The government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years, meaning thousands of workers around Northern Virginia and DC will be furloughed or required to work without pay. To show support for those workers, several area establishments are offering deals and discounts.
José Andrés Group
Celebrity chef José Andrés is offering a free lunch to federal workers, Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s a choice of a sandwich from Jaleo, a donburi from China Chilcano, a durum or pita from Zaytinya, or a torta from Oyamel Cocina Mexicana.
George Mason University’s College of Performing Arts
Federal employees and government contractors who are impacted by the shutdown can get free tickets to select Mason Arts performances. These include professional and student performances at the Center for the Performing Arts, Harris Theatre, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the Science and Technology campus in Manassas.
NAJA Mediterranean
Federal workers can enjoy a Dip & Sip, which includes a signature dip paired with any signature cocktail, house wine, or beer for $15. Must show a valid federal ID. 2911 District Ave., Unit 140, Fairfax
Paisano’s
Paisano’s will offer 30 percent off all pizzas for government employees with a valid ID. Use the code TOGETHER to redeem the deal. It runs until the government reopens. Multiple area locations
NiHao
NiHao, part of the Peter Chang family of restaurants, will offer a special buy-one-get-one-free on its dishes during happy hour. It’s available Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. 1550 Crystal Dr., Arlington
The Winery at Bull Run
Federal employees who present a government ID can get buy-one-get-one-free glasses of wine in the tasting room and 20 percent off of bottles. 15950 Route 50, Centreville
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards
This winery in Hamilton is offering a free first glass of wine to furloughed employees for the duration of the shutdown. It’s limited to one glass per guest per day, and guests must show a government ID. 16804 Hamilton Station Rd., Hamilton
Sweet Fire Donna’s and Pork Barrel BBQ
Two Alexandria restaurants, both part of the Homegrown Restaurant Group, are offering a free pulled pork sandwich to federal employees with ID. It’s available Monday through Friday, no purchase necessary. According to a post from Sweet Fire Donna’s, the restaurants have been offering this deal during shutdowns since 2013. 510 John Carlyle St., Alexandria; 2312 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Taco Bamba
Head to any Taco Bamba location for a buy-one-get-one-free deal on tacos. The deal is limited to one free taco per person per visit, and you must show a valid federal ID. Orders must be placed in person. Multiple area locations
Thompson Restaurants
The Thompson Restaurant group, which includes concepts like Matchbox, Wiseguy, Makers Union, Big Buns, and more, will give government employees a 20 percent discount on their bills. Government IDs are required. Multiple area locations
Compass Coffee
Compass Coffee will offer a free pastry with any drink purchase, with proof of federal ID. Multiple area locations
Yume Sushi
Federal employees will get 20 percent off their check when they show their government ID at Yume Sushi. 212 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Hyde Social
Drinks are all half-off from 4 to 7 p.m. every day until the government reopens at Hyde Social. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
One More Page Books
One More Page in Arlington posted that it has free puzzles and books for federal workers. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
Union Pub
Union Pub in DC is offering $3 beers and a $7 beer and hot dog combination during the shutdown. 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC
Duke’s Grocery
All Duke’s locations will offer a complimentary shot of bourbon or a glass of wine to federal workers with the purchase of a burger or entree. They are also running a $5 deal on select beers. Government ID required. Multiple area locations
McClellan’s Retreat
McClellan’s Retreat is extending its happy hour deals all night tonight and all night on Sunday. It’s also offering a $15 deal that includes a grilled cheese, chips, and an old fashioned every day during the shutdown except Sunday. 2031 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Barrel
Barrel DC will host an “unhappy hour” every day the government is closed. It includes $10 select cocktails and $6 select beers. 613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Boqueria
Boqueria is offering happy hour pricing all day long for federal workers with a government ID, including discounted sangria, wine, beer, and tapas. 777 Ninth St. NW, Washington, DC; 1837 M St. NW, Washington, DC
Hank’s Oyster Bar
Government employees get all-day happy hour prices, $2.50 oysters on the half shell, and 20 percent off lunch and dinner with valid ID. The offer only applies to the DC locations. 701 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC; 1624 Q St. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image of Taco Bamba by Greg Powers
