Best Spots for Happy Hour on 14th and U Street
There’s no shortage of great bars and restaurants on 14th and U Street, but finding a good place for happy hour will help your budget go a little farther. Here are a few of my go-to spots to wind down after the work day.
Mi VIDA
Mi VIDA is a large colorful spot with a sleek outdoor patio and lots of Mexican food options. Their happy hour is hard to catch in the evening since it runs from noon to 6 pm, but if you can sneak out of work early, there are some great deals. (Or, take your coworkers out for a team-building lunch!) Snag drink deals on wine, beer, and cocktails, including the beloved Ponche de Lola (also served by the pitcher.)
There are also great deals on food, including a variety of apps. If you are with a group, try Fiesta de Botanas, a snack plate that can serve 3, 4, or 5 people. The 3-person size also works for 2. On Tuesdays, you can enjoy deals on tacos in addition to the regular offerings. Or join them for Mezcal Monday for half off mezcal all day.
Doi Moi
Doi Moi is a colorful, fun spot for an early or late happy hour with both drinks and food. Enjoy beer, wine, signature cocktails, or daiquiris. Try food bites like Bao Buns and dumplings. However, my favorite thing to get at happy hour is the sample tower (meat or veggie options), which can easily be split between 2-3 people. The menu also works for a lot of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. Drink deals include half-off drinks and $5 seasonal daiquiris.
Downstairs, find Doi Moi’s dark and cozy speakeasy with slightly different food and drink offers. There is no happy hour at the speakeasy, but since it opens at 6, you can move your evening after enjoying a few happy hour drinks upstairs. Enter through the restaurant or through the street side door with the pink sign.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a great spot for an early happy hour. Enjoy deals on cocktails, beer, and 50% off sparkling wines. There are a few food items on happy hour, including fried fish, olives, and chicken. Some of the tapas are under $10 (like cauliflower, empanadas, and spiced meatballs) so don’t let the happy hour menu limit your food choices. The waiters are always happy to give a few recommendations if you don’t know what to get.
Lulu’s Wine Garden
Lulu’s Wine Garden is known for its fabulous three outdoor patios that are open year-round. There is rain cover and heaters for any harsh weather. There is no bad place to sit, but the best place is the back patio. Make a reservation to make sure you can snag a seat back there.
Lulu’s is on the pricier side, so taking advantage of Golden Hour is a great way to save a few dollars. Enjoy deals on wine by the bottle or the glass and cocktails. They will rotate seasonal cocktails into Golden Hour, too. You’ll also find deals on small plates – do not miss out on the whipped feta!
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
This seafood spot is great for dinner and brunch, but don’t miss Pearl Dive Oyster Palace for discounts during happy hour. This happy runs a little later into the evening,g but get there early because it’s only available at the bar. Find deals on beer, wine, martinis, and old fashions. Find deals on snacks like oysters, corn dog bites, fried fish, and mussels.
Red Light Bar
Red Light Bar is the best on a nice day. Sit on their outdoor patio and enjoy people-watching on 14th Street. During happy hours, snag deals on beer, wine, and select cocktails. However, the best part deal of this spot is the pizzas. Enjoy garlic breadsticks, cheese pizza, or pepperoni pizza. Pizzas are easy to share so order a few different choices with a group.
Chicken and Whiskey
Chicken and Whiskey has a not-so-secret speakeasy in the back behind a freezer door. Join them for happy hour for discounts on beer, select cocktails, arepas, and wings. Don’t miss the chicken either – the Pollo Frito sandwich is my go-to.
Lupo Pizzeria
Lupo Pizzeria offers great deals on pizza and select drinks on weekdays at the bar. Find deals on select wine, beer, and cocktails, plus deals on pizza and appetizers. My favorite app is the polpette – beef and pork meatballs.
Colada Shop
This Cuban-inspired spot is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon working with their coffees, pastries, and lunch options. But when the clock strikes 4, switch over to enjoying happy hour specials on wine, beer, and select cocktails. Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 8 pm. Dogs are allowed on the downstairs outdoor patio.
American Ice
This no-fuss bar on V Street is one of my favorite low-key, neighborhood bars. American Ice does not have a formal happy hour but offers relatively inexpensive local beers. They also serve wine and have a variety of liquor for mixed drinks. There is no cocktail list or fancy menu, but anyone who knows this bar will tell you to try the swachos (pork nachos). American Ice has both indoor and outdoor seating which is heated in the cooler months. Dog-friendly outside.