Unfortunately, I likely can't make it on the 9th unless a work event I have that evening gets rescheduled. I'll have to catch the next one. Thanks for welcoming a newbie.

I have been to Ambar on Barracks Row, albeit for brunch and not happy hour. Their food concept is generally small plates, I think, and I remember everything being pretty good (although a lot of dishes at brunch were seasoned similarly with roasted red pepper sauce).

Near Union Station, you could also look at The Dubliner (relatively low key Irish pub) or, on that near end of H Street, The Big Board (a riff on the stock market bar in Barcelona - good burgers) or Driftwood Kitchen (new, haven't been, but heard good things).

Have fun, hope to make it next time!