We’re in college, but we’re also preparing for the real world. There’s a fine line between honing adult skills and retaining a sense of being a young student. Follow these suggestions to have a night out like a young professional.
Headliners
Barcode
From the owners of LIMA and Vetro, this relatively new midtown hot spot offers a chic and young lounge feel for young professionals and college students alike, without the hefty price. A modern design and colorful fluorescent lights are Euro-esque, and you’ll find an abundance of seating with a multitude of booths throughout. We’ve chosen it as your go-to place for the night, but it could just as easily be placed alongside some of the greatest happy hours in D.C., with half-price wine, beer and rails from 4 to 7 p.m. and specials nearly everyday. We recommend Tuesday nights to enjoy half-price drinks from 9 to 11 p.m., and half-price wine and pizzas all night.
Dress Code: “Appropriate attire”
Hours: Open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday
202-955-9001 | 1101 17th St. NW
Brass Monkey
A young professor needs to let loose now and then. Welcome to Brass Monkey, an unpretentious four-level, multifaceted bar in Adams Morgan. Technically, it’s one of four interconnected establishments on different levels. There is good dancing with a guaranteed dose of a fun and rowdy crowd, and a karaoke bar downstairs for your newfound singing talent.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Sunday 4 to 10 p.m.
202-667-7800 | 2317 18th St. NW
Pre-game
Front Page
Surrounded by framed famous front pages and an energetic crowd of mostly 20-somethings, this all-night happy hour starting at 4 p.m. is a casual way to catch up with friends. Each Corona bottle will set you back only $2, but there’s something even cheaper – free tacos, with a pig roast from 5 to 7 p.m. Also check out $4 Nude Vodkas for Naked Wednesdays and Sunday Funday with $1 PBRs and $4 Red Bull Vodkas from 4 p.m. to close.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
202-296-6500 | 1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Dinner
La Tasca
Spanish tapas, sangria and the light atmosphere at La Tasca lend themselves to casually catching up with friends. Daily 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour features $3.50 draft beers, $15 sangria pitchers and $3 select tapas. We recommend the brocheta de pollo (marinated grilled chicken breast with roasted red peppers) and paella de verdura (mini paella with garden vegetables), but of course try a few of your own!
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
202-347-9190 | 722 7th St. NW | Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown
Black Squirrel
Good young professionals know their beer. It’s easier when your burger or sandwich is paired on the menu with appropriate choices. Black Squirrel is hailed as a beacon for beer lovers and a safe haven for good food in a neighborhood of quick eats. Named for the legendary Canadian black squirrels released from the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt’s administration, this Adams Morgan establishment holds other curiosities, such as five brands of absinthe.
Hours: Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 2 a.m.
202-232-1011 | 2427 18th St. NW
