For the last four weeks, the federal government has been partially shut down, leaving thousands of federal employees in the NoVA area either sitting at home or having to continue their work without pay.
But many in the community are rallying around them, doing what they can to offer some support. This includes a number of local restaurants and entertainment providers with various free or discounted deals. Here is a rundown of what is available across the region for federal employees.
FOOD & DRINK
Airlie
Furloughed employees and their families can receive free buffet meals from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, with breakfast, lunch and dinner being served depending on the day (all three will be available Jan. 25).
&pizza
&pizza seeks to make feds happier by offering a complimentary pie every day from 3-5 p.m., as long as they have a government-issued ID.
Healthy Fresh Meals
Offering delivered, prepared meals, Healthy Fresh Meals has a special email address for government employees where they can get 25 percent off meals.
Hunter’s Head Tavern
The traditional British-style gastro pub in Upperville will give a 30 percent discount to federal employees and their families until the shutdown ends.
Junction Bakery & Bistro
A government ID can get you a free 12-ounce cup of drip coffee at this Alexandria setup.
La Cote D’Or Cafe
A three-course, $22 menu is available for federal government employees only and features La Cote’s Potage Bourguignon, mussels, pork loin schnitzel, dark chocolate mousse and bread pudding, among others.
Paisano’s Pizza
Throughout the remainder of the shutdown, government employees can get a free 10-inch, one topping pizza.
Punch Bowl Social
The newly opened spot in Ballston Quarter has the entertainment and food angle covered for feds, offering a 25 percent discount on all food, beverages and games.
Tasting Room
Enjoy a discounted meal at Alexandria’s Tasting Room, where a government ID will get you 20 percent off your meal, excluding alcoholic beverages.
Ted’s Bulletin
Monday through Friday, happy hour prices are available all day on draft beer, wine and cocktails with a valid government ID.
World Central Kitchen
In addition to offering free sandwiches at his DC restaurants, Jose Andres’ nonprofit kitchen is serving federal employees every day from 11 a.m.-6 p.m..
ENTERTAINMENT
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Both the Ashburn and Woodbridge locations of the specialty theater chain are offering federal employees free movies Mondays-Thursdays throughout January.
Audubon Naturalist Society
Interested in becoming a member? Audubon is offering free membership for feds. If you’re already a member, free extensions are also available.
Zengo Cycle
Get $10 off peak walk-in classes and free shoe rentals at Zengo’s Mosaic District location with your federal ID.
Let’s Make a Face
Have a kids birthday party coming up and looking for something to do? Let’s Make a Face will offer its face painting, balloons and glitter tattoo services, with the option of deferred payment until 45 days after the government reopens.
MUSEUMS
While the Smithsonian museums have had to close as a result of the shutdown, a number of museums are staying open and offering free admission for feds, including the Newseum, the Woodrow Wilson House, the National Building Museum, President Lincoln’s Cottage and the National Law Enforcement Museum.
George Mason Center for the Arts
Starting with the Martin Luther King Day event, We Shall Overcome, on Jan. 20, George Mason Center for the Arts is offering $5 tickets for federal employees for select performances at the George Mason Fairfax campus and the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Shows include MOMIX, the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and The Phantom Tollbooth.
SPORTS
Professional and collegiate teams are lending a hand to government employees with special ticket options. The Nationals are letting feds delay payment on season plans until the government reopens, while George Mason, George Washington, Howard and Maryland are offering free tickets to select games.
