Napoleon's Bistro

What a refreshing change to the same-old-DC-happy hour! Champagne Cocktails were delicious and half-price, and the pom frites are never a disappointment. What I loved most about Napoleon's, beyond the french-chic, approachable decor, was the depth and diversity of all the Cocktails. I had a small gathering of friends help me check out this place and we all left with smiles on our faces. The mix of tastes of those who came varied greatly: from those who always order mixed drinks, the straight tequila sippers, the bourbon on rocks, to strictly wine, to the miller-liters - but there was an extensive champagne cocktail list with something for everyone!
I really enjoyed the Kentucky Cream Soda with bourbon and vanille, as well as the French 75 with Bombay Sapphire. Two other stand-outs were the absinthe-laced Green Fairie, and Ruby Red for those with a fruitier palette. But again, something from everyone — tart, fruit, dry — you name it!
I have been to the downstairs Champagne bar in the past, but it had been reserved for a social meet-up group and we had to keep out. If you get a chance you should definitely take advantage of the dark room and grab a black couch for you and your friends. It is a great twist on the after-work-happy hour, and fun for a special event. The bang-for-your buck is great and you will leave feeling decadent.
I know I have always pushed for the cheap, neighborhood stand-bys... but this has crept into my top-5 favorite happy hour spots. Double-points for this Happy Hour lasting until 8pm - the hike to Adams Morgan (for me) is definitely time well spent.

the deal:
M-F, 5:30–8 pm
1/2 price champagne cocktails
$2 off beer drafts
1/2 apps (excludes pom frites and mini burgers)

Napoleon's

CM VIII: Lauriol Plaze + *bonus* Nolans

Big Turnout, friend of friends + more friends. Drinks were great, esp. the Margs — but complete lack of happy hour specials proved to be too daunting for our group... A good place for a first date (from what I hear) but not good at all for happy hour since there is a partial bar situated in the waiting area.

deals: none.
www.lauriolplaza.com/














Nolans: Second bar of the night, just a stumble up the street from Lauriol. Nothing on tap, only bottles... and what cheap bottles they are on Monday Nights! Acceptable Burgers, served with onion rings (... who pref. onion rings to french fries?). We were on two ends of the spectrum, this being the divey, smells of freshly lysol'd bathrooms, no tables except for the few outside to cater to the massive bar crowd. It was what we expected, cheaper then L for sure. Opens up at 6pm so we were the only ones there... this is primarily a night club from what I understand with a big dance floor below, hardly an irish bar.

deals:
$2 domestics (or $3 imports and Smirnoff drinks) from 6-9 Monday–Friday
*no web site either. awesome!*