Sometimes there’s nothing like capping the end of a long workday—or just a day—with a cold drink and a warm bite to eat. Whether you’re on the hunt for $4 brisket dumplings or wallet-friendly cocktails on the patio, here are some great places to visit for boozy bargains and late afternoon snack specials.
Colada Shop
Monday-Saturday, 3-7 p.m.
Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Turn a boring weekday afternoon into a festive one at this colorful Cuban cafe with locations in Clarendon and the Mosaic District. Happy hour brings $8 cocktails and $2 discounts on wine, beer and seltzer, plus prime people-watching from the outdoor patio tables. Hungry? Grab a plate of four addictive empanadas (stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken, cheese, spinach and cheese, bacon-egg-cheese or spicy cauliflower) for $10. // 2811 Clarendon Blvd. (Clarendon) and 2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District)
Bronson Bierhall
Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
Say “prost” to the happy hour deals at this traditional German beer hall in Ballston. Get $2 off all draft brews or pay just $4 for a 16-ounce can of Narragansett Lager. Prefer wine or liquor? No problem. Well drinks and wines are just $5 during happy hour, plus there are cocktails such as The Summer Cooler (vodka, smashed strawberries and lemonade topped with sparkling wine). Check the calendar for upcoming live musical gigs. // 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
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Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant
Daily, 4-7 p.m.
Can’t get to the shore? Breeze into this LGBTQ- and straight-friendly hangout for beach vibes close to home. Crazy Hour (4-7 p.m.) brings $4 rail drinks, $5 cocktails and beer for $4 or $5, depending on the label. Nosh on a half-pound of steamed shrimp for $8, tater tots for $5, Nacho Daddy nachos for $7 or the rotating app of the month for $6. (June’s app special is fried shrimp.) Other staple events at this 23-year-old bar include diner-style brunch on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and the Freddie’s Follies drag show at 9 p.m. on Saturdays. (And if you get to Rehoboth Beach, there’s a location there, too.) // 555 23rd St., S., Arlington (Crystal City)
Maison Cheryl
Monday-Tuesday, 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
This French New-American bistro in Clarendon offers $3 off drinks, snacks and small plates at the bar during its weekday happy hour. Signature cocktails include The Empress (Lillet Blanc, gin, grapefruit and elderflower), Gin Blossom (gin, house-made honeysuckle-orange syrup, lemon elderflower and Prosecco), and A Little Kick, which is making an encore appearance in honor of the eatery’s third anniversary. It’s made with tequila, lime, cilantro, Serrano pepper and agave. Snacks include honey spiced nuts, lightly fried shishito peppers and truffle butter fries. Small plates range from crab bisque to foie gras. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Taco Rock
Daily, 3-7 p.m.
Taco Tuesdays, all day long
This street taco and tequila bar has five Northern Virginia locations, including Rosslyn and Falls Church, making it easy to drop in for Taco Tuesday and happy hour specials. On Tuesdays, buy three specialty tacos for $4.75 each and get one free. The options include Piggy Mac (slow-roasted pork carnitas, mac and cheese, sweet chili glaze and chopped bacon) and Land & Sea (skirt steak, grilled shrimp, radish and horseradish sauce). During happy hour, save $4 on house margaritas, $3 on wine and $1 on draft beers. The discounts also include $5 lemon drop or silver tea shooters and well drinks. // 1501 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn); 1116 W. Broad St., Falls Church
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The Falls
Daily, 3-6 p.m.
Occupying the former Liberty Barbecue space in Falls Church, this easygoing neighborhood spot from the Liberty Restaurant Group offers $3 Miller High Life Pony bottles, $5 lagers, a $7 Bing Cherry Margarita and Virginia Julep, plus $5 shots of rail spirits. Pair the beverage of your choice with a $10 burger or pulled pork sammie, $4 brisket dumplings or, if you’re really hungry, a double platter of two smoked meats (brisket, ribs and/or pork) for $24. // 370 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Wiseguy Pizza
Wednesday, 2-4 p.m.
Part of the family-owned-and-operated Thompson Restaurants hospitality company, this fast-expanding local pizzeria is offering half off all slices purchased in the store. Try the popular New York-style pie in combos such as Korean Chicken (sweet chili sauce, crispy chicken, mozzarella, cabbage and sesame aioli), Paneer Tikka (house masala, paneer, mozzarella, onions, peppers, tomato, cilantro and jalapeño sauce) or Vegan Supreme, topped with veggies and vegan cheese. // 1735 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn); 710 12th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
The Salt Line
Monday, 3-7 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday 4-6 p.m.
Hankering for seafood? Cut out of work early for $8 oyster shooters, $7 coddies (salt cod fritters) a satisfying cup of clam chowder for a mere $4 and oysters on the half shell ($30/dozen or $18 for 6) at this nautical-themed bistro and bar in Ballston. The drink specials include $4 draft lagers, $6 craft brews on tap and $10 draft cocktails, plus discounts on wine by the glass or bottle. On weekends, enjoy the same food and drink specials and more during the restaurant’s “Happy Brunch.” // 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)