Where to Celebrate the Inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Ready for four more years? Either way, you can take advantage of the holiday that will take over the District at the end of this week. Avoid the crowds and spread your partying throughout the weekend as well as on Inauguration Day — there are plenty of specials for locals and your visiting pals alike. Know an event or special we missed? Tell us about it in the comments.
Boqueria: “Four More Beers!” unlimited tapas and drinks brunch will be offered Saturday–Sunday, January 19–20 for $35 per person, and will be open until midnight throughout the weekend. On Monday, January 21, the restaurant will open early at 11 AM and offer a complimentary Mai Tai toast at noon.
ChurchKey: Join guest brewers from around the country at the Inaugural Brewers Ball, and enjoy “an endless parade” of bites and hors d’oeuvres as well as beers from 10 featured breweries. Mingle with Rob Todd from Allagash, Sean Lily Wilson of Fullsteam, Flying Dog’s Jim Caruso, DC Brau’s Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock, and many more ($150; 8 PM–1 AM, Monday, January 21; call 202-567-2576 for ticket info).
Co Co Sala: A special brunch begins at 10 AM on Monday, January 21 featuring cocktails and bites like chocolate-enrobed bacon. Throughout the weekend the bar will be open through late night serving special chocolates and other deals.
Farmers Fishers Bakers: The brand new spot will serve a special brunch from 10 AM–2:30 PM, Monday, January 21, featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet for $30 per person. Drinks are pay as you go, but there is also a bottomless Bloody Mary bar for $10 and a brunch bowl that serves a group for $20.
Firefly: A special menu of drinks will be offered from 11 PM-1 AM, Friday–Sunday, January 18–20, at $7.50 happy hour prices (usually $13). Options include the Southside (made with Few gin from Chicago) and the Chicago Fizz (made with Koloa Rum from Hawaii). Also look for a Chicago-style hot dog with all the fixings.
Georgetown: The Georgetown Business Improvement District is teaming up with local tour company Washington Walks to offer a free walking tour at 10 AM, Saturday, January 19. You must reserve a spot for the two-hour tour by emailing info@washingtonwalks.com.
Grillfish: A special Oyster brunch will be offered each day from Thursday–Monday, along with half a dozen Inauguration-themed cocktails like Truman's Breakfast (Maker's Mark, OJ, bacon garnish) and the Ciroc Obama (Ciroc, Hypnotiq, pineapple juice). Also look for a special three-course prix fixe Inauguration dinner menu.
Jack Rose: From 7 PM–midnight, Thursday, January 17, take part in a Yes We CAN Goose Island party, featuring specials on the Chicago Brewery’s canned beer as well as several vintage brews on tap. On Monday, January 21, after opening at 11 AM, a Tiki Pig Roast Luau will kick off at 6 PM, and will also featur a Kona Brewery (from Hawaii) tap takeover. Look for hula dancers, leis, tiki cocktails in fresh pineapples and coconuts, SPAM sliders, a pig roast and a raffle.
Logan Tavern: Enjoy five days of brunch (Friday–Tuesday, January 18–22) to celebrate the occasion, featuring 10 food specials under $10 and beer specials from Chicago's Goose Island Beer Company.
Meridian Pint and Smoke & Barrel: Both establishments will offer Goose Island 3012 Urban Wheat for $5 per pint all day long, and will also have the Chicago brewery's Bourbon County Stout on tap. Brunch starts at 10 AM at Meridian Pint and dinner at 5 PM at Smoke & Barrel.
Policy: Take the whole party to this U Street Corridor lounge for a $3,000 Obama “Two Terms” bottle service package. Offered Thursday–Sunday, January 17–20, the deal includes magnums of Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spade) Champagne and Grey Goose, a bottle of D’usse Cognac, Red Bulls and other mixers. The package is designed to serve up to 20 people.
Poste: A selection of beers from locations where President Obama has lived will be on offer, including Goose Island Matilda (Chicago; $9), Kona Brewing Pipeline Porter (Hawaii; $6), Blue Point Pale Ale (New York; $8), DC Brau Citizen (D.C.; $7) and several more.
Table: Launching on Friday, January 18, this new Mt. Vernon/Logan restaurant from chef Frederick de Pue will serve dinner and drinks nightly through the weekend and on Monday, January 21 from 5–11 PM.
Urbana: A special late night happy hour from 10 PM–midnight, Saturday–Sunday, January 19–20, will feature $4 Yuenglings and Peronis, $5 house red, white or sparkling wine, $7 Goose Island beers (from Chicago), $8 specialty cocktails and $8 pizzas.
Zentan: Food and drink will be served through midnight on Friday–Sunday, January 18–20, including the No. 44 (44 Cordial, rye, absinthe, orange bitters); Valor Purity & Justice (cinnamon-cayenne-infused tequila, lime, Blue Curacao, white chocolate, salt); and $20.13 splits of Champagne. A special $44 prix fixe menu will be offered on Monday, January 21, from 11:30 AM through dinner.
Photo via Flickr user Michael Foley Photography
Event Date: 01/17,01/18,01/19,01/20,01/21
Event Time: Varies
Location: Various Bars
Price: Varies