News Summary
In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, numerous bars and restaurants in the DMV area are stepping up to provide discounts for furloughed federal workers. Venues like Franklin Hall and Merry Pin are featuring special promotions that include affordable food and drink options, requiring a valid government ID for eligibility. Other establishments, such as Carmine’s and Union Pub, are also offering enticing deals to support the local economy and those affected by the shutdown. As the situation evolves, businesses continue to announce new offers to assist federal employees during this challenging time.
Washington, D.C. – As the federal government remains in a shutdown, impacting thousands of non-essential employees, numerous bars and restaurants throughout the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) are stepping up to support those affected by offering a range of food and drink discounts. These special promotions are primarily aimed at furloughed federal workers, requiring patrons to present a valid government ID to qualify for the savings.
Franklin Hall in the U Street Corridor is one of the venues making a significant effort to help during this challenging time with a shutdown party featuring $6 beers, cocktails, and shooters, along with a free food buffet from 4-6 PM. Meanwhile, Merry Pin in Shepherd Park is offering $2 coffees, $6 mimosas, and free crafts every Wednesday for federal employees.
Several other dining establishments are also providing tempting deals. Carmine’s in Penn Quarter features an all-day happy hour with $5 meatball sliders and $8 cocktails. Over at Union Pub on Capitol Hill, customers can enjoy $3 beers and $7 beer-and-hotdog combos. In addition, Barrel, also in Capitol Hill, runs an “Unhappy Hour,” offering $10 bourbon cocktails and $6 beers all day.
Cork Wine Bar on 14th Street is providing early happy hour drinks priced from $5 to $8 for federal employees seeking relief from the financial burden of the shutdown. McClellan’s Retreat in Dupont offers an all-day happy hour, with cocktails ranging from $8 to $10 and a sandwich option available for $15. Duke’s Grocery across all locations provides a free shot of bourbon or house wine when a burger or entrée is purchased by federal workers.
Butterworth’s Capitol Hill is enticing patrons with drink specials including the “Furlough-rita” along with $5 Welsh rarebit. Hank’s Oyster Bar, with locations in Dupont and Wharf, features an all-day happy hour, offering $2.50 oysters and 20% off lunch and dinner for those with federal IDs. Compass Coffee adds to the mix by giving federal workers a free pastry with any drink purchase.
Taco Bamba has a buy-one-get-one-free taco offer at all locations for federal employees, while Pop Fizz in Shaw features $14 pizzas and select bottles for $25, along with $6 martinis exclusively for those presenting a federal ID. Immigrant Food is also participating by offering $5 margaritas available to all guests during the shutdown.
Unconventional Diner in Shaw offers $7 mocha-espresso martinis and half-off espresso-style martinis at sister locations, while Osteria Morini in Navy Yard has $15 pasta dishes for federal employees. Cucina Morini in Mt. Vernon Triangle offers $10 primi pastas for federal workers, and Boqueria locations are hosting all-day happy hours with drinks and tapas available for those presenting a federal ID.
The Yume Group at multiple locations is generously providing a 20% discount on meals for federal workers, excluding happy hour items. Rooster & Owl on 14th Street has brought out an $85 prix-fixe menu (normally $125) alongside a $75 drink package during the shutdown. Additionally, Thompson Restaurants across various family-friendly eateries are extending a 20% discount to federal employees.
The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant financial difficulties for many federal workers in D.C., creating challenges not only for employees but also for the local economy. As such, local businesses are responding by launching these various offers and specials to provide support during these trying times. Updates on shutdown specials will continue to be shared as new deals arise, so patrons are encouraged to stay informed on available discounts.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Government Shutdown Food & Drink Specials
- Wikipedia: Government Shutdown
- Washingtonian: Food and Drink Deals during the Shutdown
- Google Search: Government Shutdown DC Deals
- Washington Post: Shutdown Specials and Happy Hours
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Shutdown
- Fox 5 DC: Government Shutdown Sales and Freebies
- Google News: Shutdown Specials DC
- WTOP: Deals for Federal Workers during the Shutdown
- Northern Virginia Magazine: Deals for Furloughed Workers
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
