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Best Happy Hours by Day of the Week in the DMV

  • Writer: Steven Black
    Steven Black
  • Dec 9
  • 9 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Best Happy Hours by Day of the Week in the DC Metro Area

Looking for the perfect happy hour for every day of the week? We've organized the best drink deals and food specials across Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland by day, so you can plan your after-work drinks no matter when you're going out. From Monday wind-downs to Friday celebrations, discover where to find the best deals each day of the week.

Monday Happy Hours: Start Your Week Right

Mondays don't have to be rough. Many DMV restaurants and bars offer extended happy hours or all-day drink specials to help you ease into the work week. Monday is often the best day for budget-conscious drinkers, with some of the longest happy hour windows and most generous deals.

Best Monday Deals in Washington DC

Washington DC offers numerous Monday happy hours perfect for shaking off the Monday blues. Downtown spots extend their happy hours later than usual, while neighborhood bars offer all-day specials.

Top Monday picks in DC:

Many Penn Quarter and Dupont Circle bars extend Monday happy hours until 8:00 PM, giving you extra time to unwind after work.

Monday Happy Hours in Arlington

Arlington restaurants compete fiercely for Monday crowds with extended hours and deeper discounts.

Arlington Monday standouts:

Clarendon and Ballston both offer concentrated Monday happy hour scenes where you can bar-hop within a few blocks.

Monday Deals in Bethesda

Bethesda brings sophisticated Monday specials with wine-focused deals and upscale small plates.

Bethesda Monday highlights:

  • Black's Bar & Kitchen - $8 cocktails, $6 draft beer, $7 wine from 3:00-6:00 PM with $6-12 snacks

  • Mon Ami Gabi - French bistro vibes with $10 cocktails and $5-8 snacks

  • Barrel & Crow - $7 draft beer, wine, and rail liquor with bar food specials

Pro tip: Monday is often the quietest happy hour day, meaning better service, easier seating, and bartenders with more time to chat. Use our Happy Hour Map to find Monday deals near you.

Tuesday Happy Hours: Midweek Momentum

Tuesday happy hours hit the sweet spot between Monday's quiet and Wednesday's midweek rush. Many bars extend their deals or add special promotions to build Tuesday crowds.

DC Tuesday Specials

Washington DC bars ramp up competition on Tuesdays with taco specials, craft beer deals, and creative cocktails.

Must-visit Tuesday spots:

  • Astro Beer Hall - $4 select drafts, $2 off other drafts, $6 cocktails

  • Baby Shank - $5 beer, $8 wine, $10 cocktails with $7 tapas

  • Baan Siam - $5 beers, $8 frozen cocktails, $5 bites from 5:00-7:00 PM

U Street and Adams Morgan neighborhoods particularly shine on Tuesdays, with many restaurants offering extended hours until 7:00 or 8:00 PM.

Arlington Tuesday Happy Hours

Arlington's Tuesday scene features neighborhood bars offering consistent deals perfect for regular Tuesday outings.

Top Tuesday picks:

  • Ballston Local - $4-7 beers, $9 wine, $9-10 cocktails with deals like "$14 burger + beer"

  • Bronson Bierhall - $2 off all drafts, $5 well drinks, $4 Narragansett Lager cans

  • CIRCA at Clarendon - $5 draft beers, $8 house wines, $9 cocktails with $2 off small plates

Clarendon's concentrated bar scene makes Tuesday the perfect night for a mini bar crawl, with multiple happy hours within walking distance.

Tuesday in Crystal City

Crystal City caters to the Pentagon and government crowd with convenient Tuesday deals.

Crystal City Tuesday highlights:

The Metro-accessible location makes Tuesday happy hours easy for commuters looking to break up their week.

Wednesday Happy Hours: Hump Day Celebrations

Wednesday is the DMV's most popular happy hour day. Expect bigger crowds, longer waits, and the most energy at bars across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Many restaurants offer their best deals on Wednesdays to capitalize on the midweek celebration mentality.

DC Wednesday Happy Hour Hotspots

Washington DC goes all-out on Wednesdays, with packed bars from 5:00-7:00 PM across every neighborhood.

Wednesday must-visits:

Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill all see significant Wednesday crowds. Arrive by 5:00 PM for the best seating and selection. Check our Happy Hour Map to plan your Wednesday route.

Arlington Wednesday Scene

Arlington embraces hump day with competitive deals across Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn.

Wednesday winners in Arlington:

  • Amuse in Rosslyn - $5 beer, $7 wine, $10 cocktails with $2 off small plates from 4:00-7:00 PM

  • Buffalo Wild Wings Pentagon City - $3 beers and rail drinks with half-price appetizers from 3:00-6:00 PM

The Orange and Silver Line corridors fill up quickly on Wednesdays, so consider less-traveled neighborhoods like Court House or Virginia Square for easier access.

Bethesda Wednesday Sophistication

Bethesda offers upscale Wednesday happy hours perfect for networking or date nights.

