Best Happy Hour Spots Near 14th and U Street
Happy Hour on 14th Street is a little shorter post-pandemic but there are still a lot of great spots to try. Many of these places also make a great team outing if you can get your coworkers together for a late afternoon event. Places are listed in a loose order fancy(er) to casual.
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 severed by the pitcher.) MI VIDA also introduced Fiesta de Bebidas during brunch and dinner. With the purchase of an entree, add on bottomless drinks include beer, wine, and cocktails for 90 minutes.
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 only, you can enjoy deals on tacos in addition to the regular offerings.
Doi Moi
Doi Moi is a colorful, fun spot for an early or later 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.
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
Like Mi VIDA, Barcelona is a great spot for a coworker lunch or early Friday happy hour. Enjoy deals on cocktails, beer, and 50% off sparkling wines. There are a few food items on happy hour including mushrooms, chicken, and mini churros. Many of the tapas are under $10 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 but get there early because it’s only available at the bar. Find deals on beer, wine, martinis, and old fashioneds. Oysters are half price and you can get deals on Mussels, grilled oysters, and queso dip.
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 bread sticks, cheese pizza, or pepperoni pizza for $10. 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 old fashions, house spirit, Toki highball, and 25% off all whiskeys. Drinks are also served from the curbside window to enjoy outside. Don’t miss the chicken either – the Pollo Frito sandwich is my go-to.
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 3, switch over to enjoying happy hour specials on wine, beer, select cocktails, and empanadas. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 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.