Editor’s Note – as of August 2019, Grafton Street has closed.
Not too long ago, when you wanted to plan a Happy Hour to meet up with friends, you had to go into Fairfax, Tyson’s or DC to find great food, atmosphere, and a good scene. But seemingly overnight things have changed in Gainesville and now when you want to go out, there are many choices right in our backyard! Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s even better when you can find a great Happy Hour spot with outdoor seating! Check out some of these restaurants, grab your besties, and get happy!
Grafton Street
How lucky are we to have an authentic Irish pub in Gainesville? The food is consistently delicious, the restaurant has plenty of space for large groups and parties and their patio is perfect for hanging out. They offer Happy Hour specials from 3 – 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am – 9 pm on Sundays. (PS, their brunch is to die for.) They have beer and wine specials, and Happy Hour appetizer deals. If you’re a sports junkie, there are always plenty of games on inside the bar. If you haven’t yet been to Grafton St., run don’t walk.
Right around the corner from Grafton St. is Rockwood, Gainesville’s newest restaurant and it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Owner and head chef Michael Cordero has opened several restaurants around Northern Virginia, each with a different vibe, but all with top-notch cuisine. Rockwood is part sports bar, part swanky restaurant and always on point. They have two options for outdoor dining; one is the sliding glass wall behind one bar, bringing the outdoors inside; and the second is the newly built patio, complete with what appears to be a bacci ball court and plenty of seating. You can fill growlers with beers on tap, and they offer beer, wine, rail drinks, and appetizer specials. They also serve brunch, if you need some hair of the dog on a Sunday morning, just saying.
Meet me at the Firebar. Bar bites and drink specials are offered every weekday from 4 -7 pm and 11 am – 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays, and their outdoor seating area is cozy, especially if they have the fire roaring. Firebirds has a great wine selection and their bar food is perfect for sharing.
One of my favorite things about Bar Louie is how you don’t need to wait for a table or hold a buzzy coaster if they are booked. They’ll text you on your cell, while you’re hanging at the huge bar or in one of the cozy couches. Their glass garage door opens to the patio and their firepit table outside provides great ambiance. Happy Hour is 4 – 7 pm weekdays and includes their signature martinis (which are delish!), half-price flatbreads and beer, wine and cocktail specials. The atmosphere is fun, and it’s a great place for a large group.
Lion & Bull Sports Pub & Grille
Lion & Bull in Haymarket is a fun spot for karaoke and live music but it’s also a great place for Happy Hour. Weekdays between 3 – 7 pm they have deals on drinks and plenty of outdoor seating. Here’s a tip, stick around on a Friday for steak night and entertainment!
These are just a few of the many restaurants with great food, drinks, and atmosphere. I chose these because of their great Happy Hour specials and outdoor patio. Stay tuned for future blogs that will feature more great restaurants with different foods, great events, and entertainment. In the meantime, I might just see you at Happy Hour!
