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Where to Find Government Shutdown Specials Around Town

Discounted beer, cocktails, and food tied to the latest political standoff

Dino’s Grotto is running permanent happy hour until the latest government shutdown ends.
Photo: Dino’s Grotto
Tierney Plumb is the editor of Eater DC, covering all things food and drink around the nation's capital.

The government is officially closed (again), which means many workers across the region may see slimmer paychecks this month. To ease the burden, restaurants are rolling out lots of food and drink discounts across the area. And some spots aren’t limiting the deals just to affected federal employees.

Here’s Eater DC’s growing list:

The Bird

1337 11th Street NW

A shutdown special called the “Art of the Ordeal” will be available during happy hour (Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 5 p.m. to close) for those with government IDs. The deal includes wings and a beer for $8.

Bluejacket

300 Tingey Street SE

Head to Navy Yard for $4 Lost Weekend drafts Monday to Friday and open to all.

Bourbon

2321 18th Street NW

Find daily shutdown specials on everything from cocktails to pours of select whiskeys until the government resumes running. Each day will bring a new deal.

The Brighton

949 Wharf Street SW

The Wharf newcomer is slashing prices by 10 percent for customers with a federal ID in tow.

Buredo

Multiple locations

Government employees who flash a federal ID get 15 percent off all dine-in purchases.

Carmine’s

425 Seventh Street NW

Along with a strong “Hard Times Cocktail” ($12) with Campari and bourbon, the Italian restaurant will offer its happy hour menu all day in the bar as long as the shutdown continues. Order any app, like fried zucchini or meatball sliders, and Carmine’s will throw in an extra meatball on the house. Must present a government ID to participate.

Cava

Multiple locations

Score a 10-percent discount on single purchases of bowls and pitas during the duration of the federal shutdown. Valid with a federal government work ID, for in-store purchases only throughout the D.C. area.

Dino’s Grotto

1914 Ninth Street NW

The bar is offering its happy hour around the clock until the shutdown ends, with $8 Negronis, $6 wine, $5 antipasti, and a $10 charcuterie board for two to four. “Offer not valid to members of congress, the president, cabinet, or senior staff,” says owner Dean Gold.

Glen’s Garden Market

Multiple locations

The beer-friendly shop, which pours local brews for $4 a pop, is offering federal workers with a valid government ID one free draft beer per day during the shutdown.

Granville Moore’s, Queen Vic, The Pug

This strip of H Street NE bars is banding together to offer a 30 percent discount on drafts.

Hazel

808 V Street NW

The bar here is serving $6 “DC Mules” during the government shutdown.

Logan Tavern

1423 P Street NW

Find $5 13-oz. draft beers and all day happy hour at the bar during the shutdown.

Merzi

415 Seventh Street NW

Homegrown Indian restaurant Merzi is offering federal workers with a valid government ID 20 percent off its custom protein bowls, naan, and a yogurt drinks.

Nellie’s

900 U Street NW

Nellie’s is opening early (11 a.m.) during the shutdown. Look for $4 bloody marys and mimosas, as well as rotating happy hour deals.

Oyamel

401 7th Street NW

José Andrés is offering a free torta for furloughed workers.

Quill at The Jefferson DC

1200 16th Street NW

Devour $2 fries at the hotel bar until the shutdown ends. “When they go low, we go #fry,” declares the bar via Instagram.

Reliable Tavern

3655 Georgia Avenue NW

Toast to having an (almost) active government again with drink specials all night long on Monday, January 22: $4 House IPA, cider, and amber; $6 house and milk punch; and $8 Old Fashioned and bourbon shakes.

Roofers Union

2446 18th Street NW

The Trumpty Dumpty Sat On a Wall (mezcal, agave, grapefruit bitters, Jerry Thomas bitters, lemon) and Orange Toddler (gin, carrot juice, velvet falernum, ginger, lemon) cocktails will be half off (just $6) starting Monday, January 21 until the shutdown ends.

All can get in on the action: “Available to all guests, government employment notwithstanding, as the region feels the impact,” writes the Adams Morgan bar.

Turkish Coffee Lady Cafe

1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Va.

This area newcomer is offering half-off the first cup of coffee for government employees.

Cava Mezze

527 8th Street Southeast, , DC 20003 (202) 543-9090 Visit Website

The Bird

1337 11th Street Northwest, , DC 20001 (202) 518-3609 Visit Website