All the regular Bethesda spots feature their standard deals, but Wednesday brings the biggest after-work crowds. Restaurants near the Metro station book up fast, so arrive early or make reservations where possible.

Thursday Happy Hours: Pre-Weekend Warmup

Thursday happy hours bridge the work week and weekend, with many DMV bars extending hours or adding weekend-style entertainment. Expect DJ sets, live music, and a Friday-eve atmosphere at popular spots.

DC Thursday Energy

Washington DC Thursday happy hours feel like the weekend starting early, with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, and neighborhood spots all buzzing.

Thursday highlights:

U Street, H Street NE, and Shaw neighborhoods particularly come alive on Thursdays, with many bars offering extended happy hours until 8:00 PM or later to capture the pre-weekend crowd.

Arlington Thursday Happy Hours

Arlington Thursdays see professionals celebrating the almost-weekend with after-work drinks that often extend into evening plans.

All the Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn spots maintain their regular deals, but Thursday brings larger groups, more socializing, and a weekend vibe. Consider starting happy hour at 4:00 PM to beat the rush.

Alexandria Thursday Waterfront

Old Town Alexandria offers Thursday happy hours with Potomac River views and historic charm. Waterfront restaurants extend their patios (weather permitting) and many spots offer live music starting around 7:00 PM.

Thursday is perfect for combining happy hour with a sunset walk along the waterfront. Use the Happy Hour Map to find deals near King Street Metro.

Friday Happy Hours: TGIF Celebrations

Friday is the DMV's busiest happy hour day. Bars pack early and stay crowded late, with many restaurants extending happy hours well into the evening. Expect wait times, limited seating, and the highest energy of the week.

DC Friday Happy Hour Strategy

Washington DC Friday happy hours require strategy. Popular spots fill by 4:30 PM, and many bars implement wait lists by 5:30 PM.

Friday survival tips:

  • Arrive by 4:00-4:30 PM for guaranteed seating

  • Make reservations at restaurants offering happy hour deals

  • Consider neighborhoods slightly off the beaten path like Columbia Heights or Petworth for easier access

  • Use our complete happy hour listings to find backup options

All the regular DC spots offer their standard deals, but Friday brings the biggest crowds, longest waits, and most festive atmosphere. Downtown, Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, and U Street all see maximum capacity.

Arlington Friday Rush

Arlington Fridays turn Clarendon into a block party, with overflow crowds spilling onto sidewalks and bars staying packed until late.

Clarendon, Ballston, and Crystal City all offer the same great deals as weekdays, but Friday demands patience. Consider starting in quieter neighborhoods like Cherrydale or Bluemont before moving to Clarendon's main strip.

Maryland Friday Options

Both Bethesda and Silver Spring offer excellent Friday happy hours with slightly less intensity than DC or Arlington. These neighborhoods provide the Friday feeling without quite the same crush of crowds.

Rockville and other Maryland suburbs offer even more relaxed Friday alternatives while still featuring solid drink and food specials.

Weekend Happy Hours: All-Day Deals

Many DMV restaurants now offer all-day weekend happy hours or special Saturday and Sunday drink menus. While weekend happy hours aren't as common as weekday deals, savvy drinkers can find excellent all-day specials.

Saturday Happy Hours

Saturday happy hours are less common but increasingly popular in the DMV. Many bars that offer weekend deals run them all day (11:00 AM - close) rather than limiting them to specific hours.

Look for:

  • Brunch spots with mimosa and bloody mary specials extending into afternoon

  • Neighborhood bars offering all-day drink deals

  • Sports bars with game-day specials during football season

  • Rooftop bars with extended weekend hours

Browse all DMV happy hours and filter by Saturday to find weekend deals.

Sunday Funday Specials

Sunday happy hours help ease the weekend-to-Monday transition. Many DMV bars offer all-day Sunday deals, industry nights (for service workers), or extended brunch hours with drink specials.

Sunday strategies:

  • Brunch spots often extend drink specials until 3:00 or 4:00 PM

  • Sports bars offer deals during NFL games

  • Neighborhood bars feature relaxed all-day pricing

  • Some spots offer industry night discounts for restaurant workers

Check specific venues on our Happy Hour Map for Sunday hours and deals.

Happy Hour Hours by Day

Understanding typical happy hour timing helps you plan your week:

Monday: Extended hours (often 3:00-8:00 PM) to build crowds Tuesday: Standard hours (4:00-7:00 PM) with some all-day deals Wednesday: Peak hours (4:00-7:00 PM) with biggest crowds Thursday: Extended hours (3:00-8:00 PM) for pre-weekend vibe Friday: Standard hours (3:00-7:00 PM) but most crowded Saturday: All-day deals or no happy hour (varies by venue) Sunday: All-day deals common, especially for brunch

Planning Your Weekly Happy Hour Schedule

Monday Strategy

Take advantage of extended hours and light crowds. Monday is perfect for trying new spots without stress, enjoying better service, and having actual conversations. The Happy Hour Map can help you discover Monday-only specials.

