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Happy Hours

The MoCo Rising happy hour research team is toiling away to bring you reviews on every place to do happy hour in Montgomery County. It's a tough job. Really. The reviews are based on one or two MCR reviewer experiences, and the ratings are based on MCR's own metrics for what makes a good happy hour. To learn more about the review process and how we determine the ratings, visit our About Us page.

Use the filters to the left and the sorts at the top of listings in order to find the happy hour that's right for you.

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Flagrantly showing everything. (22 places to check out.)
Venue Name and InformationCityVenue DescriptionThe ReviewRating

Growlers

227 E. Diamond Ave
Gaithersburg, MD  20877 (Map)
301-519-9400
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Annoying
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

3 bars, 2 floors
8 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Gaithersburg (Old Towne) Growlers is a corner microbrewery in Old Towne Gaithersburg. The downstairs contains a small bar, main restaurant area, and semi-private seating areas (one tucked by the kitchen, one above overlooking the bar and fermentation tanks). The upstairs (accessed through a doored "stairwell") holds the larger pub room with an extensive bar and bar tables, and a stage for live performances. Off of the pub room is a covered deck with another full-service bar. The decor is inviting with warm colors, solid wood and brass fixtures. If you’re looking for a local feel in a unique historical building to chat over some house brew, this is the place for you. BUT… If you’re looking for business networking or a fast-paced feeling, Growlers may not be your speed. More info... Excellent—A bar with this rating means it embodies all that a happy hour should: good drink and/or food deals, great service and atmosphere, and plenty of drink choices to appeal to a large crowd…among many more qualities. It is very unlikely that you will come out of the bar unhappy. Very few bars will achieve this level.

Ri Ra

4931 Elm Street
Bethesda, MD  20814 (Map)
301-657-1122
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

2 bars, 1 floors
14 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full
Bethesda (Downtown) Ri Ra is an Irish pub and restaurant located in downtown Bethesda. The establishment has two bars to choose from: the Olympia Bar is located to the left of the main entrance and is surrounded by the restaurant seating area, and the Shop Bar located to the right of the entrance. Much attention to detail has been paid to the décor and furniture. Leather seating, wood-paneled walls, carved pillars, painted ceilings with eccentric lighting all team up create a very casual yet perfected environment. Good atmosphere and great deals on a wide array of food and beverage make Ri Ra a place almost anyone can enjoy, without having to fly across the pond! BUT… Authenticity comes with a price (for some): you won’t find deck bars, pool tables, or thumping tunes here. More info... Excellent—A bar with this rating means it embodies all that a happy hour should: good drink and/or food deals, great service and atmosphere, and plenty of drink choices to appeal to a large crowd…among many more qualities. It is very unlikely that you will come out of the bar unhappy. Very few bars will achieve this level.

Zodiac Lounge

654 Center Point Way
Gaithersburg, MD  20878 (Map)
301-977-2213
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Cheap

Vital Stats:

2 bars, 1 floors
16 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo
Gaithersburg (Kentlands) Zodiac Lounge is a part of a three-pronged restaurant business in the Kentlands. This second-floor bar sits on the corner above the Zodiac Grill, and is accessed from a stairway along Center Point Way. The bar is fairly extensive with a corner “balcony” bar (completely enclosed, but full of windows overlooking the streets below), and a main bar area with stools, booths, a small stage, and a large open floor. There is also a “smoking room,” a small separate room with one window where patrons can smoke without leaving the bar. If you’re tired of the same old appetizers, Zodiac Lounge’s high-end gourmet style offerings really hit the spot, and the happy hour discount makes them a steal. BUT… Zodiac Lounge does not open until 5pm, so if you stop by too early, you’ll be stuck out on the street. More info... Excellent—A bar with this rating means it embodies all that a happy hour should: good drink and/or food deals, great service and atmosphere, and plenty of drink choices to appeal to a large crowd…among many more qualities. It is very unlikely that you will come out of the bar unhappy. Very few bars will achieve this level.

Bailey's Pub & Grille

20021 Century Blvd
Germantown, MD  20874 (Map)
301-515-8880
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
35 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Germantown Bailey’s is a casual restaurant and bar on the edge of Germantown’s newest commercial development near along Germantown Rd. The stand-alone establishment is actually more bar than it is restaurant (space-wise), with a very large bar area with stools, long tables, bar tables, and booths. There is also a side room with two billiards tables, and an outside porch-like area that sometimes hosts a “tiki bar.” Beer fans take note: Bailey’s is serious about its beer selection and offers a good array of deals on their 35 draft offerings. BUT… If you like to settle into a place with a lot of character, you may find Bailey’s a bit lacking. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

