Yaku

I had high hopes.

As a beer drinker, I am disappointed when I go to a bar and all the taps are out. I opted for my second choice, the Sangria. The White Sangria was very sweet and peachy (I do not like peachy drinks), but the Red Sangria was delicious, full bodied, and worth trying. If you are only a beer drinker, like my friend Matt, this place was a total let down with the taps (Yuengling, Miller Light, Newcastle Brown and Magic Hat #9) out and no bottles in the house.

The wine selection was extensive with cool wine-coolers along the wall. The color and decor was very retro/hip — yellow and grays, modern lines through the restaurant, very striking. I will say, yellow seats do not mix with red wine. Despite being open only a year, the couches near the bar told us a different story and looked too stained to sit on. What I appreciated about the restaurant is that the happy hour deal was good for the entire restaurant, no matter where you sit. Thank goodness for that — the seats at the bar were already taken, and having 5 people sit side-by-side on a couch does not work.

I was excited to try the crab and shrimp wontons, but found myself again, disappointed, in the meat inside. The general response to the food at our table was, "... it was ok." Chinese Peruvian Fusion sounds delicious — perhaps I just chose the wrong dish?

When the waiters did come by our table, they were quick to take orders. The turn around on our orders was achingly slow for the lack of clientele, and trying to flag the waiters to come fill our empty drinks was at times frustrating.

Overall, I might give it another chance in 6 months. Perhaps there was it was just an off-night with the taps, wait staff, and kitchen... in the meantime, they've got a lot of tightening up to do in order to convince me to wander away from my all-time courthouse favorite: Ragtime.

drafts:
M–F, 5–7*pm
$2 drafts
$3 Sangria/$12 Pitcher
$4 Rail Cocktails
$5 Mojitos

$3-5 Apps (Crab Wontons, Lettuce Wraps, etc.)

*Happy Hour PDF on web site is inaccurate

Yaku

The Black Rooster

The Black Rooster was described to me as "The Cheers of D.C.", the first time I heard of it. I was standing in the rain with Jenny, watching a bit of Rugby. The man was from out of town but in D.C. for a consulting gig, and reminiscing about his old days in the district. A week later Jenny told me the bar was doomed to be closed, as it took up the first floor of the Peace Core building and they were planning to use the bar space as a new conference room.

3 days later we were there, just days before its scheduled close. I was not going to review the bar, but I recently heard via the DCist.com that the bar was planning on reopening!

Reached by telephone, Rooster Pub kitchen manager Phillip Turner confirmed that the bar does indeed hope to reopen in the next two to three weeks. Turner said that as he understood it, the leasing agent and the building owner "were able to work out something."

When the bar does reopen, go. The French Fries are the best in the city (normal fries, I'm not talking Dr. Graneville-fancy-pants-fries). Our waitress was an older chick, a combination of gruff with a mix of sarcastic jokes to win us over — a perfect blonde Carla. The plan was to get a beer and get out, but we found ourselves settling into a corner table and taking in the vibe of a Monday Happy hour while it was still available. I was sad to leave knowing a bar that I would surely love to come to again had a finite lifetime...

I hope to see you at a happy hour here soon, when it reopens in the coming weeks.

the deal:
we'll see what they come up with.

The Black Rooster

Eatonsville

Drinking cocktails out of a mason jar is always a good thing. Though Eatonville is not known for its drinks in the short 4-months it has been open, but rather the delicious southern fare — we were still drawn by the libations. The cocktails were $5 and ranged from very peachy Georgia Peach, to the absinthe laced concoction... which I wish I could remember the name of, but I can't, and is not available online. Drafts were half-price. I made the mistake of ordering Hennepin, a bottle (the most expensive bottle), and blew my measly happy hour budget. Stick to drafts to get bang for your buck.

As for food, our group voted the Hushpuppies filled with shrimp (off the apps menu), as well as the Mac & Cheese and Sweet Potato and Andouille Sausage Hash (off the $5 side menu), as our favorites.

The bar is located towards the rear of the restaurant. Next time I would venture upstairs to see what that area feels like and see if it is a bit more private. At times I felt like I was in the way as the wait staff rushed past the downstairs bar to keep the southern food coming out hot. We did enjoy our bartenders — Corey and AJ were efficient and fun. They gave small samples of left-over drinks to us, which was helpful in whittling down our choices with such strong cocktail options. Rebecca was able to order a mint julep with a sour kick that has quickly become her favorite-made-to-order drink.

the deal:
M–F, 5:30–7
1/2 price drafts
$5 select cocktails (a bunch to choose from)
no food deals :(

Eatonville

Ben's Next Door

I'm not sure where to begin. Location? Draft Selection? Friendly Staff? AMAZING food??? I'm just going to dive in.

