photo by Deb Lindsey
From an email:
“Amparo Fondita will launch La Hora Poderosa, a new happy hour, on Tuesday, March 25. The restaurant, inspired by Mexican regional and traditional flavors from Chef Christian Irabién will offer extended happy hours, $9 craft cocktails, and $5–$9 chef-driven bites, available exclusively at the bar.
Check out the menu here (PDF).
At the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant guests can enjoy crafted cocktails and authentic tastes of Chef Irabién’s award-winning alta cocina at the softly lit, intimate bar where warm stucco alcoves cradle curated ceramics, textured vessels, and whimsical artifacts. It’s a space that feels both grounded and transportive—the perfect setting for a well-crafted drink.
New happy hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 5–7 PM
Friday–Sunday: 3–6 PM
Each month, La Hora Poderosa features a community cocktail supporting organizations aligned with Amparo Fondita’s mission, such as Ayuda, which provides legal and social services to immigrants, and Oido Culinary Institute in Quintana Roo, Mexico, which prepares Mayan youth for stable hospitality jobs.
The current community cocktail, Oro Tropical, available through April, blends mezcal Espadín, passion fruit liqueur, lime, and agave. Amparo Fondita will donate $1 from each Oro Tropical sold to Ayuda.
Amparo Fondita is a modern Mexican restaurant and bar from Chef Christian Irabién that celebrates the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Mexico. It has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand (2024), a place on Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants (2025), recognition as one of Washington Post’s Best New Restaurants (2024), a spot on The Eater 38, and saw Irabién named Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the RAMMYS (2022).
📍2002 P Street, NW, Washington, DC”