Midweek Approach (Tuesday-Wednesday)

These days offer the best balance of deals, crowd energy, and availability. Arrive around 5:00 PM for optimal seating. Tuesday works well for intimate gatherings, while Wednesday brings bigger groups and networking opportunities.

Thursday-Friday Tactics

Treat these like mini-weekend nights. Make reservations, arrive early, or choose less-traveled neighborhoods. The Arlington happy hour scene and DC options both get packed, so plan accordingly.

Weekend Options

Weekend happy hours require research. Not every bar offers weekend deals, but those that do often provide all-day pricing. Perfect for day drinking, brunch extensions, or lazy Sunday afternoons.

Best Happy Hours by Type of Deal

Best Food Deals by Day

Monday: A Modo Mio in Arlington - 30% off all food and drinks Wednesday: Barcelona Wine Bar - Half-price bottles with tapas specials Thursday: Busboys And Poets - $6-7 small bites Friday: Ballston Local - $14 burger + beer combo

Best Cocktail Specials

Most days: Baby Shank U Street - $10 cocktails with $7 tapas All week: Abuare Bar and Restaurant - $8 rotating daily cocktail from 12:00-6:00 PM Downtown DC: 1831 bar & lounge - $8 cocktails with half-price apps

Best Beer Deals

Budget pick: Buffalo Wild Wings - $3 beers Craft selection: Astro Beer Hall - $4 select drafts, $2 off others Dive bar vibes: Big Tony's Pizzeria - $2 off all drafts

Best Wine Specials

Bethesda: Mon Ami Gabi - French wine selection with bistro pricing DC: Barcelona Wine Bar - $6 wines, half-price bottles Arlington: CIRCA at Clarendon - $8 house wines

Regional Happy Hour Differences by Day

DC Neighborhoods by Day

Washington DC offers different vibes depending on neighborhood and day:

  • Penn Quarter: Most crowded Wednesday-Friday for tourist and sports crowds

  • U Street: Peaks Thursday-Friday with music venue crowds

  • Dupont Circle: Consistent crowds Tuesday-Friday, ideal for Wednesday

  • Capitol Hill: Monday-Thursday for government workers, quieter Fridays

  • Adams Morgan: Thursday-Saturday nights, less active for traditional happy hours

Virginia Suburbs by Day

Arlington: Clarendon peaks Wednesday-Friday; Crystal City strongest Monday-Thursday

Alexandria: Old Town busiest Thursday-Friday with tourist traffic

Tysons: McLean area consistent Monday-Thursday for business crowds

Fairfax: Fairfax happy hours strongest Wednesday-Thursday

Falls Church: Falls Church offers steady weeknight crowds

Maryland Suburbs by Day

Bethesda: Bethesda busiest Wednesday-Friday with upscale professional crowds

Silver Spring: Silver Spring peaks Thursday-Friday with diverse neighborhood vibe

Rockville: Rockville consistent Monday-Thursday for suburban professionals

Day-Specific Happy Hour Tips

Monday Tips

  • Arrive anytime - crowds are light all evening

  • Try new places without pressure

  • Enjoy extended hours at many venues

  • Best day for bartender recommendations and conversation

Tuesday Tips

  • Sweet spot for trying popular spots without Friday crowds

  • Many taco Tuesday specials pair with happy hour

  • Good day for bringing coworkers or larger groups

  • Still easy to get seats without reservations

Wednesday Tips

  • Arrive by 5:00 PM for best seating

  • Expect wait times at popular spots after 5:30 PM

  • Perfect for networking or socializing

  • Most energetic weekday happy hour atmosphere

Thursday Tips

  • Pre-weekend energy with Thursday-specific entertainment

  • Many spots add DJs or live music

  • Larger groups common - make plans early

  • Extended hours at many venues

Friday Tips

  • Arrive by 4:30 PM or make reservations

  • Expect longest waits and biggest crowds

  • Have backup options ready

  • Consider less-traveled neighborhoods

  • Best energy and social scene of the week

Weekend Tips

  • Research which spots offer weekend deals

  • All-day pricing means flexibility on timing

  • Brunch spots offer extended drink specials

  • Lower key than weeknight scenes

Conclusion: Your Week of Happy Hours

Every day offers unique happy hour opportunities across the DMV. Monday brings extended hours and light crowds perfect for trying new spots. Tuesday and Wednesday build momentum with consistent deals and growing energy. Thursday previews the weekend with extended entertainment. Friday delivers the biggest crowds and most festive atmosphere. Weekends offer all-day deals at select venues.

The key is matching your goals to the day:

  • Quiet conversation: Monday or Sunday

  • Trying new places: Tuesday

  • Networking and socializing: Wednesday

  • Pre-weekend celebration: Thursday

  • Maximum energy: Friday

  • Flexible timing: Saturday or Sunday

No matter what day you're planning, the DMV offers hundreds of happy hour options. Browse by day using our complete happy hour database, explore nearby deals on our Happy Hour Map, or filter by your city:

Find deals by neighborhood, day of the week, type of special, and more. Start planning your perfect happy hour week today!

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