Winter in Reston and Herndon has a rhythm all its own. The days are shorter, the air is crisp, and suddenly those cozy, post-work plans feel a lot more appealing. Whether it’s catching up with friends, squeezing in a date night, or simply unwinding after a long day, happy hour becomes less about the clock and more about finding the right atmosphere.
Luckily, our corner of Northern Virginia delivers. From candle-lit wine bars and lively town-center pubs to neighborhood favorites that feel like an extension of your living room, Reston and Herndon offer no shortage of places to warm up with a great drink and good company. Some spots shine for their cocktails, others for their comfort food, and a few for that perfect “let’s stay a little longer” energy.
To make winter planning easy (and a little more fun), I’ve pulled together my favorite happy hour spots and mapped them out below. You’ll find an interactive guide with locations, reservation links, and just enough detail to help you decide where to go — without overthinking it. Consider this your go-to list for making the most of winter nights close to home.
🗺️ Interactive Map: Winter Happy Hour Spots in Reston & Herndon
Open Road Reston
Why we love it: Elevated comfort food, a lively bar scene, and a dependable weekday happy hour that works equally well for after-work drinks or a casual dinner that turns into a longer night.
📍 Reston Town Center
🔗 Reservations: OpenTable
Makers Union
Why we love it: Energetic pub vibes, great beer options, and one of the most social happy hour crowds in Reston — perfect when you want something fun without feeling overplanned.
📍 Reston Town Center
🔗 Reservations: Direct through restaurant
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Why we love it: Bold cocktails, vibrant flavors, and a buzzy atmosphere that feels festive even on a weeknight — a great pick for winter nights that call for something a little different.
📍 Reston Town Center
🔗 Reservations: Direct through restaurant
North Italia
Why we love it: Cozy Italian classics, a polished bar scene, and a happy hour that’s ideal for lingering over wine and shared plates when it’s cold outside.
📍 Reston Town Center
🔗 Reservations: Via restaurant website
Lantern House Kitchen & Bar
Why we love it: Intimate, stylish, and a little under-the-radar — Lantern House shines for creative cocktails and a warm, tucked-away feel during winter months.
📍 Reston Station
🔗 Reservations: Direct through restaurant
Sixty Vines
Why we love it: Wine on tap, shareable plates, and a bright but cozy atmosphere that works just as well for a casual meet-up as it does for a low-key date night.
📍 Reston Town Center
🔗 Reservations: Direct through restaurant
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Why we love it: A true local institution with a laid-back vibe, classic pub fare, and a crowd that makes it feel like everyone knows everyone — especially comforting in winter.
📍 Historic Herndon
🔗 Reservations: Walk-in or call
Aslin Beer Company
Why we love it: Creative craft beers, a relaxed taproom atmosphere, and an easy place to gather with friends when you want something casual but still distinctly local.
📍 Downtown Herndon
🔗 Reservations: Walk-in (limited reservations for events)
Sully’s Pour House
Why we love it: A no-frills sports bar with solid drink specials, plenty of TVs, and a casual energy that makes it an easy choice for spontaneous happy hour plans.
📍 Herndon
🔗 Reservations: Walk-in or call for groups
Carpool
Why we love it: Pool tables, games, and a lively crowd — Carpool is perfect when happy hour turns into a full night out with friends.
📍 Herndon
🔗 Reservations: Walk-in
Have a favorite spot we missed? Send me a message — I’m always updating this list.
