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.
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!