Arlington's Best Happy Hours: A Guide to Drinks, Food & Weekend Fun

Arlington's vibrant happy hour scene offers something for everyone - from craft cocktail enthusiasts to beer lovers. With 75+ spots spread across our neighborhoods, Arlington delivers exceptional happy hour experiences at every price point.

We've partnered with DMV Happy Hours to bring you the ultimate guide to Arlington's best drink specials, food deals, and weekend happy hours, organized by what you're craving.

Pictured | Enjoy Happy Hour in Arlington, Virginia!

Sip Craft Cocktails

For those who appreciate the art of mixology, Arlington offers craft cocktail happy hours that don't sacrifice quality for price. These spots feature bartenders who take their drinks seriously, creating carefully crafted cocktails at happy hour prices.

Buena Vida Gastrolounge in Clarendon delivers Latin-inspired $7-9 cocktails during weekday happy hour (4:00 to 7:00 p.m.), with a sophisticated lounge atmosphere perfect for date nights or catching up with friends. Their extensive cocktail menu showcases creative takes on classics alongside house specialties.

Brass Rabbit in Clarendon stands out with $8 espresso martinis during happy hour (Monday-Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.) - a steal for this indulgent cocktail. Their $10 whiskey menu happy hour special makes it easy to explore quality spirits without breaking the bank, all in a cozy pub setting.

AMBAR brings Balkan flavors to Clarendon with cocktails from $6-7 Monday through Friday (noon to 6:00 p.m.). Their creative menu blends Eastern European influences with modern mixology, creating unique drinks that you won't find elsewhere in Arlington.

Colada Shop in Crystal City extends happy hour until 8:00 p.m. daily with $8 Cuban-inspired cocktails. Their mojitos and other rum-based drinks capture authentic Caribbean flavors in a bright, welcoming space near the Metro.

Insider Tip: Many Arlington cocktail bars feature seasonal menus that change quarterly. Visit in spring for fresh herb cocktails, summer for tropical flavors, fall for apple and spice, and winter for rich, warming drinks - all at happy hour prices!

Credit | Brass Rabbit Pub

Savor Local Brews

Beer lovers will find Arlington's happy hour scene especially rewarding, with everything from German beer halls to neighborhood pubs offering impressive draft selections at discounted prices.

Bronson Bierhall in Ballston captures authentic German beer hall vibes with $2 off all drafts Monday through Friday (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.). The extensive beer list and communal tables create the perfect atmosphere for group gatherings and serious beer drinking.

Ballston Local lives up to its name as a neighborhood favorite, offering $4-7 beers Monday through Friday (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.) with combo deals like $10 pizza and beer or $14 burger and beer. The rotating draft list emphasizes local and regional breweries.

CIRCA at Clarendon keeps it simple with $5 draft beers during weekday happy hour (4:00 to 7:00 p.m.), alongside $2 off small plates. The extensive patio provides prime people-watching while you work through their draft selection.

Burger District in Courthouse makes every day happy hour day with $6 beers available Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. - one of Arlington's most consistent and accessible beer deals.

Insider Tip: Arlington's proximity to Virginia's thriving craft brewery scene means many bars rotate their draft selections regularly. Ask bartenders about recent additions, you might discover a new favorite brew at happy hour prices!

Credit | Bronson Bierhall

Share Small Plates

Happy hour becomes more memorable when great food accompanies your drinks. These Arlington spots deliver exceptional food specials that turn happy hour into a legitimate dinner option.

A Modo Mio off Langston Boulevard goes all-in with 30% off everything (food AND drinks) Monday through Friday (3:00 to 5:00 p.m.). This Italian spot's generous discount on their entire menu, from wood-fired pizzas to pastas, makes it one of Arlington's best overall happy hour values.

Bangkok 54 on Columbia Pike offers 50% off cocktails plus $4 Thai starters daily (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.). The authentic Thai menu at happy hour prices provides exceptional value and flavor, with spring rolls, satay, and dumplings leading the appetizer selections.

Busboys and Poets in Shirlington combines books, community, and great food with $6-7 small bites during weekday happy hour (4:00 to 7:00 p.m.). Their globally inspired menu ranges from hummus plates to sliders, all substantial enough to satisfy your appetite.

Ballston Local shines with $7 appetizers plus combo deals that pair food with drinks (Monday-Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.). The $10 pizza and beer or $14 burger and beer specials effectively create a full meal at happy hour prices.

