U Street in Washington DC is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, and historic architecture. The happy hour scene varies from places with an outdoor patio to sleek cocktail bars. Let’s take a look at the best options when it comes to finding a Happy Hour U Street DC.
Happy Hour U Street DC
With an array of bars, pubs, and restaurants lining the streets, U Street has plenty of happy hour specials. Many places have happy hour drinks, but some also have a happy hour menu for smaller bites.
As the sun begins to set and the workday comes to an end, U Street’s establishments open their doors to those seeking a relaxing environment to unwind. Happy hour offerings typically include discounted beverages and appetizers, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience for all. The variety of venues caters to different tastes, whether it be craft cocktails, draft beers, or a specially curated wine selection.
Bar Charley
Not technically on U street, but also not far is Bar Charley. It is located just a couple blocks away on the corner of T and 18th street. This is a great spot for happy hour, and it has a cozy, welcoming ambiance. Known for their extensive cocktail list, there is sure to be a drink for everyone’s tastes.
Their happy hour menus often feature half-priced cocktails, draft beers, and glasses of wine, making it a perfect place to unwind after a long day. The best part is that they offer some sort of drink specials every single day of the week.
- Location: 1825 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Happy Hour Timings: Monday all night; Tuesday to Thursday 5 PM to 630 PM; Friday To Sunday 4 PM to 530 PM
- Specials: Depending on the day there are food and drink specials available
Lulu’s Wine Garden
This is another very popular place for happy hour that is very close to U street, but not technically on U street. As a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Lulu’s provides a serene garden setting to sip on half-priced wine bottles.
Lulu’s calls their happy hour the “golden hour.” The best part about Golden Hour at Lulu’s is that it is available throughout the restaurant. You don’t have to be seated specifically at the bar area to enjoy these food and drink specials. It is widely known as one of the best happy hours in Washington DC.
- Location: 1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Happy Hour Timings: Tuesday to Thursday 5PM To PM; Friday evenings 4PM to 6PM; Sunday 3PM to 8PM
- Specials: Specially-priced eats, wines (by the glass and bottle), cocktails and beers
The Dirty Goose
This LGBTQ+ friendly bar on U street has daily happy hour specials like discounted rail drinks, draft beers, and wines. The Dirty Goose also hosts events and parties, making it a hotspot for nightlife on U Street.
The happy hour here is 3 hours long making it a fun spot to gather friends and hang out for a while. On certain nights, there is also live music that you can enjoy while enjoying some half price signature cocktails.
- Location: 913 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Happy Hour Timings: Tuesday to Friday from 5:00PM to 8:00 PM
- Specials: The Tuesday to Friday Happy Hour is known as “half off” happy hour, and as the name suggests everything is half off.
Service Bar
Service Bar on U street in Washington DC is known for its classic American food with a focus on using and sourcing local ingredients. Although the menu has numerous different items, their fried chicken is well known as being their signature dish. In addition to a great happy hour that offers fantastic signature cocktails, there is also a live DJ on Sundays after 10 PM.
- Location: 926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Happy Hour Timings: Monday to Friday 5PM to 7 PM
El Rey
El Rey is a very popular Mexican hotspot located right on U street DC. In addition to the classic cocktails like margaritas and palomas, you can enjoy a variety of Mexican beers as well.
El Rey has happy hour runs every weekday in the early evening from 5 PM to 7 PM. On some days they also have some food specials, like Taco Tuesday. Be sure to check their website for the most up to date information or their social media accounts.
In addition to happy hour specials, El Rey is also very popular for its weekend brunch. In addition to delicious food items, there is an option to pair it with bottomless drinks as well. This boozy brunch checks the boxes for being both delicious and lively.
- Location: 919 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Happy Hour Timings: Monday to Friday 5 PM to 7 PM
- Specials: Depends on the day of the week
Emmy Squared Shaw
While technically not on U street itself, this popular pizza place is very close to U street. This Detroit style pizza upscale pizza chain started in New York City. Now there are locations all over the country. There are select food specials after 9 PM during certain months. Their regular menu also includes several items besides pizza. Their salads are particularly delicious as well as their other appetizers.
- Location: 1924 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Happy Hour Timings: 3 to 6 PM drink specials only
- Pizza Hour: During some select months, this restaurant has 20% off pizzas after 9PM; call the restaurant to be certain before heading over.
Alero
Alero is a popular Mexican restaurant that also has happy hour specials. Located very close to the 14th street corridor, which also has plenty of happy hour options and great restaurants, this area of U street is always buzzing.
Location: 1301 U Street NW
Happy Hour Timings: Monday To Friday 330 PM to 7PM
Takoda Beer Garden
Takoda Beer Garden is a vibrant restaurant and rooftop bar located in the heart of Shaw. It is a two-story dining destination that offers happy hour specials on all days that the establishment is open.
The main floor has cozy booths and top floor is the expansive roof deck. Removable windows on the roof allow for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor settings, so you can enjoy this area year round.
Location: Shaw Neighborhood; 715 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Happy Hour Timings: Wednesday To Sunday 5 PM to 730 PM
Gogi Yogi
Gogi Yogi is a popular restaurant in Shaw known for its yummy Korean Barbeque. While there are many popular ramen spots in DC, there are not quite as many for great Korean BBQ. . It offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with tabletop grills, where customers can grill various meats, vegetables, and seafood.
Some popular items include spicy pork belly, bulgogi, and New Zealand lamb (source: Gogi Yogi’s Grubhub menu). Gogi Yogi also has halal meat options available. This restaurant is very close to U street and is located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington DC.
- Location: 1921 8th Street NW
- Happy Hour Timings: 5-7pm Monday – Friday in their Bar and Patio area; on Thursday Happy Hour specials last all night and are available in all areas of the restaurant including the dining area.
The Fainting Goat – Closed
Sadly, this popular U street restaurant permanently closed in the Spring of 2023.
Other Things To Do On U ST NW
In addition to its lively bar scene, the U Street Corridor has many eclectic dining options, unique shops, and iconic music venues, which have fostered an inclusive and engaging community.
The area’s rich history, particularly as a center for African American culture and the Harlem Renaissance’s southern extension, also plays a role in attracting locals and tourists to its bustling streets.
It is clear that the U Street Corridor’s lively atmosphere, neighborhood bars, and proximity to 14th Street make it an enticing destination for happy hour enthusiasts. The area’s noteworthy history and present-day attractions complement the unrivaled experience that the U Street Corridor offers its visitors.
Happy Hour U Street DC: Summary
U Street in Washington DC has a diverse range of drinks and atmospheres for happy hour enthusiasts. From classic cocktails at places like Service Bar to the lively atmosphere at El Rey, you can take a stroll down U street and pop in and out of many bars and restaurants here and get a great deal. Remember, that some of the best happy hours on U street DC are actually very close to U street, but not actually on it. These include Lulu’s Wine Garden and Bar Charley.
