We're three Chicago women with a week-long project in downtown DC. What's a good place for a decent happy hour? We're mid-thirties, suit-type consultants, so youngish, party places are out for us. We want to unwind, do some people watching and order appetizers after the work day...

(Probably wouldn't take a cab to the waterfront. We're staying at the Mayflower on Connecticut and have appointments in the Dupont, 14th and K and West End areas.)

Many thanks in advance!

One place that is very popular after work is the Bar area of the Jury's Hotel, located right on Dupont Circle. This is just a few minutes walk up Conn. Ave. from your hotel. Another place worth checking out is the bar at the Topaz Hotel, on N Street, between 17th and 18th, just around the corner from your hotel.

Whenever I am in DC I make it a point to go to happy hour at the Mayflower - Town & Country is a great place for drinks, and has a piano player a few evenings per week.

Bubba's in Georgetown is a great place.
Drinks and cigars

Thanks; those sound great! Anyone else?

Topaz is definately the place I would reccommend. If you are African American, I would suggest Zanzibar or State of the Nation.

Just arrived from the other thread, and wondered if any of you are interested in meeting locals in DC. I think you can settled that debate very fast.

I happen to like beer, and therefore would recommend the Rathskeller near Dupont. It's a little hole-in-the-wall place, good bar food, great brew selection.

I like the Old Ebbitt Grill, on 15th between F & G streets (approx) near the White House. Classic old clubby bar.

Thanks, all. This is a great start...

Round Robin Bar at the Willard.

Rathskellar? Do you mean Brickskellar at 23rd and P? I would also second Topaz and maybe even Rouge. You could also try the Hotel Washington, their rooftop deck might still be open with a great view of the city.

Try the bar in the bistro at Hotel George. Good wine list, nice atmosphere, yummy crostini.

I'd suggest what Amy stated "Old Ebbitts Grill." The law firm I use to work for went there for X-mas Dinner and Party and the bar reminds me of an old English tavern.

Old Ebbitt is a tourist trap that's very crowded. You can do much better! Suggest you try Pa. Ave NW, the Dupont Circle area, Adams-Morgan or upper Ct. Av NW near the Shoreham. Forget Old Ebbitt.

I agree with Old Ebbitt, very boring, as a matter of fact there was a question similar to yours on the washingtonpost.com got plans chat this afternoon. Here it is, hope this helps:

Washington, D.C.: Three women in their early 30s getting together downtown for Happy Hour. Last week Old Ebbit was a bit dull for our tastes. Also been too Dragonfly and Poste recently. Looking for something new in NW with good martinis and bar chit-chat.

The Going Out Gurus: Old Ebbit is Dullsville (note: not Dulles). Have you peeked inside Ortanique? It's got a brezzy, pan-Caribbean flow and beautiful lighting. I had a light supper and a cocktail at Zola last Friday night and that was a pretty snappy scene. Red and white and the crowd was definately old enough to pay for themselves. I'm a fool for the martini's at Le Bar in the Sofitel, but Fritz sofitells me that Patrick (the excedingly French long-faced bar man has picked up and moved to Florida), but I'm sure they've got a similarly talented person in his stead. -- Kate

Why so many responses for a happy hour? Doesn't anybody get it?

I think this chick is looking for something more than happy hour. I think she is looking for a reply from a John.

normaly i wouldn't agree. but i do have doubts about this Come On.

When I was single I used to go to Sequoia on the waterfront...if it is warm you can stand outside and people watch. We've seen Barbara Walters, Marg Helgenberger, the Dad from Fresh Prinz of Bel Air and other famous people.

If it is cold, there is a nice upstairs bar...or at least it used to be!

I agree with the suggestion of Old Ebbits Grill myself -- I think someone who lives in DC and goes out regularly might have different feelings than visitors on a business trip (in reference to the Wash Post chat). However, it's a pleasant, comfortable bar, not to young, and is find for people watching. I've been in there a few times and it didn't seem a tourist trap to me, especially the bar area where all the folks worked in the general area (at least when I was there). I think tourists may eat there and go into the back rooms, I don't know. However, there aren't that many tourists at this time of the year anyway, so I wouldn't let that bother me.

I also think the Mayflower and Sequoia and the Topaz are good suggestions, I'd also say Cafe Atlantico in the downtown area is a good restaurant and has a good bar, as well as Red Sage. Most of these are good ideas except I wouldn't go to Brickskellar myself, that just is like a basement college beer place to me. It can be fun at the right time and for the right purpose, but I wouldn't send a group of 30s suit-type consultants there for a fun time out-of-town.