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For those of you that will be in D.C. to witness the inauguration of the 44th president, you might as well grab a drink while you are there. After all, the bar hours have been extended for many venues, allowing them to serve alcohol until 4am and stay open all night long to allow for your excessive celebration. NPR even reported that this could be the largest gathering the city has ever hosted. Appropriately, tens of thousands of law enforcement, military and security officials will be manning the streets to “protect and serve” you. Here are a few of the best places in town to get started with dinner and a drink, continue to celebrate into the evening, and hide from daylight when you are too drunk to walk home at 8am.

Wonderland Ballroom
202-232-5263
www.thewonderlandballroom.com

Source: Flickr

A neighborhood dive known for their dirt-cheap happy hour ($2 chili dogs) and down-to-earth patronage. Though a few naysayers have begun to doubt the bar’s authenticity as of late, many regulars remain loyal to Wonderland’s vibe, including their famous Monday Trivia Night.

They will be hosting the “Common Man’s Inaugural Ball” on Tuesday night, staying open until 4am.  Appropriate attire is described as “Funky Eclectic Formal” $69 gets you all you can drink as well as a tee shirt and a poster so you can pretend you remember the memorable evening.

Local 16
202-265-2828
www.localsixteen.com

Source: Yelp

The two story building houses two bars with a sprawling outdoor deck attached. The restaurant offers a broad range of good food, from curry to burgers.  Tuesday night, they will be hosting the “Not Another Ball-Inauguration Party” put on by the Young Lawyers for Obama. Open bar and Dinner Buffet from 7pm to Midnight will cost you 50 bucks.

Chloe
202-232-5005

www.chloedc.com

Source: Flickr

For the more club-oriented inauguration celebrator, Chloe is your place. “Come early” is the advice of the venue for Tuesday night, and every other night for that matter. The huge venue fills up quickly, and it is not unusual to see crowds waiting in the cold for a chance at entry. The party goes until 4am, tickets are $10, and reserved tables start at $300. A steal if you are looking to cut a little rug.

Clyde’s of Georgetown
202-333-9180
www.clydes.com

Source: Flickr

A popular saloon chain offering classic, hearty fare and an eclectic patronage. It has been a staple in the DC nightlife landscape for over 40 years, serving politicians, university students and tourists alike. Clyde’s has been around too long to make a fuss about the inauguration of just another president, though they will be open until 4am Tuesday evening.

Polly’s Cafe
202-265-8385

Source: Flickr

Polly’s Café is a friendly neighborhood hangout, with a cozy interior of brick walls and wood tables. The clientele is a diverse mix of age, race and class, all coming to enjoy one of the better jukeboxes in the city and live music on Wednesdays. They will be open until 4am on Tuesday night, if you are looking to celebrate the inauguration in modest fashion.

Busboys and Poets
202-387-7638

Source: Flickr

Busboys and Poets is at once a restaurant, bookstore, market, café and bar that aims to bring the community together both day and night. This progressive concept attracts both hipsters as well as legitimately cool people to the comfortable atmosphere. Their location at 14th and V is open 24 hours on Tuesday, serving alcohol until 4pm Wednesday morning.

Midtown Lounge
202-466-7529

www.midtown-dc.com

Source: Midtown-dc

Midtown Lounge is the place for those inauguration partiers who are looking for a serious dance floor…with stripper poles. One never knows how the people will behave when under new leadership, so it is good to have the poles around in case the masses are feeling frisky. The club will be open and serving adult beverages until 3am.

Lima Lounge
202-789-2800
www.limarestaurant.com

Source: Flickr

Lima is known for its chic décor (yeah, I said it), its salmon, and its beautiful patronage. It is also known for playing electronic music if you are into that sort of thing, or if you just have a fascination with fog machines.  If not, the crowd is still worth the visit, good looking and unpretentious, much like the venue itself. Lima will be open until 4am on Tuesday, as they have been since last Thursday, serving food until 2am.

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