Dogfish Head Alehouse

800 West Diamond Ave
Gaithersburg, MD  20878 (Map)
301-963-4847
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Pricey

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 2 floors
11 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Has outside area
Gaithersburg Dogfish Head Alehouse is the only place in Maryland where the full multitude of Dogfish Head brews are served on tap. The brand, brewed in Delaware, is famous for its extensive and eclectic selection of high-quality craft beers. The stand-alone establishment has two levels: the first floor split between the bar and restaurant; the second floor is a continuation of the restaurant and also has a small room that can be made private by closing dividing doors. The bar area has tables and stools, and a door to the patio. If you demand quality in beer, food, and service, Dogfish Head Alehouse is sure to please. BUT… If you are happy with simpler tastes and lower prices, you probably want to skip this spot. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

Gordon Biersch

200 East Middle Ln, Unit A
Rockville, MD  20850 (Map)
301-340-7159
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
6 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Has outside area
Rockville (Town Square) Gordon Biersch stands at the entrance to the Rockville Town Square. The bar area is up front, with the restaurant area neatly placed in the back. The design is open, yet the bar & restaurant areas are separated enough to maintain different sights and noise levels. The décor is inviting and sophisticated with warm colors and plenty of wood & brass fixtures. Bar area contains small and long-length bar tables and stools, some with bench seats along the restaurant divider. This microbrew is a good choice if you're interested in high quality beer and the opportunity to mingle with a professional crowd. BUT… If you prefer a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, or are on a budget, you should consider other options. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

McGinty's Public House

911 Ellsworth Dr
Silver Spring, MD  20910 (Map)
301-587-1270
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Tolerable
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

2 bars, 2 floors
16 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo
Silver Spring (Downtown) McGinty’s is an Irish pub along a side street in downtown Silver Spring. The first floor has the “snug bar,” the cozy downstairs bar. There are about 6 stools at the bar, a couple booths and some bar tables, 2 dart areas, and a fireplace. Upstairs is the “cottage” restaurant and, further back, the larger upstairs bar. The upstairs has booths, tables and probably around 30-40 stools at the bar itself. No two days are alike: if variety is the spice of your life, this chill down-to-earth spot will keep you coming back different days of the week. BUT… If you crave a fast-paced feeling and a trendier atmosphere, this place may not satisfy you. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

Pelican Pete's

12941 Wisteria Dr
Germantown, MD  20874 (Map)
301-428-1990
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Cheap

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
5 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Germantown (Town Center) Pelican Pete’s is a seafood restaurant and bar in the center of Germantown’s business district. As part of a strip mall, the outside blends in with the surrounding businesses (except for the sidewalk seating area). Inside contains a restaurant area and a fairly large bar area with stools and booths. Pelican Pete’s is a truly fresh catch if you like great deals and want a simple happy hour experience. BUT… If you’re searching for sophistication in style and cuisine, this place will leave you feeling beached. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

Piratz Tavern

8402 Georgia Ave
Silver Spring, MD  20910 (Map)
(301) 588-9001
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
0 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Silver Spring (Downtown) Piratz Tavern is a corner bar in the heart of Silver Spring. The front is the restaurant area, with a passage in the back leading to the bar area and patio. The owners did not skip any details when it came to filling out the pirate theme, and the dark furnishings and narrow layout create a cozy yet cavernous feel. If you’re a fan of true theme bars, pirate fun in general, or good rum drinks, Piratz Tavern is a good place to bury your treasure. BUT… If you’re looking for cheap domestic light beer and good deals on traditional, filling appetizers, you better walk the plank. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café

231 Rio Blvd
Gaithersburg, MD  20878 (Map)
240-632-2150
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
0 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Has outside area
Gaithersburg (Rio) Uncle Julio’s is a stand-alone lake-side Mexican restaurant situated around the lake and located between the many shops and restaurants of the Rio complex. The front bar area is open and spacious with bar tables and chairs, and also serves a sunny patio by the main entrance. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, the service and quality at Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café gives the competition a run for their pesos. BUT… If you want to make an evening of your happy hour, the short and early happy hour period is not so Grande. More info... Good—A happy hour with this rating is still a damn good happy hour, so don’t think you should only look at “Excellent.” It might have been deficient in few areas of our rating model, but these may be things some people don’t care about. So in some cases, a “Good” is no different than an “Excellent.”

Chevy's

668 Clopper Rd
Gaithersburg, MD  20878 (Map)
301-926-6646
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Cheap

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
2 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Has outside area
Gaithersburg Chevy’s is a Mexican restaurant with separate bar area with patio. Patio has tables & chairs, and overlooks the parking lot of the neighboring shopping center. The bar area consists of an open room with bar tables & stools; the bar length is about 9 stools. If you’re looking for a spot to chat with friends/coworkers without spending much cash, or just want a buzz and a meal for under $20, this is a good bet. BUT… If you're looking for authentic atmosphere and opportunities for mingling, all bets are off. More info... Decent—A decent happy hour means that the bar probably does a couple things very well, but also lacks a few qualities. These are the places where you’ll find love-hate debates among different people. Read the review and decide whether it’s a place you want to give a shot.