CIRCA at Clarendon offers $2 off small plates and flatbreads during happy hour (Monday-Friday, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.), with Mediterranean-inspired options that pair perfectly with their wine and cocktail selections.

Insider Tip: Columbia Pike offers Arlington's BEST happy hour food values with authentic international cuisine like Thai, Latin American, and Mediterranean, often at better prices than other neighborhoods. Venture slightly off the beaten path for exceptional food deals!

Credit | Ballston Local

Weekend Escapes

While most of Arlington's happy hours run during weekdays, these spots understand that the weekend calls for deals too. Whether you're meeting friends for Saturday brunch cocktails or Sunday funday drinks, Arlington delivers.

Big Buns in Ballston offers weekend happy hour daily (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.) with $2 off all booze, $1 off shakes, and $2 sliders with any alcoholic drink purchase. The casual burger joint atmosphere makes it perfect for laid-back weekend gatherings.

Bangkok 54 continues its generous happy hour through the weekend (daily 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) with 50% off cocktails and $4 starters. Saturday and Sunday happy hours are rare in Arlington, making this Columbia Pike spot especially valuable for weekend plans.

Bar Colline in Crystal City keeps it simple with $6 wine glasses available every day (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.), creating a sophisticated weekend option for wine lovers exploring National Landing.

Colada Shop extends its daily happy hour until 8:00 p.m. with $8 Cuban cocktails, giving weekend visitors a longer window to enjoy tropical drinks in their vibrant Crystal City space.

Continental Pool Lounge in Rosslyn delivers dive bar charm with $2 off all rail liquors, drafts, cans, and wine daily (4:00 to 7:00 p.m.). The pool tables add entertainment beyond just drinking, perfect for competitive weekend hangouts.

Insider Tip: Weekend happy hours typically draw a more relaxed crowd than the rushed weekday after-work scene. Arrive around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday for the best seating and a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for leisurely catching up with friends or enjoying a slow afternoon.

Credit | Bar Colline

Planning Your Perfect Arlington Happy Hour

Metro Accessibility

Arlington's orange, silver, and blue Metro lines connect you to most major happy hour neighborhoods within minutes. The Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, Courthouse, and Rosslyn stations put you within a few blocks of dozens of options. The Crystal City and Pentagon City stations provide direct access to National Landing's happy hour scene.

Timing Your Visit

Arriving at 4:00 p.m. gives you first pick of seats, which is especially important at popular Clarendon spots. The 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. window brings peak energy and crowds. For a quieter experience with better service, target 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. or spots with extended hours past 7:00 p.m.

Combining Neighborhoods

Arlington's walkability makes happy hour hopping practical! Explore cocktail-focused spots in Clarendon, try out beer halls and local hangouts in Ballston, or explore Columbia Pike's diverse international options all within a few miles of each other.

Special Occasions

For celebrations, consider spots with outdoor patios during warmer months. Clarendon's restaurant row offers excellent people-watching. For intimate gatherings, Brass Rabbit's cozy pub atmosphere or Bar Colline's wine-focused setting provide the right ambiance. Group outings work best at spots with combo deals like Ballston Local or high-volume locations like Bronson Bierhall.

What Makes Arlington's Happy Hour Scene Special

Arlington's happy hour culture benefits from intense competition among restaurants, metro accessibility, and a diverse population that demands variety. You'll find everything from authentic international cuisine on Columbia Pike to upscale cocktail bars in Clarendon, often within walking distance of each other.

The county's young professional population ensures consistent weekday crowds, while weekend warriors appreciate the growing number of Saturday and Sunday deals. Metro accessibility means you never need to worry about parking or designated drivers - just hop on the orange, silver, or blue lines and explore!

Most importantly, Arlington's happy hours deliver genuine value rather than token discounts. When a restaurant offers 30% off everything or 50% off cocktails, they're committed to earning your business through quality and value, not just by luring you in the door.

Last Updated: December 2025. Happy hour times and deals are subject to change. Visit DMV Happy Hours for the most current listings and help us stay updated by reporting any changes you notice.

About the Author

This article was developed in collaboration with DMV Happy Hours; a comprehensive database of 750+ happy hour deals across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. From neighborhood guides to filterable searches by day and time, DMV Happy Hours helps locals and visitors discover the best drink and food specials throughout the region. Follow along at @dmvhappyhourdeals on Instagram!

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DMV Happy Hours