’ve broken down a sample of venues you can visit, based on your preferences:

I would say most of my drinking is work-related. If you’re looking for a spot to connect with colleagues, check out:

• The Smith, Penn Quarter
• Proper 21
• Succotash
• Bar Charley
• Penn Commons

Why should I limit happy to one hour? I’d like a late, late-night menu. These places offer happy hour specials a little later than the usual 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.:

• Agua 301
• Hank’s Cocktail Bar
• Red Rocks
• DC Reynolds
• HalfSmoke

I think there’s never a bad time for a glass of wine. For those that want to get their wine on:

• District Winery
• Bin1301
• City Winery
• Vinoteca
• Barcelona

I’m just here for the beer (or cider). If you’re not really a cocktail or liquor drinker, these spots offer brews you can get into:

• Yard House
• Penn Social
• ChurchKey
• The Midlands Beer Garden
• City Tap House

You know, I *am* a bit hungry… If you’ve got the munchies, these restaurants offer great food along with their drinks:

• Boqueria Penn Quarter
• Restaurant Chloe
• Taco Bamba
• Ben’s Next Door
• Tico

I like to drink in the great outdoors! If fresh air is a must (and it will be in D.C.), these places offer outside seating, standing, and patio space:

• Calico
• Dacha Beer Garden
• Dirty Habit DC
• Biergarten Haus
• Archipelago

I prefer an elevated atmosphere when I drink. Rooftops are a must in D.C.! The following offer nice drinks, food, and views:

• La Vie
• Perry’s
• Top of the Gate
• POV Rooftop Lounge and Terrace at the W Hotel
• 801 Restaurant

No matter which one you choose, any of these places would be great to visit while you’re in town for NAFSA 2019. And as always, drink responsibly and take an Uber, Lyft or Taxi to your hotel – safety is a priority. Salud!

Laurel Brooks is the program coordinator for the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program at Howard University and Local Arrangements Team (LAT) communications co-chair for the NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference & Expo.

Michelle Morris is the program coordinator for the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University (@HUBuncheCenter) and Local Arrangements Team (LAT) communications co-chair for the NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference & Expo.