It may not be the most refined of culinary accolades, but if there is one thing the District is undoubtedly a champion of, it is happy hour. And over the years that we’ve been sharing our favorites, the traditional post-work “hour” has stretched well beyond its original confines. We’ve become particularly fond of the late-night specials that mean a true deal on dinner or drinks, for those who are willing to wait.
$1 OYSTERS @ EAT THE RICH: If you’ve got a hankering for oysters but can’t stomach full price, head to Eat the Rich after 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and after 9:30 p.m. on Sundays, for a late night happy hour featuring $1 oysters and drink specials. Bonus: All of their bivalves are local, hailing from the Rappahannock River in Virginia or the Chesapeake. —Lynne Venart
Eat the Rich is located at 1839 7th Street NW
THREE COURSES FOR $10 @ RED WHITE AND BASIL: This Adams Morgan newcomer wants to unload their pasta on you in the last 30 minutes of the night. After 9:30 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays, scarf down a pasta dish, green salad, and cannoli for just $10 (normally the trio will run you $16). Closing time is listed at 10 p.m.— Josh Novikoff
Red White And Basil is located at 1781 Florida Ave NW
HALF PRICE RAW BAR @ OLD EBBITT GRILL: This White House neighbor’s late night raw bar is one of D.C.’s legendary longstanding deals. Oysters and clams are half price from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturday (they originally only did it on weeknights but added the weekend hours due to popular demand). As the sixth highest-grossing independent restaurant in the country, they can swing the discount. Drinks remain full price at all times, and finding a seat at any of the four bars in the restaurant is a tall task when the shellfish are being shucked.—Josh Novikoff
Old Ebbitt Grill is located at 675 15th Street NW