Jaleo

7271 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda, MD  20814 (Map)
301-913-0003
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
4 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full
Bethesda (Downtown) Jaleo is Spanish tapas joint located in the heart of Bethesda at the corner of Woodmont Ave and Elm St. The interior is open and modern, with a raised bar area wrapping around the kitchen in the back, surrounded by restaurant portion in the front and sides. Sidewalk seating is available during warm months, but no happy hour specials are available outside of the bar area. This is a good place for you’re looking for an open atmosphere to sample sangria and a variety of tasty tapas. BUT… If you prefer dive pubs and standard fare, or want to get started early, Jaleo is a no-no. More info... Decent—A decent happy hour means that the bar probably does a couple things very well, but also lacks a few qualities. These are the places where you’ll find love-hate debates among different people. Read the review and decide whether it’s a place you want to give a shot.

Potomac Grill

1093 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD  20852 (Map)
301-738-8181
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Annoying
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
2 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo
Rockville The Potomac Grill is an unassuming restaurant located along Rockville Pike in a small strip mall. The inside contains a main seating area, a small bar area with a few tables, and a private dining room. The theme and decoration is very light: a few baseball-related decorations at the bar, and an easy-to-miss nautical theme throughout. But the watered-down decorating does not disappoint; in fact, the lack of gaudiness allows the overall style of furniture and fixtures project a strong feeling of being a high class establishment. If you’re looking for a place where you feel included and want to be a regular, the friendliness and deals make The Potomac Grill a good choice. BUT… If you care more about a hopping young scene with a lot of mingling, this local spot just won’t satisfy. More info... Decent—A decent happy hour means that the bar probably does a couple things very well, but also lacks a few qualities. These are the places where you’ll find love-hate debates among different people. Read the review and decide whether it’s a place you want to give a shot.

Rock Bottom

7900 Norfolk Ave
Bethesda, MD  20814 (Map)
301-652-1311
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Tolerable
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

2 bars, 2 floors
6 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full
Bethesda (Downtown) 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. If house-brewed beer is what you’re looking for, the happy hour price of $1.50 on pints truly is rock bottom. BUT… If you find yourself outside of the narrow happy hour offering, you may find yourself hitting the rock bottom of your wallet. More info... Decent—A decent happy hour means that the bar probably does a couple things very well, but also lacks a few qualities. These are the places where you’ll find love-hate debates among different people. Read the review and decide whether it’s a place you want to give a shot.

Royal Mile Pub

2407 Price Ave
Wheaton, MD  20902 (Map)
301-946-4511
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Pricey

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
9 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Wheaton Royal Mile Pub is a Scottish-themed pub in the center of the Wheaton commercial district. The simple one-room layout contains a U-shaped bar with stools, with tables and chairs off to one side. Aside from a few Scottish decorations on the walls, the no-frills décor sets the tone for this low-key local pub. With excellent food and quality beer and scotch, the Royal Mile Pub is a good choice for those with a discerning palette. BUT… This simple establishment is not the best choice for those looking for a deal on simple appetizers and domestic beer. More info... Decent—A decent happy hour means that the bar probably does a couple things very well, but also lacks a few qualities. These are the places where you’ll find love-hate debates among different people. Read the review and decide whether it’s a place you want to give a shot.

Stained Glass Pub

12510 Layhill Rd
Wheaton, MD  20906 (Map)
301-933-4444
Parking:  Annoying
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Cheap

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
11 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo
Wheaton Stained Glass Pub is a mall stand-alone pub with a side restaurant near the corner of Layhill Rd and Georgia Ave. The small and narrow pub room contains booths along the back wall. TVs are located above the bar, and keno and an interactive trivia game are available. Stained Glass Pub is a good choice if you enjoy simplicity in style and diversity in people. BUT… You may want to look elsewhere if you prefer modern and sophisticated atmospheres, or original and healthy food offerings. More info... Decent—A decent happy hour means that the bar probably does a couple things very well, but also lacks a few qualities. These are the places where you’ll find love-hate debates among different people. Read the review and decide whether it’s a place you want to give a shot.