Four of us gathered for Happy Hour at peak time, and we were able to secure seats at the bar and get our drinks with no problem. We each picked our poison, ordered some food, and hung out for a good 2 hours. Drafts Drafts Drafts! Peroni, New Castle, Bud Light, Sam's Seasonal, Stella Artois, Kona Long Beach, Blue Moon, Heine, Purple Haze. By now we know I love having the ability to choose from a wide array of beers. My favorite bars are always chalked full of light, dark, seasonal, hoppy & smooth — a little taste for everyone! Next Door had choice, in spades.

When happy hour wrapped up and the bartenders switched, our new bartender greeted all of us with free shots to start the second half of the night off right. I squeaked with delight, and Tina, who had shown us the light by suggesting Next Door, informed us that it was not usual to get free shots around this time. 2 minutes later, the hostess swung by and told us about the free scotch tastings taking place at the front of the bar. We sashayed over, tried two variations, and afterward received a free scotch drink at the bar.

The location is unbeatable. Walking out of the U-Street metro, taking the 13th St Exit, it is directly across the road. I have a few friends who are directionally challenged, so not having to direct someone via the phone at a loud bar is always appreciated. It goes without saying that being located directly next door to Ben's Chili Bowl is a dream for anyone who has ever eaten there.

I was completely impressed with the staff. The hostesses were very friendly, our bartender was attentive and up-beat, and everyone seemed happy to be working there in such a positive environment. There's nothing worse that looking forward to a happy hour only to find yourself struggling to get the attention of someone who can give you a beer, or getting scoffed at by the wait staff for ordering off the Happy Hour menu. Their attitudes were refreshing and made me want to become a regular.

My only negative comment would be that at times I had a hard time hearing my friends because of the loud chatter and music. Though, that is a double-edged sword, because of it wasn't as boisterous, I wouldn't get the feeling that everyone at the bar was having a great time and it wouldn't have felt so friendly.

the deal:
M–F, 4–7
$3 drafts (except the Guiness & Delirium Tremens, which are $5)
$5 Ben's Food (sample menu, not the entirety)
$3 fries
$5 other food (purely Next Door Restaurant menu items)


Ben's Next Door

"Next Door" to Ben's Chili Bowl... and if you haven't been to Ben's Chili Bowl, why are you reading this blog. You should be getting on a metro, en route.

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

Bar Pilar

Everyone I know who has been to Bar Pilar, loves it. The food is great! In a fashion similar to taps, you can order small plates with small portions. This is great (minus the price) for a HH when you're not super hungry, planning to cook at home, and just need something to tide you over. Everyone at our table was extremely happy with what they ordered: from tomato & basil on grilled bread, to the lamb-hot-dog.

The draft selection was solid with something that should please everyone: Brooklyn Brown, Allagash White, Magic Hat #9, etc. I was surprised that the Happy Hour was close to absent. The people I know who rave about this place frequent it at night and aren't looking for deals with food or drink. Only having 2 beers that are $2 off (Tecate and Yuengling, two of the bottles) and no food specials when the portions are already small, is a rip-off in my book. Especially when you have great options posted on a huge chalk board dangling over your head. I actually enjoy Tecate, but I think its a little cheap only aim for minimum expectations.

That being said, I would not recommend this bar for a happy hour, but fully support going here on a night out. It became packed quickly, during our Monday HH. I've been here on Friday nights when it was VERY packed — partially because of the narrow length of the restaurant/bar and the amount of people frequenting U Street. At one point there was a working photobooth in the back section which has brought pleasure and memories to many of my friends. The photobooth was frequently out of order, so I'm assuming Bar Pilar finally got tired of customers complaining about it and removed the booth entirely. I'm not a huge fan of crowds, but this is a great option when you're down that street and tired of fighting at the St. Ex bar or screaming over your friends in their downstairs basement, its right next door, much more relaxed, and has a more welcome feel. It is crowded, but far less crowded than St. Ex Thurs-Sat nights.

In summary: service was good, atmosphere was chill, food was tastey, deals were not impressive.

the deal:
M–F, 5–7
$2 Yuengling bottle
$2 Tecate can

Bar Pilar

Crystal City Sports Pub

Capitals vs. Penguins. My friends and I all put on our gear and staked out some seats to watch the game. Capitals lost in a miserable defeat with my two-outlier friends cheering on the victory. Though the game was MISERABLE, I enjoyed the restaurant.

There were TVs everywhere! Big TVs, Small TVs, every shape and size! Another huge plus for me, was there everyone there was there to watch the game. I hate going to sports bars when there are tons of people talking over all the excitement who you are trying to block out in order to focus on the game.

The service was quick and efficient. The muiltple servers were into the game and cheering on their teams (in a non-obnoxious way). I have a friend who goes here during college football season and stays all day on Saturdays. Her friends all follow different teams, they are able to hang out at the same table and all watch their games.

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of details on beer choices because I opted for the cheap ML. The chicken tenders were great, I was thoroughly satisfied.

the deal:
4–7, M-F
$2 Miller Lite
"About $1 off drafts, $3 Domestic Bottles"
1/2 Price Apps ("except Steak & Sea Food")

Crystal City Sports Pub