The Ultimate Guide to After-Work Happy Hours in Tysons and McLean
- Steven Black
- Dec 30, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
Updated: February 2026 - Please let us know if any details are outdated, and we will get that updated!
Tysons and McLean have quietly become Northern Virginia's powerhouse for after-work happy hours. With a thriving business district, upscale dining options, and convenient Metro access via the Silver Line, this area offers some of the DMV's best deals for professionals looking to unwind after a long day at the office.
Whether you're a Tysons Corner Center regular, work in one of the area's many corporate headquarters, or you're visiting from elsewhere in the region, this guide will help you discover the best happy hour spots in Tysons and McLean.
Why Tysons and McLean Are Happy Hour Destinations
The Tysons area has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once primarily a shopping destination is now a bustling urban center with high-rise offices, luxury apartments, and a dining scene that rivals anywhere in the DMV. McLean, just next door, brings its own upscale restaurant scene to the mix.
Here's what makes this area special for happy hour:
Silver Line Metro Access: The Tysons Corner, Greensboro, and McLean Metro stations make it easy to get here from across the region without worrying about parking or driving after drinks.
Corporate Density: With companies like Capital One, Hilton, Freddie Mac, and countless consulting firms headquartered here, there's a built-in after-work crowd that keeps happy hours buzzing.
Diverse Options: From casual sports bars to upscale wine bars, Tysons and McLean offer something for every taste and occasion.
Extended Hours: Many venues here run happy hour specials well into the evening, perfect for those who work late or want to skip the 5pm rush.
The Best Happy Hours in Tysons
Matchbox
Located in Tysons Corner Center, Matchbox is a local favorite known for wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails. Their happy hour runs Monday-Friday 3-7pm with deals on select wines, draft beers, and appetizers. The industrial-chic setting and central location make it an easy meeting spot.
Pro tip: Matchbox gets busy right at 5pm, so arrive a bit earlier or later to snag a table near the bar.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
This stylish spot in Tysons Corner Center offers a daily happy hour from 3-6pm and 9pm-close featuring $5 beer, $6 wine, and $7 cocktails. Their globally-inspired menu and sleek atmosphere appeal to the professional crowd looking for something beyond typical bar food.
Don't miss: Their crispy cauliflower appetizer is a happy hour steal.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
For a more upscale happy hour experience, Eddie V's delivers. Monday through Friday from 4-7pm, their V Lounge happy hour features $7 cocktails, discounted wines by the glass, and an elegant raw bar selection. This is where Tysons professionals go for special occasions or client dinners.
Perfect for: Impressing colleagues or celebrating a work win in style.
Barrel & Bushel
If you're craving Southern comfort food with your drinks, Barrel & Bushel at Tysons Corner Center has you covered. Their Monday-Friday 3-6:30pm happy hour includes $5 select draft beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, plus discounted apps like their famous hushpuppies.
Crowd: Mix of families from shopping and after-work professionals—lively but approachable.
Shipgarten
For a more casual, fun atmosphere, Shipgarten brings the beer garden vibe to Tysons. Their happy hour features an excellent selection of German beers and communal seating that makes it easy to meet fellow happy hour enthusiasts. Perfect for groups looking for a lively, social environment. Shipgarten is the Tysons spot for the best outdoor happy hour.
Why go: Great beer selection and a fun, relaxed atmosphere that's different from typical corporate happy hours.
Agora Tysons
Looking for Mediterranean flavors and a vibrant atmosphere? Agora Tysons brings Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine to the happy hour scene. Their happy hour specials feature craft cocktails, wine, and shareable mezze plates in a stylish setting. It's a great spot for those wanting something more adventurous than standard bar fare.
Standout feature: Unique Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and authentic Turkish small plates.
McLean's Hidden Gems
Don't sleep on McLean—while technically a separate town, it's right next to Tysons and offers some excellent happy hour options of its own.
Pulcinella Italian Host
This authentic Italian spot has been a McLean staple for years. Their bar area is perfect for a relaxed after-work drink, and the pasta is outstanding if happy hour turns into dinner. Check their current happy hour details.
J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks
For upscale dining and drinks in McLean, J. Gilbert's delivers premium quality in both food and atmosphere. Their bar often features specials during after-work hours—a great spot for special occasions.
McCormick & Schmick's
Classic seafood and steakhouse with a reliable happy hour program. The bar area fills up quickly with the after-work crowd, so arrive early for the best seat selection.
