Around the World In 3 Happy Hours

THE WEATHER'S GROWING chilly here in D.C. But with a few quick trips to local watering holes, you can cobble together an international experience to make you forget the dropping temps.

Beginning in Europe, as all culturally insensitive Westerners would, stop at Le Chat Noir. Yes, that means "the black cat," and no, we're not talking about that one. This Friendship Heights bistro serves half-priced wine from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Also, the food is incredible — the steak frites are delicious, but go for some of the less-Americanized food, since this is a place that does authentic French cuisine well.

The best happy hour in D.C. is hiding inside one of its fanciest restaurants: Mie n Yu, in the heart of Georgetown, is an exotic, theatrical dining experience where menus expound in flowery terms on "flavors of the Silk Road" and patrons dine inside of giant birdcages. But from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday, slide into a seat at the bar for a menu of cheap happy hour munchies (the best deal is the bowl of veggie tempura for $2) and a featured cocktail for $5.45. There are also featured cheap beers and a plethora of kind and thoughtful bartenders. What more could you ask?

Heading further east (not literally, guys, but in terms of cuisine), try Cafe Asia. Nope, it's not the best sushi in the city (that honor goes to Sticky Rice if you're adventurous and Sakana if you're not). But Monday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., enjoy your nigiri at $1.25 a piece, along with $2.50 draft beers. There are also discounted cocktails. The space is a bit cavernous and odd, but go with a bunch of friends and you'll warm it right up.

» Le Chat Noir, 4907 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-244-2044. (Tenleytown)
» Mie n Yu, 3125 M St. NW; 202-333-6122.
» Cafe Asia, 1720 I St. NW; 202-659-2696. (Farragut West)

Photo courtesy CORE