Bugsy's

I felt like a local the minute I stepped through the doors. I enjoyed the chummy teasing from the bartender, it was welcome, friendly and made me feel like I had been coming to Bugsy's a long time... instead of a single visit in 2008. The bartenders switched over while we were there, and our party grew from 2 to 9. The new bartender handled us with ease and a smile, despite being the only person servicing everyone in the bar area. She split up our large bill easily, even though she was using an ancient machine. Her positive attitude was worth her weight in gold: The CAPS game was not being played at the bar, or any bar in walking (or affordable taxi) distance... instead of calling it a night we stayed on because we were welcome and relaxed and the pizza was fantastic.

Despite the Direct TV vs. Versus ordeal (7 CAPS game this NHL season are played on Versus which is not carried at most bars in the metro area), we had a great time. I wasn't a huge fan of most of the apps, but you don't go to Bugsy's for the appetizers. Bugsy's is known for its tastey pizza — all who ordered it were pleased.

In summary: loved the atmosphere, loved the pizza, stay away from the other apps — and double check to make sure they are playing the hockey game.

the deal:
M–F
4–7
$4 Apps (full size, no skimping)
$4 selected domestic drafts

Bugsy's

Chadwicks

This bar is right on the waterfront... so if you have some company in town it is a nice area to walk around in. It is a hike from the King Street Metro, but with the trolley that runs up and down King Street (picking you up at the metro in 15 minute intervals) takes barely any time at all.

The bar was a bit crowded when I went for Trisha's birthday. The clientele seems to run a bit older, say 26-35, which is a nice escape from the hill-rats (hahaha). We managed to find a sweet corner spot with enough room for 8 people. The bartender makes a spectacular dirty-martini—which is a struggle for me to find in DC. The bartenders were overall really friendly, quick, great with the open tabs, and a general pleasure to have around.

Monday they have half-price burgers, which Trisha says are "Reaaaaally good!". Noel claims this is the best happy hour in Old Town! Apparently my friends all really love this bar and I didn't even know it.

Old Town, the deal:
4–7pm, M–F
Domestic Bottles, $2.50... quality ranges from Bud Light to Brooklyn (!!)
Rail Drinks $3
House Wines $3
Some APps $3... we had a decent Hummus dish


strangely, the deals are different (and better) at the Georgetown location, which I used to go to a lot.
Georgetown, the deal:
4–7pm, M–F
Domestic Bottles, $2.00
Rail Drinks, House Wines, Margaritas, $2.50
Half-Price Buffalo Wings & Potato Skins

Chadwicks

Vermillion & Rock It Grill

When we're feeling classy in old town, this is where we head. The brick walls, plush seats, bold colors create a hot decor that I love to wind-down to. We had a large group this time and were able to over-take the entire back corner. The bar tender, who usually has a very lonely Monday Night, was working the bar while keeping separate tabs for about 10 people, and serving us very quickly. He. Was. Awesome.

The Vermillion happy hour changes monthly, with three specialty-drinks chosen (for ours, Jade, Fushia, King St. Lemonade) for $4.50 (i think), and a few beers of choice for $3 (or $3.50, can't remember). VA won't post or tell you what their happy hour prices are, you've got to go experience them (this is due to the percentage of food sales to alcohol, and some law associated with this). And this is a delinquent post, sorry kids. I'll do a repost when I return back there in the near future. They also have affordable snacks, but I didn't partake so I feel I cannot vouch for them. Let's just say, no nachos.

A bar that has Boddington on draft is a bar I'm going to like. Usually I can only find this in restaurants that have TV's devoted to international soccer, so it was a pleasant surprise to find it here, at happy hour price! And for speciatly-drinkers, beyond the happy hour price you can enjoy the Birthday Martini's, a delicious way to celebrate any birthday of drinking age.


deals:
4–7pm
$3 Select Drafts
$4.50 on 3 Select Mixed Drinks (changed monthly)
1/2 price snackeroos
vermillion
For a complete list of their drafts, bottles, wine and other drinks, visit their site




After Vermillion we headed down to the street to Rock It Grill. This is the bar I like to head to (besides Pat Troys) if I want a standard beer experience. Smokey, locals, bar tables... BUT it comes with karaoke. Every night of the week it begins at 9:30. We were able to wait it out and listen to Jason's rendition of The American President's "Peaches", leaving directly after.

Although I'm not a huge fan of smelling like ashtray when leaving a bar, it is a small price to pay when I can hear some hank-williams from a guy in a cow-boy hat, back to back with some good old 90's tunes. Not a place to go if you like mixed drinks, or are discerning at all about wine.

deals: didn't go during happy hour, so not sure about those prices.

recent update: I found the logo and web site! After I saw an ad on tv for this bar the other night, I figured if they have that, they must have created a web site. And sure enough...

Rock It