Drinking spots offer seasonal spirits

Planning a fun night out on the town in D.C. during the holiday season? Here’s five great places you can visit to keep things festive. 

Union Pub (201 Massachusetts Ave. NE): Located just outside of Union Station, the Union Pub features a seasonal sampler bucket of local brewed beers every Friday. The sampler offers five different brews for $20 dollars, which gives you the chance to experience local microbrews that might otherwise slip under the radar. Stop by during the holiday season to check out their winter offerings.

{mosads}The 201 Bar (201 Massachusetts Ave. NE): Another Capitol Hill mainstay, The 201 Bar features beer, cocktails and wine, but its signature offering is its Goose Island bourbon and ale. Every year The 201 Bar celebrates the release of the winter ale with a party, but even if you miss it, there’s plenty of opportunity to fill up on the ale throughout the holiday season.

Tabard Inn (1739 N St. NW): Located off Dupont Circle, the Tabard Inn is one of D.C.’s more atmospheric hotel bars. The inn itself and its restaurant are worth checking out, but the main draw is the bar, which has an old-world homey feel complete with a working fireplace, perfect for cold winter nights. If you are looking for a relaxed but elegant way to end a busy day of Christmas shopping, you can’t do much better than sipping a cocktail by the Tabard’s fire.

Lucky Strike (701 7th St. NW): More than your typical bowling alley, Lucky Strike features a fully functioning lounge and bar. It also serves as a venue for private events and features a special menu around the holidays, so it is an excellent choice to host a party.

Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, Va.): If you are up for a trip to Virginia, Restaurant Eve has earned a reputation for its rotating drink list, created by general manager Todd Thrasher and his team of mixologists. Check out their mulled wine, a warm drink mixed with nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold December night.