Look no further than celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s D.C. restaurants for happy hour options that showcase delicious bar fare and tempting libations.
First up, Latin-Asian inspired neighborhood restaurant, Masa 14, located 1825 14th Street, NW, 20009, is the ideal location for gathering with friends and coworkers with happy hour specials featured Sundays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Tuesdays, from 5 p.m. to close at the downstairs bar & lounge, as well as the 50-seat rooftop deck. On the rooftop guests can enjoy bottles and cans of Corona, Corona Light, Otter Creek Spring Bock, and Tecate, house red and white wine by the glass, and signature cocktails. Downstairs guests can enjoy Yeungling, Dos XX Lager, Amstel Light, house red and white wine by the glass, and signature cocktails.
Happy Hour cocktails include the Margarita Tradicional with Sauza Blue, simple syrup and fresh lime juice; Mojito Tradicional with Castillo rum, lime, mint, and simple syrup, as well as the Strawberry Lemonade with vodka, fresh strawberry puree, and lemon juice. For the perfect pairing, guests can choose from a number of small plates priced. Standouts include the Bahn Mi Burger, spiced pork patty, pickled vegetables, and citrus aioli; Crunchy Wok-Fried Okra with a soy and spicy ponzu sauce, and Marinated Portobello Bao Buns with panela, curried cabbage, and cilantro.
El Centro D.F., with two locations at 1818 14th Street NW, 20009 and the newly opened Georgetown location at 1218 Wisconsin Ave, NW, 20007, offers Rooftop Happy Hour nightly from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy bottled beers such as Bohemia, Dos XX Amber, Tecate, and Corona Light, as well as house red and white wine and signature cocktails such as the El Centro Margarita with house-made strawberry and mango puree; Spiked Watermelon Aqua Fresca and Tinta Roja Sangria. Savory snacks are available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly and include such favorites as Guacamole, served with house-made chips and salsa, and Shrimp Ceviche, citrus habanero broth, avocado, and pico de gallo. Guests can also enjoy two tacos from the pre-selected menu. Standouts include the Grilled Nopal Tacos, cactus, market vegetables, chayote, queso fresco, and salsa roja, and the Pork Carnitas, slow roasted pork shoulder, pickled onion, and spicy habanero salsa.
Steps from Eastern Market, Ambar, located at 523 8th Street SE, 20003, offers a special happy hour Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Signature cocktail creations include the Mango Lemonade, vodka, mango puree, simple syrup, and lemonade; Margarita Classic, tequila, agave nectar, and fresh lime, and the Mojito Classic, light rum, simple syrup, mint & lime. Guests can choose from a selection of Balkan bites including Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Prunes, goat cheese, almonds, and blueberry balsamic reduction; Leek Croquettes, panko-crusted, red pepper spread, and béchamel; Balkan Kebab’s, beef and pork, roasted peppers, and aged cheese, or the Wild Mushroom Salad, romaine with an anchovy-parmesan dressing.
The colorful Latin-Asian inspired restaurant, Zengo, located at 781 7th Street, NW, 20001, gets happy hour started early with specials Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. exclusively at the bar. Guests are invited to enjoy a range of beers, wines by the glass, and signature cocktails.. Classic cocktails include the Caipirinha; Mojito Pina; Margarita, and the Moscow Mule. Zengo also offers small plates priced. Don’t miss the Adobo Chicken Steamed Buns, cucumber kimchee, and cilantro, the Achiote-Hoisin Pork Arepas, corn masa, avocado, and crema fresca, and Crunchy Shrimp, masago, Sriracha aioli, scallion, and kabayaki. Additionally on “Mojito Mondays”, guests can enjoy mojitos in refreshing flavors such as Guava, Mango, Passion, and Pineapple.