Austin Grill

36 Maryland Avenue, Unit A
Rockville, MD  20850 (Map)
301-838-4281
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
7 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full
Rockville (Town Square) Austin Grill is a Tex Mex restaurant located in the middle of the Rockville Town Square. The bar area, sandwiched between the front seating section and the main restaurant portion, has booths, tables, and a stage area for live entertainment. The long happy hour and inviting atmosphere makes the Austin Grill a good place to relax and enjoy some beer. BUT… Unless your digestive track is glutton for punishment, it would be wise to plan your afternoon snack somewhere else. More info... Mediocre—The rating usually hits places that generally have nothing going for them, but one or two good aspects lift the rating from the bottom of the barrel. Use in case of alcohol emergency.

Buffalo Wings and Beer

5240 Randolph Rd
Rockville, MD  20852 (Map)
301-770-7444
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Annoying
Price:  Cheap

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
13 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = None
Rockville Buffalo Wings and Beer blends in with an unassuming strip mall off of Randolph Rd. The bar and many bar tables are located in the back. Booth seating lines one side of the front, opposite the billiards and foosball tables (separated by a half-wall) on the other side. If you’re in the area and desire cheap beer and games/sports to keep you occupied, BWB is a place to be. BUT… If you want to meet women in a lively atmosphere over liquor drinks, you best rethinks. More info... Mediocre—The rating usually hits places that generally have nothing going for them, but one or two good aspects lift the rating from the bottom of the barrel. Use in case of alcohol emergency.

Hakuba

706 Center Point Way
Gaithersburg, MD  20878 (Map)
301-947-1283
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
0 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Gaithersburg (Kentlands) Hakuba is a sushi joint in the Kentlands Market Square. The bar seating is immediately inside the entrance, with the table seating off to one side with large windows facing the street and sidewalk. If you and your crew have a craving for sushi on your way to another happy hour in Kentlands, the $1.10 sushi special can hit the spot. BUT… If you want to feel like you’re actually at happy hour, this place can’t help you. More info... Mediocre—The rating usually hits places that generally have nothing going for them, but one or two good aspects lift the rating from the bottom of the barrel. Use in case of alcohol emergency.

La Canela

141-D Gibbs St
Rockville, MD  20850 (Map)
301-251-1550
Parking:  Tolerable
Metro:  Easy
Price:  Pricey

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1.5 floors
0 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Full
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo Has outside area
Rockville (Town Square) La Canela is an upscale Peruvian restaurant located in the Rockville Town Square. The interior, adorned with intricate woodwork, is split into three different eating areas, on different “half-levels.” The main level is the largest part of the restaurant; one half-level up is the bar area with stools and some seating; and the 3rd half-level up is another, more private seating area. If the size of your bill does not matter, La Canela’s style and phenomenal food will be sure to impress you. BUT… La Canela does not feel the need to attract a happy hour crowd, so the lack of deals and lack of early evening patrons could disappoint the happy hour aficionado. More info... Mediocre—The rating usually hits places that generally have nothing going for them, but one or two good aspects lift the rating from the bottom of the barrel. Use in case of alcohol emergency.

Olney Grill

3464 Olney-Laytonsville Rd
Olney, MD  20832 (Map)
301-570-0202
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
7 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Only in MoCo
Olney Olney Grill is a simple restaurant and bar in the center of Olney (Georgia Ave & Rt 108). The establishment is a bit hidden as it blends in very well with the rest of the strip mall and the entrance is along a pass between buildings. Once inside, the bar is an island style off to the right, and backs into the rest of the restaurant area. Full mirrors on many of the walls create a larger appearance and open atmosphere. If you live in Olney and like Cajun-themed food, the Olney Grill is there to provide. BUT… Happy hour? What happy hour? Olney Grill is full price, full time. More info... Mediocre—The rating usually hits places that generally have nothing going for them, but one or two good aspects lift the rating from the bottom of the barrel. Use in case of alcohol emergency.

Joe's Crab Shack

221 Rio Blvd
Gaithersburg, MD  20878 (Map)
301-947-4377
Parking:  Easy
Metro:  Difficult/Impossible
Price:  Average

Vital Stats:

1 bars, 1 floors
6 draft beers
Selections:
Wine = Some
Liquor = Full Has outside area
Gaithersburg (Rio) Joe’s Crab Shack is a seafood restaurant situated around the lake and located between the many shops and restaurants of the Rio complex. The inside portion contains a small bar area and a larger seating area with a very open design. The outside contains a near wrap-around deck with seating. The décor is centered on a marina theme, with wood pilings and various other sea-related decorations. Drop your anchor at Joes if you're looking for a place to have a few drinks on a deck overlooking a lake and a popular summer hangout. BUT… If you're looking for good deals or quality food with a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, you're better off setting sail for somewhere else. More info... Disappointing—These places still get points because they do serve alcohol after all. But that’s about all they have going for them. You’re likely to leave the joint doubting you’ll ever go back in.
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