Sure, saving a few dollars on a beer or cocktail is nice. But the best happy hours go a step further, reimagining what it means to unwind after work. Think quirky themes, unexpected activities, creative menus and plenty of reasons to linger long after the workday ends. Gather a group of friends and head to these out-of-the-box happy hours.
View this post on Instagram
Hug an Alpaca at Inca Social
It’s worth leaving work a little early for what may be the cutest happy hour in Arlington—drinks with live alpacas available for cuddles and selfies on Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Discounted bites and beverages include $11 Peruvian sushi, $12 saltados, $8 espresso martinis (at the bar only) and half off bottles of wine until 9 p.m. Although there are no camelids on Thursdays, there are $5 margaritas until 9 p.m. (And for ladies, they’re a mere $2.99 during happy hour from 3-7 p.m.) Check the website for specifics on these and other deals. 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Ride a Mechanical Bull at BOE
Saddle up at Arlington’s only country-western bar and take a whirl on the main attraction, a feisty mechanical bull. Discounted menu specials Tuesday to Friday, 5-7 p.m., include hot honey butter chicken bites, loaded tots and grilled cheese sandwiches for $7. (Pro tip: Save the snacking for post-rodeo.) Enjoy $3 beers, including Coors Light, Busch Light and Miller Light, and $5 cocktails and shots. The cowboy theme goes tropical on the rooftop, which sports a floral covered patio. 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Get Your Mahj On at Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen
Weekday social hours (4-6:30 p.m.) at this tropical-chic hangout dishup specials on cosmos, ritas, draft beers, wines by the glass, frose and frozen espresso martinis, plus tempting shareables such as pimento cheese, deviled eggs and whipped ricotta on sourdough with honey and dates. On Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m., it’s tile time, with a selection of Kigumi tables reserved for mahjong, and $6 Chinese-inspired apps like blistered shishito peppers and shrimp toast. A special “Tie-Tails” menu features spirited quaffs such as a lychee spritz, sesame Mai Tai and Ikebana punch. Reservations for game tables are required and there’s a $20 food and drink minimum per player. You bring the tiles and the game board. 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Soak Up the Beach Vibes at Clarendon Ballroom
No time for a beach vacay? No worries. Book a colorful private cabana and take in the tropical vibes at Clarendon Ballroom’s tiki-inspired rooftop. Summer sunset happy hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-7 p.m. bring $5 domestic beers, house margaritas and shooters (fireball, lemon drop and green tea). Sip island-style cocktails and frozen faves like the Tiki Spritzer (Deep Eddy Grapefruit, Fresca and Champagne) or the Jungle Party (Svedka Vodka, triple sec and White Peach Red Bull). After dark, head down to the multi-level nightclub and bar for DJs and dancing. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Bring Your Pup to Courthaus Social
Combine three bars, a large outdoor patio, a doggie menu and special events such as paint nights and Paws on the Plaza and you’ve got a recipe for laid-back fun. During happy hours Monday to Friday 3-6 p.m., enjoy $2 off all wines, house cocktails and select draft beers. Munch on $6 nachos, fries or Reuben rolls and $7 bang bang shrimp, chicken tenders and schnitzel bites. Courhaus Social’s K9 menu includes a FroYo bowl just for pups ($3), a Puppucino ($1) or an oven-baked peanut butter biscuit ($4). 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Stop and Smell the Roses at Company Flowers & Gifts Too!
There’s no alcohol at this weekly “happy hour,” but you can snag half-price bouquets from Arlington’s favorite florist every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. Flowers come wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a pretty bow (vases not included). Just be advised to get there early. Owner Marnie Nicholson says people start lining up promptly at go time. In addition to pretty seasonal blooms, the shop also stocks cards, jewelry, artisan bath products, kitchenware and other giftables. 2107 N. Pollard St., Arlington (Cherrydale)
Play Games at Punch Bowl Social
For those of us who never outgrew the playground, this Ballston watering hole delivers. Arcade games, karaoke and bar snacks galore come together in a massive, retro-inspired space that includes several bars and a full-service restaurant. Weekday happy hours from 3-6 p.m. (plus an all-day happy hour on Monday Fundays) bring 50% off games and $5 specials, including queso dip, BBQ pork sliders and chicken teriyaki potstickers. The drink specials include $6 cosmos, margs and Old Fashioneds, plus punch, beer and wine for $5. Want to burn off (some of) the calories you just ate? Go for a game of ping-pong, bocce or bowling. Additional perks include DJs spinning tunes and televised sports, plus special events like music bingo, silent disco dance parties and drag brunches. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston Quarter)
View this post on Instagram
Slay and Sashay at Freddie’s Beach Bar
There’s always something festive and glamorous underway at Freddie Lutz’s campy cabaret on Crystal City’s 23rd Street, a welcome spot for LGBTQ+ and straight revelers alike. The rainbow explosion of barbie dolls, feather boas, disco balls and wall-to-wall kitsch is reason enough to stop by for the daily “Crazy Hour” from 4-7 p.m., when select drinks and bar snacks are offered at a discount. Plus, you can partake in half-priced pasta on Mondays, Taco Tuesday trivia nights (with $3 tacos), and beach blanket bingo with $8 burgers on Wednesdays. Stop in Saturdays at 9 p.m. for the Freddie’s Follies drag show. 555 23rd St. S., Arlington (National Landing)
Play Putt Putt in the Sky at The Perch
When’s the last time you played 18 holes of mini golf ten stories above street level? You can do just that at Perch Putt atop Capital One Center in Tysons while sipping a frosty brew or frozen pina colada. The Perch sky park is also home to food trucks serving tacos and Korean bap bowls, and an outpost of Starr Hill Biergarten, where you can pair a cold one with a plate of sliders or a fried chicken wrap and see what’s playing in the adjacent amphitheater, whether its live music or a World Cup knock-out game on the giant screen. Starr Hill occasionally offers happy hour discounts and seasonal specials. Check their Instagram for the latest. 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons
View this post on Instagram
Rack Em Up at Continental Modern Pool Lounge & Beer Garden
Level up your bar night with arcade games, shuffleboard, Pop a Shot basketball, darts and seven pool tables at this Rosslyn watering hole, where daily happy hours run from 4 to 7 p.m. Or, play a round of bocce in the family- and dog-friendly outdoor beer garden, open Tuesday to Saturday starting at 3:30. Game rates are half-price until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Check the website for information on pool leagues. 1911 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
