Valentine's Day: Happy hours that will impress a date

Bistrot Lepic's cozy upstairs wine bar has plenty of candlelit tables for two. (Carol Guzy - The Washington Post)

Today's the start of a series of posts for Valentine's Day. Every weekday through Feb. 14, we'll feature posts with date ideas, suggestions for singles and group outings and advice on meeting new people.

Getting a date was the easy part, and you agreed to meet for a drink after work. Now you have to figure out where to go. If you want to make a good impression this time, skip your usual after-work watering hole. This is a date that deserves some effort.

Pick a new place where you can impress your sweetie with exotic tropical cocktails, robust French wines or fancy Belgian beers -- without spending a lot of money. How? Check out our list of the best happy hours for impressing a date.

We can't guarantee that potential Mr. or Miss Rights will be impressed by your witty banter or the new outfit you picked out, but at least they'll know you have good taste in after-work hot spots.