Discover Arlington's Happy Hour Scene

​Arlington, Virginia has become one of the DMV's top destinations for happy hour, offering everything from upscale wine bars and rooftop patios to neighborhood dive bars and international cuisine. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, Arlington's happy hour culture reflects its diverse population of young professionals, government workers, and long-time residents who appreciate good value and great atmosphere. For a deeper dive into Arlington's scene, check out our complete guide to Arlington happy hours by neighborhood.

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What sets Arlington apart is the variety across its distinct neighborhoods. Within minutes, you can go from Clarendon's bustling cocktail scene to Columbia Pike's authentic ethnic restaurants, or from Ballston's craft beer halls to Crystal City's convenient after-work spots. Most Arlington happy hours run Monday through Friday from 3-7 PM or 4-7 PM, though you'll find plenty of weekend deals and extended hours at select locations. Looking for deals on a specific day? See our guide to the best happy hours by day of the week.

The county's Metro accessibility makes it easy to bar hop between neighborhoods, and the competitive restaurant scene means deals keep getting better. Whether you're looking for $2 tacos, $5 draft beers, half-price appetizers, or creative cocktails, Arlington delivers quality happy hours at every price point.

Arlington Happy Hours by Neighborhood

Clarendon: Arlington's Happy Hour Hub

Clarendon Boulevard is the epicenter of Arlington's happy hour scene, packed with restaurants and bars competing for the after-work crowd. This neighborhood draws the largest happy hour crowds thanks to its walkability, variety, and energetic atmosphere. You'll find everything from upscale bistros to casual dive bars, often within the same block.

The Clarendon happy hour scene tends to skew younger and livelier, with most spots filling up quickly between 5-7 PM on weekdays. Popular options include CIRCA at Clarendon for $5 drafts and discounted small plates, AMBAR for Balkan-inspired cocktails and bites, and Big Tony's for an extended happy hour that runs until 8 PM. The neighborhood also offers excellent outdoor seating during warmer months, with many restaurants featuring patios perfect for people-watching.

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Ballston: Neighborhood Charm with Great Values

Ballston has evolved from a sleepy neighborhood into a dining destination, and its happy hour scene reflects that transformation. The area around Ballston Quarter attracts a mix of neighborhood regulars and commuters stopping by before heading home. The vibe here is slightly more relaxed than Clarendon, with a focus on quality food and local favorites.

Ballston Local lives up to its name as a neighborhood gathering spot with combo deals like $10 pizza and beer. The area's German influence shows at Bronson Bierhall, where you'll find authentic beer hall vibes and $2 off all drafts. For something different, Carbonara offers an earlier happy hour (2:30-5:30 PM) featuring Italian aperitifs and small plates. Ballston's happy hour scene is ideal if you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere with solid food options.

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Crystal City & National Landing: Convenient Commuter Deals

The National Landing area—formerly known as Crystal City—has reinvented itself in recent years with new development and an influx of restaurants. Its proximity to Reagan National Airport and multiple Metro stops makes it a natural happy hour destination for commuters from both DC and Virginia suburbs.

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Crystal City happy hours tend to be straightforward and convenient, with many spots offering consistent weekday deals that cater to the area's professional crowd. HIGHLINE RxR stands out with extended hours until 6:30 PM and rotating daily specials. Bar Colline keeps it simple with $6 wine glasses available daily, while Colada Shop extends its happy hour until 8 PM with Cuban-inspired cocktails. The neighborhood's indoor-outdoor spaces and waterfront proximity make it especially appealing during nice weather.

Rosslyn & Courthouse: Hidden Gems with Character

These adjacent neighborhoods often get overlooked in favor of Clarendon and Ballston, but that's exactly why they're worth exploring. You'll find less crowded spots, more parking, and often better values than the busier areas. The happy hour scene here leans toward local regulars and people who work nearby.

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Rosslyn offers dive bar charm at Continental Pool Lounge with $2 off everything and pool tables for entertainment, while Barley Mac serves up classic American fare with $7 Old Fashioneds. Over in Courthouse, Brass Rabbit provides a cozy pub atmosphere with $5 drafts and $10 appetizers. These neighborhoods are perfect for meeting up with friends without fighting for a table.

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Columbia Pike: International Flavors, Unbeatable Values

Columbia Pike deserves special recognition as Arlington's best-kept happy hour secret. This corridor offers authentic international cuisine—Thai, Latin American, Irish, Mediterranean—often at better prices than the trendier neighborhoods. The area's diverse community has created a dining scene that prioritizes flavor and value over flashy ambiance.

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Bangkok 54 delivers 50% off cocktails and $4 Thai starters daily, making it one of Arlington's best happy hour values. A Modo Mio goes even bigger with 30% off everything on the menu during happy hour. Celtic House Whiskey Bar offers an authentic Irish pub experience with modest discounts that add up when you're grabbing food and drinks. Columbia Pike happy hours tend to be more laid-back and locals-focused, perfect for discovering Arlington's diverse food scene.

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Shirlington: Village Charm

Shirlington feels like a small town within Arlington, with tree-lined streets and a walkable village center. The neighborhood attracts an older professional crowd and families who appreciate the more relaxed, suburban feel. Busboys and Poets anchors the area's happy hour scene with its combination of good food, drinks, books, and community atmosphere, offering $2 off drafts and $6-7 small bites on weekdays.

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Planning Your Arlington Happy Hour Visit

Best Times to Go

Arriving at 4 or 4:30 PM typically means easier seating and faster service, especially at popular Clarendon spots. The 5-6 PM window is peak happy hour time, when most places are busiest but the energy is highest. If you prefer a quieter experience, target the beginning of happy hour (3-4 PM) or spots with extended hours.

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Food vs. Drinks Focus

If you're looking to make happy hour your dinner, prioritize spots with substantial food deals: Don Tito's $2 tacos, A Modo Mio's 30% off everything, or Ballston Local's combo deals. For drinks-focused outings, wine bars like Bar Colline or cocktail-forward spots like Buena Vida Gastrolounge deliver the best beverage selections.

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Weekend Happy Hours

While most Arlington happy hours run weekdays, seven spots offer weekend deals: Big Buns, Bangkok 54, Bar Colline, Colada Shop, Continental Pool Lounge, Burger District, and Clarendon 54. These are perfect for Saturday afternoon meetups or Sunday funday activities.

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Metro Accessibility

Arlington's Orange and Silver Lines put you within walking distance of most major happy hour neighborhoods. Clarendon, Courthouse, Rosslyn, and Ballston stations all have multiple options within a few blocks. Crystal City station provides direct access to National Landing's happy hour scene. For a complete breakdown of happy hours organized by Metro line and station, explore our Metro guide to DMV happy hours.

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What Makes a Great Arlington Happy Hour?

The best Arlington happy hours combine quality with value—not just cheap drinks, but good drinks at good prices. Look for spots that offer both beverage and food specials, as these provide the most flexibility. Extended hours (past 7 PM) give you more breathing room, while daily happy hours (including weekends) offer the most convenience.

Atmosphere matters too. Clarendon's energy works great for groups and meeting new people, while Columbia Pike's authentic spots are ideal for date nights or discovering something new. Ballston strikes a nice middle ground with neighborhood charm and quality options.

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The Arlington happy hour scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants opening regularly and existing spots adjusting their offerings. The competition keeps deals strong and quality high, making Arlington one of the DMV's best values for after-work drinks and dining.

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Last Updated: December 2025 Happy hour times and deals subject to change. Use the filters above to find current offerings, and click "Report Update" on any listing if you notice outdated information.