Washington D.C. Political Bars

Bullfeathers has been serving the House of Representatives and all their friends since 1980. A 40-foot bar hosts a bargain happy hour from 5-8 p.m. nightly and the food is great, with a wide variety of plates to choose from. The tavern's name comes from President Theodore Roosevelt, the nation's 26th Commander-in-Chief and one of America's most colorful politicians. When faced with frustrations or absurd situations, Roosevelt would exclaim "Bullfeathers!" More familiar bull-related profanities were unacceptable in proper company, he said. This legendary bar's stated goal is to "take some of the edge off, take some of the ‘Bullfeathers' out of life and put a little more fun back in."

This locally famous bar burned in August 2005 but came back from the dead—bigger than ever. The political hotspot's collection of Nixon memorabilia still adorn the walls and new flat-screen TVs delight sports fans who come to cheer their favorite professional soccer and college athletic teams. Monday through Friday, the bar boasts $2.50 amber/ice drafts, $3 Bud and Bud Light bottles and $3.50 rail drinks. The lounge is also home to some of the best bar food on Capitol Hill—from burgers and fries, to salads and pizza. Mondays offer half-price pizza, Tuesdays are home to 10¢ wings and Wednesdays offer 25¢ tacos.

Capitol Hill and the Hawk 'n' Dove go hand-in-hand. This restaurant and bar is where staffers—both Democrat and Republican—gather to gripe about their bosses, the bar's proprietors say. But the trash talk is never by name—the etiquette is to refer to "my member," in case others are eavesdropping. The six-room bar provides plenty of options—room for a post-softball gathering, a quick drink or an almost-quiet conversation in front of the hearth. Sandwiches and burgers are available "mercifully late," until 1 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends.

Lounge 201 is the capital city's hottest new landmark. Located closest to the Senate office buildings, this cozy cocktail cove features two swank bars, two billiard tables, substantial private event space and expertly-crafted cocktails by pleasant staff. On Mondays, enjoy $3 Bud and Bud Light and half-price flat bread pizzas and on Tuesdays, stop by for creatively named half-price martinis like the Watermelon Flirt, Sublime Pie and Malaysian Midnight.

This small saloon is nowhere near Capitol Hill, but is a popular spot for politicos to sip suds. Located on the bustling U Street corridor near Adam's Morgan, Stetson's features an impressive list of beers as well as pool, darts and pinball. On one recent night, there were as many as 50 Democratic operatives downing drinks and socializing. On Mondays, enjoy half-price beef burgers, Wednesdays boast 25¢ wings and Thursdays feature half-price turkey burgers. At happy hour (Monday-Friday 4:30-8 p.m.), all rail drinks and Miller drafts are $2.50 and on Sundays patrons partake in $8 Bud Light pitchers.

Top of the Hill shares a space with its alter ego, the popular Pour House. This tavern, which features décor and collectibles from the "Blue Collar Northeast," boasts a $10 all-you-can-drink Bloody Mary Brunch on weekends. The bar's most notable night is Tuesday, where patrons play Quizzo at lightening speed. Prizes include $10, $20 and $30 bar tabs just for answering questions correctly.

The wood paneling and warm amber lighting at Top of the Hill complements the bar's conversational atmosphere, as do clusters of plush couches and leather chairs. World War II era art and local artists' creations adorn the walls and TVs, a stocked jukebox and a pool table provide hours of entertainment. Top of the Hill has a variety of draught and bottled beers, high call liquors and an extensive martini list. Eat half-price appetizers on Mondays, drink $5 cosmopolitans on Tuesdays and get half-price bottles of wine on Saturdays.

Just steps away from a cluster of House of Representatives offices buildings, Tortilla Coast has been a Capitol Hill institution for locals, tourists and politicians since 1988. The restaurant and bar features delicious Tex-Mex plates, frozen margaritas by the pitcher and friendly service. The Coast is home to a $5.99 "Enchilada Night" on Mondays and a $6.99 "Burrito Night" on Tuesdays. Wash down your meal with one of several special frozen margaritas (topped with sangria, midori or chambord or enjoy the patriotic "Stars & Stripes" margarita—a standard swirl margarita with a splash of Blue Curacao.