D.C., putting the “happy” back into happy hour!!!

If you were born after this date in 1988, this post is NOT for you!! For everyone else, I cannot begin to tell you how much I love happy hour in DC. Where I am from, there is nothing “happy” about happy hour. In fact, the only folks in the bar mid-day are depressed, jobless, or serving up shots of Jack to the depressed jobless people. However, in D.C., happy hour is an entirely different story. In D.C., happy hour is like recess, and everyone is counting down the minutes until it is time to play. No lie, as soon as the work day is done, people, myself included—hey, when in Rome, do as the Romans do—swarm to their bar of choice to celebrate the end of another long, grueling day of work in the capital. I have often heard mention of the importance of happy hour in DC—sort of like the siesta in Spain—however, I did not expect happy hour to be this awesome. The best part of it all is, not only is happy hour fun and cheap, happy hour is a prime networking opportunity. Just the other day, my roommate, Keith (real cool dude), and I were sitting down, having a couple of much deserved cold ones, when, all of a sudden, this random gentlemen—also named Keith—began conversing with us. Long story short, Keith introduced us to his friend, Danny, who just happens to work at one of the most prestigious law firms in country (sorry, but the firm will remain nameless). After hearing the name of the firm, I decided to take a risk and try to make a connection (shout out to Chris Mason). I’ll give you guys the abridged version of my conversation with Danny.

Me: Really,(Name of law firm)? That is amazing. What area do you practice?
Danny: White Collar and Securities.
Me: Fascinating. Where did you attend law school?
Danny: (Name of law school, which I am very familiar with)
Me: I plan on applying there in the fall. How did you like (name of school)?
Danny: It was great for IP.
Me: Listen, Danny, I have to conduct an interview with a person working in the field I plan on pursuing. Would you or someone at your firm be available to sit down for a brief interview? I understand that corporate attorneys are very busy, so I am flexible about the time.
Danny: Of course! Here is my contact information. We’ll make time.

Booyaahh!!! Connection made!!!

Roommates Sean and Keith enjoying the festivities. Andy for President!!!

So, do not get too happy during happy hour. You must be on your A game since you never know whom you are going to encounter. Chances are the person next to you is in a position to help you in some way.

Aside from being a great place to relax and meet professionals, happy hour is a great opportunity to chill out with some really amazing people, TWC, as well as non-TWC (shout out to Ariel and Sebastian). Nothing breaks the ice quicker than a couple of drinks. Plus happy hour is the only opportunity for an intern to catch a deal. Everything else, especially the Metro, is a rip-off and a half. I swear it feels like the “Metro Man” is always digging in my pocket. Seriously, I have been telling everyone how ridiculously overpriced the Metro is in D.C. I mean, you can get anywhere in NYC for just $2!!!! Right, Cassie and Kristen? However, I will save my frustration with the “Metro Man” for another post.

Now back to happy hour, and how much I love it. Yesterday, for instance, Keith and I had another awesome time at happy hour. Sebastian, a really cool dude from work, told me about a great place near work called Lucky Bar. After work, Sebastian and I met up with Keith for some well-priced beverages and even better priced wings. Soon after we arrived, Ariel, an awesome individual from New York, joined in the festivities. The atmosphere was really chill, and even though I do not play pool, it was cool that there was a pool table right in the middle of the floor. However, as crazy as it sounds, the highlight of the night, at least in my view, was the rather interesting conversation I had with Ariel about the socialization processes of various ethnic groups. It should come as no surprise that yesterday was a great day!!

All right folks, I feel I have explained why happy hour is amazing, and since these bars are not paying me to advertise for them, I think I will stop now. For those of you who have read through the entire post, I have a treat for you. Below are the names and locations of a few happy hour hotspots, and why each place is great. Enjoy.

By the way, if anyone is ever in need of someone to join him or her for happy hour, just hit me up; I am always down.

1107 crew plus Sherry and Erica, at our first happy hour in the District. We did not even work that day.

Front Page-Dupont Circle (Great bartenders, $2 Coronas on Thursday)
Lucky Bar-Connecticut Ave. & 18th St ($3 Yeungling, 25 cent wings)
Ventnor’s Sports Café-Adams Morgan (Fresh Popcorn, spicy peanut wings, “Recession Wednesdays”)
My Brother’s Place-Capital Hill (It’s sooo cheeeappp)