Hard Times Cafe - Germantown, MD

There are several Hard Times Cafes in the area, but the one in Germantown is the best by far. To the left, there is a full restaurant with some really good food (especially the chili!). To the right, the venue features bar seating, a massive table seating area, a large pool area with at least 10 tables, a dart area, and an huge "back porch," all surrounded by dozen of big-screen TVs. In the warmer months, the back porch is home to a tiki bar and a sandpit with a bean bag toss game, with a lot of outdoor seating.

They have happy hour specials every weekday from 4-8 pm, but on Tuesdays, they have "Dollar Bottle Night," which is actually now $1.25 bottle night. Starting at 4 pm, all domestic beer bottles are just $1.25, and Jager bombs are only $4.50. The bar gets pretty crowded by 11 pm, and sometimes a small dance party starts up around then.

Tips & Tricks:
1. This is the perfect place to come for a large group - but some of the other locations are MUCH smaller
2. Can we hard to find, since it is located in a shopping center, but there is plenty of parking

For more info., see the site! www.hardtimes.com

Cava - Rockville, MD

Cava is a bit pricier than the places I usually go, but the quality is definitely worth it. They serve greek mezze, some great wines, and a variety of delicious martinis. There really isn't anything on the menu you won't love, some of my favorites are the hummus, tzatziki, cava fries, and lollipop chicken.

Although there is a small bar and a large dinner crowd, Cava has a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. The dim lighting and swanky lounge decor make this a perfect spot for a date or for a night out with friends.

Tuesday is 1/2 price wine bottle night. Have the perfect low-key night with a few friends, a few appetizers, and a few bottles!

Tips & Tricks:
1. Located in the Traville Gateway Shopping Center off of Shady Grove Road with plenty of parking
2. If you have a large group, call ahead and make a reservation. It's a small restaurant and they probably can't accommodate much more than 10 people unless you book a private event.

For more info, see the site! www.cavamezze.com

Union Jack's - Bethesda, MD

One thing I LOVE about Union Jack's is that there is always something going on here. During the day on Saturdays and Sundays, they have "game day" specials. During the week, there are different drink and food specials every night. And don't let the "british pub" tagline fool you - the DJ plays great music - loudly - until closing and the dance floor gets PACKED on the weekends.

My favorite night to go is "Dollar Thursday." Starting at 4 pm, Miller Lite Bottles are $1, and during "Power Hour," 10-11 pm, EVERYTHING except top shelf and shots is $1. After 10, a DJ takes over and a huge dance party starts up.

If dancing isn't your scene, there's still plenty to do. There is a back room with 6 pool tables and large booths. The mid-priced food is a perfect compliment to your drinking habit.

During the warmer months, you can sit outside at tables overlooking the dance floor. This is a great option for smokers and people-watchers. It's also convenient for late-comers since the waitresses can get drinks faster than you can at the bar.

Tips & Tricks:
1. This is Bethesda, so there are cops everywhere, especially at closing time on the weekends. So, unless you have a designated driver, I suggest taking a cab.
2. If you are driving, there is a garage (free on nights and weekends) 1/2 block away.
3. It gets pretty packed after 9 pm, so get there early if you want a seat at the bar.
4. When security tells you to leave, get to the exit. They do not fool around, and get pretty nasty if you want to wait for your friend to get out of the bathroom or close their tab.

For more info., see the site! www.unionjacksbethesda.com