As much as you want to roam the gems and explore the secrets of the District, there are times when you should acknowledge you are a student at heart and stay close to home. Check out these typical locales where you’re bound to run into more than a few classmates.
Headliners
McFadden’s
Students are drawn to McFadden’s for cheap drink deals, happy hours that are given away to customers and good times with friends and classmates. In listing it as one of the top 25 college bars in the nation, Complex.com summed up the McFadden’s effect: you’ll go “sober and leave wasted…on a Tuesday.” Tuesday is a big night to venture here with buddies – from 9 p.m. to close, college students get $1 canned beers, $2 domestic drafts, $3 domestic bottles and $5 Jagerbombs.
Dress Code: “Casual but neat.” Ladies: leave the pumps at home.
Hours: Monday 5 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 to 2 a.m., Wednesday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to midnight
202-223-2338 | 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Rugby
Go in early for dinner or snacks before Rugby turns into a bar around 10:30 p.m. Once the night crowd shows up, they’ll push the tables to the wall so you can mingle to your heart’s content while throwing back their famous (or infamous) “crush” drinks. It’s the perfect setting for however you want to enjoy your night, whether you’re into sipping beers in the corner booth and chatting or going a little crazy on the dance floor.
Hours: Open until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday
202-298-6894 | 1065 Wisconsin Ave., NW
The Guards
Bypass the bar and head down the stairs to the basement on Friday and Saturday nights. The bartenders at the back bar tend to be quick and accurate to get you back to the dance floor quickly. The basement is used as a giant, dark dance party, but take advantage of the mirrors strategically set up throughout the bar to check out your hair – or your dance partner.
Hours: Basement open Friday and Saturday until 3 a.m.
202-965-2350 | 2915 M St., NW
Dinner
Froggy Bottom Pub
There is no better or closer place to meet up with friends over a few beers than Froggy, a GW and Foggy Bottom neighborhood staple. Enjoy a varied menu of pizzas and pub foods, and a generous happy hour on beers from 4 p.m. until close Monday through Friday and 9 p.m. until close on Saturdays.
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 to 2 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday closed (Winter: Saturday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
202-338-3000 | 2142 Pennsylvania Ave.
Founding Farmers
Monday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 9 a.m. to midnight, Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 to 2 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday closed (Winter: Saturday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
202-822-8783 | 1924 Pennsylvania Ave.
Late-night grub
George’s King of Falafel
After any night out near campus, George’s is a savior. Located conveniently at the end of Georgetown closest to Foggy Bottom, George’s serves up greasy cheesesteaks and delicious falafel until the wee hours of the morning to satisfy your cravings. It also helps you get a head start on that hangover cure.
Hours: Friday and Saturday open until 4 a.m., Monday through Thursday until 11 p.m.
202-342-2278 | 1205 28th St., NW
Pre-game & Activities
Trivia or happy hour at Tonic
Conveniently located on campus, Tonic Restaurant lends itself to a prime happy hour location Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. You can dig into half-price drafts and bottles, $5 house wines and a variety of appetizers like $4 tater tots. As a special treat, get together a team of two to 20 fact-savvy friends for Monday night trivia – from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Keep your mind sharp and quick as your team competes to win a $50 Tonic gift card.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 to 1 a.m., Friday 11 to 2 a.m., Saturday 10 to 2 a.m., Sunday 10 to 1 a.m.
202-293-0063 | 2036 G St.
Happy hour at CIRCA
CIRCA may not be a tradition yet, but we bet it will be in the future. Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m., socializing crowds at the inside or outside bar sip $3.64 drafts and $5 glasses of house red and white wine. Conveniently located across from the Metro, you’re set for venturing on to the rest of your night if you decide to head away from typical Foggy Bottom destinations.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 to 1 a.m., Friday 11 to 2 a.m., Saturday 10 to 2:00 a.m., Sunday 10 until 11 p.m.
202-506-5589 | 2221 Eye St.
