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The Ultimate Guide to Arlington Happy Hours: 75+ Best Deals by Neighborhood

  • Writer: Steven Black
    Steven Black
  • 6 days ago
  • 6 min read
Arlington Virginia Happy Hour Deals

Looking for the best happy hour in Arlington, VA? You're in the right place. Whether you're searching for after-work drinks in Clarendon, budget-friendly bites in Ballston, or hidden gems along Columbia Pike, we've mapped out Arlington's top happy hour spots to help you save money while exploring the best bars and restaurants in the area.

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What Makes Arlington's Happy Hour Scene Special?

Arlington's happy hour culture reflects its diverse neighborhoods and thriving restaurant scene. From upscale wine bars in National Landing to dive bars in Rosslyn, the county offers something for every budget and vibe. Most Arlington happy hours run weekdays from 3-7 PM, though you'll find plenty of spots with weekend specials, late-night deals, and all-day weekend happy hours.

Best Happy Hours in Clarendon

Clarendon Boulevard is Arlington's happy hour headquarters, packed with restaurants and bars offering competitive deals to draw the after-work crowd.

CIRCA at Clarendon - One of Clarendon's most popular spots, CIRCA offers $5 draft beers, $8 house wines, and $9 featured cocktails Monday through Friday from 4-7 PM. Their $2 off small plates and flatbreads make it a solid choice for both drinks and food.

Don Tito - Mexican restaurant in Lyon Village with daily happy hour from 3-6 PM featuring $9 house margaritas, $7 rail drinks, $2 tacos, and $2 chips and salsa.

AMBAR Restaurant - This Balkan restaurant brings European flair to Clarendon happy hour with $6 beers, $7 wines, and $6-9 cocktails, plus small bites in the same price range. Monday-Friday, 4-6 PM.

Buena Vida Gastrolounge - For Latin-inspired happy hour, Buena Vida delivers $7-9 cocktails, $6 wines, and $2 off all draft beers weekdays from 4-7 PM.

Big Tony's Pizzeria & Dive Bar - If you're looking for an extended happy hour, Big Tony's runs until 8 PM with $7 house wines, $9 cocktails, and $2 off draft beers Monday through Friday.

Brass Rabbit - Courthouse pub serving $5 drafts, $10 martinis, and $10 appetizers & lettuce wraps weekdays from 3-6 PM.

Clarendon 54 - Open 7 days a week from 4-7 PM with "great drink deals" in a lively neighborhood atmosphere.

Top Ballston Happy Hour Spots

Ballston Quarter and the surrounding area offer a mix of local favorites and newer spots with solid happy hour deals.

Ballston Local - True to its name, this neighborhood favorite offers $4-7 beers, $9 wine, and combo deals like $10 pizza + beer or $14 burger + beer. Monday-Friday, 3-6 PM.

Big Buns - Serving happy hour 7 days a week from 3-6 PM, Big Buns offers $1 off shakes, $2 off all booze, and $2 sliders with any alcoholic drink purchase.

Bronson Bierhall - German beer hall vibes with $2 off all drafts, $5 well drinks, $5 house wine, and $4 Narragansett Lager cans. Weekdays 3-6 PM.

Carbonara - Italian restaurant with an earlier happy hour (2:30-5:30 PM) featuring discounted Aperol Spritz, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, and small plates Monday through Friday.

Crystal City & National Landing Deals

The National Landing area (formerly Crystal City) has reinvented itself with new restaurants and consistent happy hour options.

HIGHLINE RxR - Located in Crystal City, HIGHLINE offers $2 off beer, wine, and rail drinks plus appetizer specials Monday-Friday from 3-6:30 PM. They also feature daily specials and late-night deals.

Bar Colline - Wine lovers will appreciate Bar Colline's $6 glasses of red, white, and rosé wines daily from 3-6 PM.

Colada Shop - Cuban-inspired cocktails for $8 daily from 4-8 PM, giving you an extended window for deals.

Bozzelli's Italian Deli - Simple and straightforward: $5 beer and wine by the glass weekdays from 4-7 PM.

Buffalo Wild Wings - Chain reliability with $3 beers and rail drinks plus half-price appetizers Monday-Friday, 3-6 PM.

Bonsai Grill - Japanese restaurant with $9 select spirits Wednesday through Saturday, 4-6 PM.

Courthouse & Rosslyn Hidden Gems

These neighborhoods offer great values with slightly less competition and more local character.

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery - New Orleans-inspired spot with a short but sweet happy hour: $4 draft beers and $4 snacks weekdays from 4-5 PM.

Barley Mac - Located in Rosslyn, Barley Mac offers $7 Old Fashioned, $5 select bottles/cans, $6 select cocktails, plus food deals Monday-Thursday from 4-7 PM.

