Start your weekend with cheap Belgian beers and free cocktails

The weekend is finally here, and if you're looking to finish the work week with a bang -- and save some money while you're doing it -- we have a couple of suggestions for you.

Belgian Independence Day isn't until next Wednesday, but Belga Cafe, Brasserie Beck and Et Voila! are already in the mood to celebrate. From 2 to 7 today, Beck and Belga will offer all of their Belgian drafts for half price. (Belga's drafts, which are brewed for the restaurant in Belgium, usually cost between $4.95 and $9.95; Beck's more extensive selection ranges from $5 to $12.)

The smaller Et Voila! doesn't have any draft beers, so they're offering all their bottles for half-price from 5 to 7.

On a completely different note, the popular and high-tech Shadow Room lounge is marking its second anniversary this weekend, and saying "thank you" to customers with an open bar tonight and Saturday. Get on the VIP list for free drinks from 9 to 10:30 and free admission to the club when you text your name to 202-596-7423. DJ Hostility will be on the decks with hip-hop, top 40 and mashups.

-- Fritz Hahn