The Happiest Hour: Part 1

More often than many of us would like to admit, after a long day cooped up at the office/classroom/library-cubicle, the big hand's arrival at 5 on the clock can't come soon enough. Its not that we don't enjoy our work (or so we keep telling ourselves), but once the day starts winding down, and the sweet smell of freedom begins to waft distractingly through the office like cookies fresh out the oven, the last thing on our mind is the pile of papers in the inbox. You know - a grass is always greener type of thing.

Sweet though the prospect of escape is however, sometimes just just breaking free isn't enough enough to wash away the workday wear.  But fear not dear readers, we at Eat the District have just the fix: The Happiest Hour. Everyone knows that nothing takes the edge off like a nice stiff drink, so to that end we have sifted through the city's many specials to bring you only the finest drink deals the district has to offer. The next time a vicious case of the Mondays has you down, take heart, the Happiest Hour is right around the corner.


For starters, the establishment many have lovingly dubbed “GW’s cafeteria” may always hold a special place in our hearts, but let’s be honest – sometimes you just don’t feel like waiting upwards of twenty minutes at Nooshi so you can run into everyone you’ve ever met and never want to see again while attempting conversation over the raucous clangs of sake bombs detonating around you. Fortunately, a similar yet significantly chiller alternative can be found two doors down at Singapore Bistro. While this particular establishment may once have been the setting of many an awkward frat party, the happy hour scene is a different story entirely.

From 4 pm to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, you can get $3.95 flavored martinis and glasses of wine and $2.50 beers and hot sake – deals that somewhat resemble those offered at Nooshi.  However, unlike its more popular neighbor, Singapore Bistro has food specials too. They have a pretty extensive 99 cent nigiri menu as well as special maki rolls and a $1.95 order of edamame. The first floor tends to be the most relaxed, but if you find yourself seated on the second or third floor, you can sake bomb away without really bothering anyone.

In the event you’re seeking a slightly more refined escape, you need not look further than Washington Circle. Circle Bistro, located in the One Washington Circle Hotel, offers moderately priced specials Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Each delectable libation is served up by Jane, a wiry old lady with a delightful British accent who I secretly wish were my grandma. All martinis and specialty cocktails are $6 and domestic and “almost premium” beers, rail drinks, and wines by the glass are half price.

I would highly recommend the “Silly Goose,” a sweet and smooth mix of vodka, Hypnotiq, and white cranberry juice, not only because it’s scrumptious but also because it’s blue! Their burgers are also half price during happy hour, but the rest of the food is rather pricey. It tends to be very sparsely populated so bring your own entourage and enjoy the classy depart from your usual college bars.

That should provide you with a few weeks worth of diversions (unless you're one of "those" people), so until next time, bottoms up!