In a city where a ham sandwich costs $26 at Mirabelle and a pear martini costs $19 at Off The Record, wallets can feel squeezed even before the weekend hits. Enter the antidote—weekday happy hours that include free food with the purchase of discounted drinks. There aren’t as many gratis snacks as there used to be, but it’s still possible to come away with a full stomach by 7 p.m. if you chart the following path.
Stop No. 1: 4 p.m.
Piola, 2208 14th St. NW
What it is: An international pizza chain restaurant positioned at the top of the 14th Street corridor
The deal: Free pizza, salads, and appetizers during 4-7 p.m. happy hour
What you’re drinking: $4 beers, $5 wines, $6 cocktails
Stop No. 2: 4:45 p.m.
The Bird, 1337 11th St. NW
What it is: A poultry and gamebird-centric restaurant from Michael Bonk in Logan Circle
The deal: Each drink comes with three rotating aperitivo bites such as a confit chicken wing or deviled quail egg during 4-7 p.m. “early bird” hour.
What you’re drinking: $7 strawberry aperol spritzes, $8 Old Fashioneds, $4 Natty Boh, $6-$9 wine
Stop No. 3: 5:30 p.m.
Claudia’s Steakhouse, 1501 K St. NW
What it is: A swanky, woman-owned downtown steakhouse with Latin flair
The deal: Free plantain chips served with tangy poblano aioli from 4-7 p.m.
What you’re drinking: $7 mojitos, $9 apple martinis, $7 wine
Stop No. 4: 6:15 p.m.
Kellari Taverna, 1700 K St. NW
What it is: An underrated veteran Greek restaurant serving all the classics downtown
The deal: Free olives, crostini, and cheese during the daily 3-9 p.m. happy hour
What you’re drinking: $6 wine, $5 beer, $7 martinis, $6 sangria and mojitos
(Thursdays only) Stop No. 5: 7 p.m.
The Front Page, 1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW
What it is: A Dupont Circle pub full of networking millennials swiping at fries
The deal: Free taco bar on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.
What you’re drinking: $3 beer, $4 wine, $3 rail drinks, $5 margaritas