Happy Hour, or as the locals say, “HH”, is as well known in DC as the Smithsonian museums. As soon as the clock strikes four, men and women in business attire are flocking to the nearest watering hole to network and meet friends to unwind from the day. Since dining out in DC can get pricey, going to different restaurants for Happy Hour is also a great way to save money, and even try specialties on the menu. Here are three must-try places in Capitol Hill that are sure to be teeming with local Hill staffers for Happy Hour, and score great deals on food and drinks.

Ambar

The more exotic and upscale of the three, Ambar is situated in quaint Baracks Row, and provides excellent Balkan cuisine. Pro tip: try to score a seat on the open air patio, filled with greenery and under twinkling lights. Be sure to try ‘Rakia’, a traditional Balkan liquor, which you can purchase at Happy Hour for only $5. Pair it with one of their delicious small plates, like drunken mussels, urnebes dip, hummus, and many others. Ambar also does a dinner “Balkan Experience”, where you can sample the entire menu, plus bottomless drinks, for only $50.

Tortilla Coast

Well-known for being a young Paul Ryan’s weekend job while working as an intern on the hill, Tortilla Coast is a lively, casual neighborhood spot for Tex-Mex fare. Inside is laid-back and unassuming, so come here in your suit after work, or after a long day of touring in athleisure. Come here any night of the week from 3:30-8pm for domestic beers, sangria, and margaritas between $4-$6, and bar bites like Tex-Mex spring rolls, mini tacos, and pulled-pork nachos.

Union Pub

Union Pub is a true staple for any Capitol Hill local. There’s a large patio with multiple screens to watch the game of the night, or even a Presidential Debate, plenty of local craft beers on tap, and an extensive pub-grub menu. Going to Union Pub certainly won’t break the bank either, with $12 pitchers of beer and $5 rail drinks. Head to Union Pub for Trivia Tuesday as well, and don’t forget to try a local favorite appetizer: The Chicken Tatchos. Trust us.

Capitol Lounge

If you are looking for a no-frills spot for cheap beers and pizza with friends or colleagues after work, look no further than this institution of Capitol Hill. Cap Lounge, as the frequent patrons know it as, serves many nightly specials that keep the wallets of Capital Hill staffers happy, such as $25 cent wings, $2 tacos, $5 fireball, and many others.

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