Amuse - Le Meridien hotel bar with $5 beer, $7 wine, $10 cocktails, and $2 off small plates weekdays from 4-7 PM.

Continental Pool Lounge - Dive bar charm with pool tables and $2 off all rail liquors, drafts, cans, and wine daily from 4-7 PM.

Burger District - $5 beers daily from 3-7 PM in a casual burger joint setting.

Columbia Pike & Shirlington

These neighborhoods offer some of Arlington's best value happy hours with diverse international cuisine.

Bangkok 54 Restaurant - Thai restaurant on Columbia Pike serving 50% off cocktails and $4 starters daily from 4:30-6:30 PM.

Celtic House Whiskey Bar - Irish pub under Columbia Pike with $1 off rail drinks, draft/bottled beer, and house wine, plus $9 appetizers Monday-Friday from 4-7 PM.

Busboys and Poets - Shirlington location offers $2 off draft beers, $8 signature cocktails, $7 rail drinks, plus $6-7 small bites weekdays from 4-7 PM.

A Modo Mio - Italian restaurant on Langston Blvd with an impressive 30% off all drinks AND all food Monday-Friday from 3-5 PM.

Weekend & Extended Happy Hours

Not everyone keeps a 9-to-5 schedule. These Arlington spots offer happy hour beyond the typical weekday window.

All-Week Happy Hours (7 Days):

Extended Hours (Until 8 PM or Later):

More Arlington Happy Hour Favorites

Cinnabar - Hyatt Regency bar with rotating drink and food deals weekdays from 3-6 PM.

How to Find the Perfect Arlington Happy Hour

Use our Arlington Happy Hours page with filters for:

  • Neighborhood - Clarendon, Ballston, Crystal City, Courthouse, Rosslyn, Columbia Pike, and more

  • Day of the week - Find spots open on your schedule

  • Time - Filter by when deals start and end

  • Interactive map - See all locations geographically on our Happy Hour Map

Beyond Arlington: Explore the Entire DMV

Arlington 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

Tips for Making the Most of Arlington Happy Hours

Arrive Early - The best happy hour deals are weekdays from 3-7 PM, but popular spots fill up fast after 5 PM. Arriving at 4 or 4:30 PM often means easier seating and better service.

Check for Food Deals - Many Arlington restaurants offer discounted appetizers that can serve as a full meal when combined with happy hour drinks. Spots like Don Tito ($2 tacos), A Modo Mio (30% off all food), and CIRCA (discounted small plates) offer substantial savings on food.

Explore Different Neighborhoods - Each Arlington neighborhood has its own vibe. Clarendon tends to be younger and livelier, Ballston is great for professionals, Crystal City offers convenience for commuters, and Columbia Pike delivers authentic international cuisine at great prices.

Use the Map - Our interactive map helps you find happy hours near your current location or plan a crawl hitting multiple spots.

Report Updates - Restaurant happy hours change frequently. If you notice outdated information, use the "Report Update" button on any listing to help keep our database accurate for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is happy hour in Arlington? Most Arlington happy hours run weekdays from 3-7 PM or 4-7 PM, though many spots offer extended hours, weekend deals, or daily specials. Check individual listings for exact times.

Are there food deals during Arlington happy hour? Yes! Many Arlington restaurants offer discounted appetizers, small plates, tacos, pizza, and burgers during happy hour. Look for spots like CIRCA, Don Tito, A Modo Mio, and Ballston Local for the best food deals.

Which Arlington neighborhood has the best happy hour? It depends on what you're looking for. Clarendon has the highest concentration of options and lively atmosphere. Ballston offers great neighborhood spots with less density. Crystal City/National Landing is convenient for commuters. Columbia Pike delivers the best value and international variety.

Are there late-night happy hours in Arlington? Several Arlington bars extend happy hour past 7 PM or offer late-night specials. Big Tony's runs until 8 PM, and Colada Shop goes until 8 PM daily.

Can I find weekend happy hours in Arlington? Absolutely! Spots like Big Buns, Bangkok 54, Bar Colline, Colada Shop, Continental Pool Lounge, Burger District, and Clarendon 54 all offer weekend happy hour deals.

Start Exploring Arlington Happy Hours Today

With 75+ happy hours across Arlington's diverse neighborhoods, you'll never run out of new spots to try. Whether you're looking for $2 tacos, $5 beers, craft cocktails, or rooftop patios, Arlington's happy hour scene has you covered.

This guide is regularly updated to reflect current happy hour deals. Last updated: December 2025. Have an update or correction? Use the "Report Update" button on any listing or contact us.

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