If this isn’t your first government shutdown in Washington, D.C., you know that freebies and deals for furloughed federal workers are something of a tradition.
Communities can only thrive together, and just like in previous shutdowns, some businesses are offering what they can to look out for their neighbors.
Bill Blackburn of Homegrown Restaurant Group says he’s provided sandwiches in tough times since 2013.
“While a free pulled pork sandwich isn’t going to pay the rent or cover their utilities, it is a token of appreciation and it shows them that we care about them and we’re in it with them,” Blackburn said.
Shutdown food and drink deals
Paraíso
1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.
The Capitol Hill taqueria and mezcaleria has an all-day happy hour for government employees with a valid ID. That includes $9 passionfruit margaritas, $4 Tecate beers and $12 tapas.
KNEAD Hospitality + Design
Various locations
How does free punch sound? KNEAD restaurants – including Gatsby, The Grill, Mi Vida, Bistro Du Jour and Succotash – have a free signature drink for those who show their valid government worker ID.
Immigrant Food
D.C. and Virginia
Immigrant Food locations at the Planet Word Museum and in Ballston, Virginia, have a $5 margarita for workers with valid government ID, while the White House location is serving up $5 canned cocktails.
Franklin Hall
1348 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
This beer hall says it will keep the deals rolling as long as the government is shut down. On Thursday, specials were $6 mixed drinks, $6 canned beers and $6 furloughed shooters.
Saufhaus
1216 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
The expansive beer hall in Dupont is extending its happy hour until 10 p.m. for those who show a valid government ID (regular happy hour runs 3-7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday). Or grab green tea shooters for $6 all night and $7 pretzel bites all day.
“We understand that these days are not easy for many federal workers. We want to show our support by offering an extended Happy Hour for federal employees while the shutdown lasts. A small gesture on our part to give you a space to unwind and enjoy,” their Instagram post said.
Pork Barrel BBQ and Sweet Fire Donna’s
Alexandria
Both restaurants will offer free pulled pork sandwiches Monday to Friday. You’ll find Pork Barrel BBQ at 2312 Mt. Vernon Avenue, and Sweet Fire Donna’s at 510 John Carlyle Street.
Theater, museum and activity deals
“St. John the Baptist”
900 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC 20001
IN Series’ rendition of the baroque masterpiece will offer discounts to federal workers. They can use code FED15 on the website to get tickets for $15 – a great deal for a night at the opera. Ten discount tickets are available for each night. The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 5.
Merry Pin
7350 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
The Shepherd Park/Takoma craft shop will offer $2 drip coffees, $6 mimosas and free craft supplies to federal workers. Drop in and craft your cares away.
“We have felting and embroidery kits, if you need to get a little stabby,” Merry Pin said on Instagram.
Planet Word
925 13th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
“Planet Word will offer free walk-up admission to museum programs and 50% off Lexicon Lane cases to affected workers for the duration of the shutdown,” the language-oriented museum said.
President Lincoln’s Cottage
140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW
The former home of President Abraham Lincoln sits on federal land but is privately run, so it’s open during the shutdown.
“The Cottage is offering discounted tours for federal civil servants through the end of October. Other resources include a free crafting room open for all visitors daily in the Visitor Education Center, a meditative landscape tour, and entertaining programs,” their website says. “All of the ticketed programs are available for free with participation in their Museum Impact in Practice Study.”
The Spy Museum
700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, D.C.
Federal workers can get 50% off admission to the Spy Museum for the duration of the shutdown. “Discounted tickets will be available for on-site purchase only and will not be offered on select blackout dates like holiday weekends,” the museum’s statement said. “Federal workers will need to show their federal ID on site to be eligible.”
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
