Taste

From Meeting Hour to Happy Hour

Whether working, meeting coworkers, or enjoying after-hours cocktails, these District hotspots are a must.

Kate Hull

October 2023

We are in the era of the flex jobs. Whether that means working from home, powering your creativity at a shared workspace, or splitting time between an office and heading to meetings around town; gone are the days of being boxed into one locale. It’s a brave new world. The hardest decision now might just be where to post up for the morning or where to meet for a brainstorming session. Effortlessly make meeting schedules a bit more fun with a work session at the café, pub, or bistro at any of the District’s top-tier destinations. When five o’clock comes, stick around with your work besties for happy hour or head to your favorite hotspot for dinner and drinks with friends. Meetings held over a latte or Americano are a match made in heaven. And while we love a good Starbucks cup of Joe, mix it up with unique spots that are cozy enough for a productive morning, and make the perfect meet-up spot for your post work fun. CITYCENTRE or Century Square’s Sweet Paris Creperie & Café is cozy, decadent, and will transport you to a Parisian café while staying in the Lone Star State. Bring your laptop and tuck away in the corner with a savory or sweet crepe and cappuccino. After, toast to a job well done over a glass of wine. But we don’t have to limit work to the coffee shop.

Meet with coworkers for a meal after finishing that big project at The General Public.

What about coffee and gelato? Yes, and yes. Fellini Gelato & Caffe in CITYCENTRE serves up coffee, sweet treats, breakfast, and lunch. Treat yourself to a refreshing artisan gelato pop while you chip away at the day’s to-dos. No more snooze fest salads and dull sandwiches on the go. We are nixing those drab lunch meetings for restaurants with stellar menus and killer vibes to match. At Daily Gather, the name says it all. Located on the Plaza at CITYCENTRE, just behind The Moran Hotel, patrons are invited to pull up a seat, order delicious cuisine, and stay a while. Order up nostalgic American dishes like deviled eggs or elote cornbread for the table, then enjoy a BLT on sourdough or shrimp and grits. Weekdays from 2pm to 5:30pm the restaurant hosts Social Hour with bar specials meaning you can go from a working lunch to happy hour with coworkers or friends. Whether on zoom or in person, meetings don’t have to be stuffy. Laid back ambiance with plush leather seats and brick interiors are paired with an impressive menu of Americana fare and cocktails at The General Public. Meet that valued client at a spot where they’ll feel appreciated. Happy hour kicks off at 3pm, the ideal way to end that late-lunch meeting.

Take a moment to savor the goodtimes and celebrate success with a cocktail and afine meal at PORTERS.

The Yard House transitions from meeting hour to happy hour in a snap. Outdoor patio seating is the perfect space to relax and enjoy a gourmet pizza. When you are looking to quench your thirst, you have plenty to choose from. This pub is known for the world’s largest selection of draft beers. With large TVs and great atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to catch a game with the crew. Memorial Green’s Dish Society isn’t your grandma’s diner, but the nostalgia is woven into the ambiance. Sit at the counter and start the day with coffee and avocado toast. Sticking around for a bit? Move to a table for lunch. With brunch all day—try the chicken and biscuits—and fresh, local ingredients all curated in a modern industrial atmosphere, Dish Society is sure to spark creativity. Happy hour calling? Meet the crew at Jonathan’s The Rub and savor bar bites like bruschetta caprese and flavorful ceviche accompanied by a signature cocktail like Endless Summer. If you’re in the mood for wines, VinSanto’s European-inspired wine bar brings the wines of the world to Memorial Green. Plus, there’s a hearty selection of beer, ciders, and mock-tails, all paired with an ever-changing selection of small bites and charcuterie. When the work is done for the day, The District lineup is stacked with incredible eateries and restaurants to move from the workday to a night out. Log out and head over for specialty cocktail while live music plays at Fireside, seasonal cooking paired with fine wine at Seasons52, or a specialty curated wine dinner at Sal y Pimienta Kitchen. Or hit the links for some networking at East River 9, followed by happy hour at Riverhouse.