Making the Most of Your Tysons/McLean Happy Hour
Timing Is Everything
Most Tysons happy hours run 3-6pm or 3-7pm on weekdays, with some offering a late-night second session. Here's how to time your visit:
3-4:30pm: Beat the rush—you'll have your pick of seats and faster service
5-6pm: Peak happy hour time—busiest but also most energetic atmosphere
6-7pm: Crowds thin out a bit; good if you're coming from farther away
9pm-close: Late-night happy hours are perfect for night owls or second-shift workers
Transportation Tips
While Tysons has ample parking, the Silver Line makes it incredibly easy to visit without a car:
Tysons Corner Metro: Closest to Tysons Corner Center (Matchbox, Earls, Barrel & Bushel)
Greensboro Metro: Good for venues on the east side of Tysons
McLean Metro: Best for McLean restaurants
Most restaurants are within a 10-15 minute walk from the Metro, though Tysons can be a bit spread out. In winter or bad weather, a quick Uber between the Metro and your destination is inexpensive.
Group Gatherings
Tysons is perfect for office happy hours and group celebrations. Most venues can accommodate larger parties if you call ahead:
Small groups (4-8 people): Just show up, though arriving before 5pm helps
Medium groups (8-15 people): Call ahead or reserve a high-top table
Large groups (15+ people): Make a reservation; some venues have semi-private spaces
Make It Dinner
Many of these spots offer such good food that happy hour easily transitions into dinner. If you're planning to stay for a meal, ask your server about continuing the happy hour vibe with their regular menu—many restaurants will honor bar seating for dinner service.
Beyond Tysons: Nearby Options
If you're willing to venture slightly beyond Tysons proper, you'll find even more great happy hours:
Vienna
Just a few Metro stops away on the Orange Line, Vienna has a charming downtown with several excellent happy hour spots. Vienna Happy Hour Guide coming soon!
Falls Church
Also close by, Falls Church offers a diverse dining scene with everything from Vietnamese to craft breweries. Browse our Falls Church happy hours to explore the options.
Arlington
Nearby Arlington boasts Virginia's largest and most diverse happy hour scene, with spots ranging from upscale cocktails to local pubs. Check out our Arlington Happy Hour Guide for more details.
Alexandria
Alexandria offers a diverse range of happy hour options. Old town Alexandria has many walkable options with old town charm, while Del Ray has trendy but less trafficked options. Check out our Alexandria Happy Hour Guide for more details.
Special Mentions: Chain Restaurants That Deliver
While we love highlighting local spots, Tysons also has several chain restaurants with consistently solid happy hour programs:
Cooper's Hawk (mentioned above) - Winery and restaurant chain with excellent deals
Matchbox (mentioned above) - DC-area mini-chain known for quality
Earls (mentioned above) - Canadian chain with upscale casual vibe
Legal Sea Foods - Reliable seafood happy hour
Morton's The Steakhouse - Bar menu specials during happy hour
Don't write these off just because they're chains—many maintain high quality and offer compelling value during happy hour.
Explore the Entire DMV
Tysons is just one part of the DMV's vibrant happy hour scene. Check out our guides for nearby areas:
Or browse our complete database: All DMV Happy Hours
Planning Your Tysons Happy Hour Crawl
Ready to explore multiple venues in one evening? Here's a suggested route starting from Tysons Corner Metro:
Start at Tysons Corner Center (5 min walk from Metro): Begin at Matchbox or Earls for the early happy hour (3-4:30pm)
Stay in the mall area: Move to Barrel & Bushel for a second round (5-6pm)
Finish upscale: Walk over to Eddie V's or The Capital Grille for a more refined final stop (6-7pm)
This route keeps you within a compact area and offers variety in atmosphere and cuisine.
Stay Updated
Happy hour deals change frequently—restaurants update their menus, adjust timing, and launch new specials. Make sure you're always getting the most current information by checking out:
Individual restaurant pages (linked throughout this guide)
Our Guide to Happy Hours by Day of the Week
Final Thoughts
Tysons and McLean have evolved into legitimate happy hour destinations that rival anywhere else in the DMV. Whether you work in the area or you're visiting from DC, Arlington, or elsewhere, the combination of quality restaurants, good deals, and Metro accessibility make it worth the trip.
The after-work scene here skews professional but isn't stuffy—you'll find everyone from consultants in suits to retail workers in jeans enjoying the same deals. That's the beauty of Tysons' transformation: it's become a real urban center with all the diversity and energy that brings.
So next time 5pm rolls around and you're wondering where to go, consider heading to Tysons. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you.
Ready to explore more DMV happy hours? Check out our complete database of 750+ deals across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, or browse by your favorite Metro line with our Metro-based happy hour guide.
This guide is updated weekly to reflect current happy hour deals. Last updated: February 2026. Have an update or correction? Use the "Report Update" button on any listing or contact us.