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 enjoy a drink after the work day.
Doi Moi
I am always ready to hype up Doi Moi. The menu is stacked with deals on cocktails, beer, and wine plus an amazing variety of food options. You’ll see deals on small plates, boa buns, and sandwiches but my go-to is getting the Sample Chef’s Tower. The Chef’s Tower includes dumplings, bao buns, dumplings and spring rolls with meat and veggie options. The menu also works for a lot of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. If you are still hungry after sampling the happy hour menu, Doi Moi offers some great noodle dishes that are easy to share and stay on budget.
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 sherries and sparkling wines. Build your own snack plate with deals on some of their small plates like patatas bravas, olives, salmon crudo, spiced meatballs, croquetas, and more. The waiters at Barcelona are always excited to talk about their favorite wines and tapas, so be sure to ask them for good recommendations!
Lulu’s Wine Garden
Lulu’s Wine Garden is known for its fabulous garden vibe in the middle of the city. They offer colorful indoor seating, an outdoor patio, and a backyard oasis. The outdoor spaces are open year round with heaters and light rain cover when needed. 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.
Take advantage of Golden Hour with 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 fashions. Food deals include $2 chef’s choice oysters, burger, corn dog bites, and queso.
Chicken and Whiskey
Chicken and Whiskey has a not-so-secret speakeasy in the back behind a freezer door. It gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights but join them for happy hour for deals and generally quieter atmosphere to savor and unwind. They have deals on beer, cocktails, wings, arepas, and sandwiches. The Pollo Frito sandwich is my go-to.
MXDC
MXDC has a great line up of discounted margaritas, wine, and beer plus a great line up of small plates. It’s only available at the bar so pull up early and enjoy tacos, guacamole, pizzas, crab fritters, street corn, and more. This spot always makes me feel full and happy after a visit.
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 happy hour for $8 drinks and bites (with a couple of upcharges). The menu includes spritzers, cocktails, beer, wine, and mocktails plus food like sliders, croquetas, hummus, and more.
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.
Pop Fizz
Pop Fizz is an upscale wine bar with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s not quite on 14th or U Street but is right around the corner from American Ice. Happy hour includes deals on wine, beer, and cocktails plus 6 different pizzas – only 3 are available for late night.