Dry January is over, so it’s time to explore the District’s booziest bars. 

And what better time of day than happy hour, when you can get more drinks and food for the same price? Whether  you’re a STEM student who needs a break from trying to memorize the body’s breakdown of alcohol or a political science major trying to find solutions for global controversies, here are some of the best deals across the District to relax after classes or pre-game before a wild night out.

Bar Chinois

Heading to a game or show at Capital One? Make a quick pit stop at Bar Chinois, a fusion concept serving Chinese-inspired dishes and French cocktails. With half-priced cocktails and dollar dumplings, Bar Chinois’s happy hour is hard to beat. Enjoy The DCL ($7.50), a spicy play on an espresso martini featuring spiced rum, chai and oat milk. If you are interested in something more fruity, their Humble Cobbler ($7) includes mezcal, peach and lime. 

For choices of delicious dumplings ($1 each), Bar Chinois offers chicken, pork and veggie options. All dumplings are steamed and served with a tangy soy sauce. If you’re on the hungrier side and willing to order from the standard menu, try the Char Siu Chicken Rice ($18), featuring Hong Kong-style BBQ chicken, soy egg, swiss chard and ginger chimichurri. The variety of flavors and large portions will be sure to fill your stomach without emptying your wallet.

455 I St. NW. Happy Hour Tuesday through Sunday 5 to 7 p.m.

Madhatter

Many GW students go to the Dupont restaurant and nightclub Madhatter for late-night dancing and their famous Hatter’s Punch, which is served in a life-size hat. However, they also feature a happy hour that includes  mouthwatering food and frozen drinks. Their $5 frozen mangorita is fruity, tart and ideal for an Instagram post due to its vibrant orange color. The salt that rims the glass and the lime wedge perched on it are delicious additions that bring out the tequila flavor in the drink.

The club’s food selection includes a sizable portion of nachos for just $6 that are topped with queso, salsa and guacamole. Classic bar options are also available, including chicken tenders ($6), dune fries ($6) and onion rings ($6).

1319 Connecticut Ave. NW. Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m.

Chaplin’s

Known for its ramen and statue of its namesake, Charlie Chaplin, Chaplin’s is located in Shaw and sports a trendy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy your drinks and appetizers al fresco. Their happy hour deals include half-priced wine by the glass, drafty cocktails — on tap, ready to be served — and a large selection of draft beers.

For fans of strong drinks, try The Cure ($6), which combines the bold flavors of strawberry, citrus and ginger for a fragrant cocktail. Another crowd favorite is The Kid ($6), featuring corazon blanco tequila, eggenberg radler, grapefruit and aperol. If beer is your drink of choice, Chaplin’s has fifteen draft varieties, ranging from ale to sapporo, all under $7.50.

While there are no food happy hour deals, a creative appetizer option is the Pay Day Injected Dumplings ($16 for four dumplings) that include a choice of beef, pork, shrimp or vegetarian. The dumplings are injected with whiskey, lime, maple ginger, sriracha and soy sauce and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser through their dual action of satiating your hunger and making you tipsy.

1501 9th St. NW. Happy Hour Monday through Sunday 4 to 7 p.m.

Teddy and the Bully Bar

Located just a fifteen-minute walk from GW’s campus, this elevated bar focuses on American comfort food while paying homage to Theodore Roosevelt. Their happy hour features a variety of cocktails, beers and wine, including their five specialty Teddy’s Cocktails ($10) that have been barrel-aged for 26 days and are each named after Roosevelt’s various monikers.

If you’re a fan of bourbon, the Trust Buster includes Old Forester Signature Bourbon, Cynar, Punt e Mes and Regan’s Orange Bitters. For those in the mood for something sweeter, their Strawberry Mint Julep ($10) combines mint-infused bourbon, strawberry syrup and lime juice.

Options for discounted appetizers include crispy chicken bites with mambo sauce ($10) for those desiring something a bit spicy, short rib sliders ($14) and blackened shrimp tacos ($13), all of which are great for sharing — but you may just want to keep them all for yourself.

1200 19th St. NW. Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday 3 to 7 p.m.

El Centro

Located right off M Street in the heart of Georgetown, El Centro slings delicious tacos and margaritas around its expansive, two-story venue. Happy hour includes a discounted selection of several margaritas, wines and beers. The El Centro Margarita ($8) has a classic citrusy flavor while the Strawberry-Basil Infused Margarita ($8) features a refreshing marriage of sweet and savory. 

A large variety of discounted appetizers are available, including classics such as cheesy quesadillas, nachos and tacos. Try the El Shepherd taco ($4), which features adobo-marinated pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, onion, cilantro and salsa verde, and the Tinga Tu taco ($4), which includes chipotle chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo and crema fresca, to get a taste of the variety El Centro offers.

1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 4 to 5 p.m.