Happy Hour at Hank's Oyster Bar

In addition to the $1 oysters and half-price raw bar offered from 11 p.m. to midnight daily, Hank’s also offers one of Dupont’s best regular happy hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on workdays. It’s the kind of place where you could pop in with co-workers, a hot date or your college friend who you’re dying to catch up with.

The list of $4 drinks includes three reds and three whites, a trio of draft beers — including locals DC Brau Corruption and Port City Monumental IPA — and all rail drinks. The sleeper is the house punch, which changes frequently: My friends and I found it piquant and citrusy, easy-to-drink without being too potent.

During the regular happy hour, the $4 drinks are paired with a menu of $4 bar snacks: a tin of meaty oysters served with saltines, a rich and smoky bowl trout dip, warm and fluffy soft pretzels dipped in a creamy, tangy beer cheese.

-- Fritz Hahn (Oct. 6, 2011)