Happy Hours in Bethesda

7900 Norfolk Ave Bethesda, MD  20814 301-652-1311 Themes/Styles:  American / Microbrew/Alehouse / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility:  Tolerable 2 miles from I-495 Exit 34. Some street parking, but the best bet is the garage accessed from St. Elmo and Cordell streets. Upper levels are long-term parking for $0.50 per hour.
Metro Accessibility:  Tolerable Less than half a mile from Bethesda Metro station (Red Line).

What is Rock Bottom?

Rock Bottom is a chain brewery and restaurant located in downtown Bethesda. The main floor is very spacious with both the restaurant portion and the bar area. The bar runs nearly the length of the side wall, with stools, booths, tables, and long tables providing ample seating options. On the second floor (access by walking through the restaurant area) is a small bar area with 3 billiards tables and some seating. Both bar areas offer happy hour deals. Outside Area:  No. Entertainment:  Yes.  3 billiards tables, 5+ TVs

Our Review

It’s rare to find a place in Bethesda where you can still get a beer for under $2. Rock Bottom’s $1.50 pints are a great way to drink house-brewed beer and keep the tab low. But in order to take advantage of the situation, you gotta be prompt, you gotta be fast, and with no other drink specials, you gotta like their beer. The deal only runs for an hour and half, three days a week…and you’ll pay royally if you order outside of the time window: regular pint price is $4.75. Wednesdays offer a different deal: after 5pm, big 23oz beers costing $6 for the first one (but you get a free glass on your way out), and $3 for every refill. Not quite the $1.50 pint deal, but worth it if you can put down that much beer, and you can get the deal in the restaurant as well. The happy hour appetizer specials are shy of being a great deal: the portions seem to be scaled back to reflect the prices ($5 for 5 medium-sized wings, $5 for 2 taquito-like things, $4 for cup of cheese dip, $3 for onion rings). But at least they’re tasty and of good quality. Regardless, Rock Bottom is a pretty happening spot with a decent crowd of mostly after-work professionals (mostly collared shirts) of all ages and genders. The service is quick, attentive, and friendly among those that seem to be regulars. The brick and wood construction fits well with the down-to-earth brewery vibe, and the tall ceilings and brighter lighting give it an open and alive feel. Combined with the wide array of seating options and mixed layout, the bar area is very conducive to mingling or hanging out with any size group.

The Run Down

If house-brewed beer is what you’re looking for, the happy hour price of $1.50 on pints truly is rock bottom. If you find yourself outside of the narrow happy hour offering, you may find yourself hitting the rock bottom of your wallet.

Reviewed by Lee on Wednesday, June 11, 2008.