DCGuide
Where To Go For Late Night Happy Hour
photo credit: The Hamilton
A Happy Hour that goes past 8pm is a rare and magical thing, kind of like comprehensive campaign finance reform. Thankfully, we found a few for the days you're working later than expected.
THE SPOTS
photo credit: Tiger Fork
When: Daily, 9pm-close
The Deal: A Double Dagger lager, a shot of Ming River Baijiu, and a pulled pork sandwich for $21.
The star of the show at this Blagden Alley restaurant is the circular bar where after 9pm you can order from the late night menu. The Chinese spot feels like a private lounge with its moody lighting and lanterns cascading across the room. The next time you’re looking for a date night night cap, come here.
When: Sunday-Thursday, 10pm–1am; Friday-Saturday 11pm–1am
The Deal: $5 off sushi rolls
The sushi at The Hamilton is surprisingly good. Surprising because the all-day menu at the downtown American restaurant includes everything from shrimp linguini to duck confit. And although the Happy Hour does not include drinks, fresh $6 rolls at midnight are a pretty sweet deal.
When: Thursday-Saturday, 10pm-12am
The Deal: $4 beers, $5 shots
The popular cafe is an Adams Morgan staple that sometimes feels more like a scene from Lady Bird than a real life coffee shop. But after 10pm, it’s a strictly grown-up affair where shots of whisky, vodka, and tequila (ah yes, the holy trinity) will only run you $5. It’s the perfect pregame spot before hitting the club—or your couch.
When: Friday-Saturday, 8pm-12am
The Deal: $7-15 sushi rolls
Royal Sands brings the South Beach party to Navy Yard. We’re talking fake palm trees, umbrella-covered tables and a pool bar that’ll have you wishing you were bumming it in a bikini instead of running for the metro. In line with the good vibes at the American spot is a late-night sushi Happy Hour that’s great for a midnight hangout for friends not ready to commit to the club, but still looking to socialize (raise your hand if you feel seen).
photo credit: Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza
When: Friday-Saturday, 10pm-last call
The Deal: $6 Red light lager, $9 classic cocktails, and $10 shots and beers.
Locking yourself out of your apartment at midnight isn’t so bad if you live within walking distance to Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza. The corner bar in Logan Circle has a sidewalk patio that attracts anyone tempted by the smell of pizza. And while the pies are just decent—Detroit style pizza is hard to get right—it's the $9 espresso martinis that end up making people stay.
When: Thursday, 9pm-12am
The Deal: $5 Absolut Cocktails On Thursdays, we go to Wunder Garten. That’s the only night they have their late-night Happy Hour special: $5 drinks from 9pm-midnight. The outdoor patio and bar in NoMa is a great group hangout spot thanks to the huge brightly colored wooden picnic tables. You can also rent a cabana, if you’re looking for something a little more secluded—and covered.
