Alexandria, VA (USA)

I don't often stop for drinks on the way home from work, but today ended up differently. Tim had told me a few days ago that he wanted to get together. We were planning to ride the Metro back to my car and then drive over to National Harbor. In the end, work overtook this plan - both of us had late meetings. He suggested we find a place near Old Town to have a drink, so I suggested Duke's at the Embassy Suites on King Street. I've seen it almost every day since I've lived here - and always wondered if it would be good. When I arrived at the hotel (directly across the street from the Metro Station), I realized they were having their regular happy hour (for guests). That added a twist - and it meant that Duke's had a happy hour with $2 drafts. From the prices I've been paying around here, that is a GREAT price! Got through one beer before Tim arrived. He told me he had to get going to take care of some errands, but I convinced him to stay for a least one drink. Since he needed to get to a copy center, I suggested we walk over to the FedEx office in Old Town (on Washington Street). We did that - it wasn't too cold or too far... Mission completed, we walked back to King Street and had dinner at Las Tapas, a place I visited last year (see APR 2011). Good meal and flamenco dancing entertainment. We headed back to the Metro station after that (2145) and headed to my car. I drove him to his home across the River and then drove back to mine (traffic much lighter at that time of night). A nice diversion after a busy week of work.