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

Piola's

This international pizza chain specializes in thin crust, light sauce pizza cooked in a large wood-burning oven. The ingredients are fresh, the crust is perfect, the pizza non-greasy, and the food comes quickly.

The Happy Hour is so-so: house wines, tasty sangria, bottled light beers. This is a good bar for people trying to meet up with both beer and wine drinkers. Most people heading to happy hour in the area flock next door to Cafe Asia, leaving Piola roomy enough to find a bar stool and chat with the bartender(s), or visit with a larger group of friends without standing elbow to elbow.

Hungry? Great deals. What draws me here is the excellent selection of finger foods to snack on (for free!) while you chat with your friends by the bar during happy hour. Last night we had pizza with basil, pizza with pepperoni, olives, blue cheese, bread & dipping olive oil, and bruschetta! A plethora of food, and I went home full... of love for Piola.

Piola has a great location for those meeting up with people from DC and VAasince it is only a 5 minute walk up the hill from the Rosslyn metro station.

2 bonus points for playing soccer on the only TV in the bar area.

the deal:

M-F, 4:30–8pm

$4 House Red and White Wine, Sangria

$3 Beer (only bottles): Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, Heineken, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Corona

$5 Rails

Free Appetizers

Piola

CM III: Matchbox

The fruit infused vodka was the draw, but the delicious pizza kept us there, both were tasty! The building is beautiful — exposed brick, dumb-waiters, and an entertaining mix of tourist and young professionals. It was really getting hopping as we left.

deals:
5–7pm, Mon–Fri
$2.75 Yuengling Lager pints
$1 off all other drafts except for Belgian Beers
$4 infused matchbox martinis
$2 off small pizzas at the bar only
www.matchboxdc.com