You don’t need deep pockets to dine like a D.C. insider at Hank & Mitzis—you just need to know the rules of the game. Hidden in plain sight across its three rotating menus (dinner, lunch, and brunch) and a legendary $0.99 happy hour, this Shaw hotspot has quietly built a value-first Italian dining model that rewards timing, curiosity, and repeat visits. Here’s how to hack it like a local.
🕒 Rule #1: The Clock Is Your Co-Pilot
Hank & Mitzis changes not just prices—but entire dishes—based on the time of day:
- Dinner (Tue–Sun, 4 PM+): Full indulgence. Shrimp Fra Diavolo = $25, Linguine with Clams = $21
- Lunch (Tue–Fri, 11:30 AM–3 PM): Same kitchen, smarter math. Fettuccine Bolognese drops from $18 → $14, Spaghetti & Meatballs from $17 → $14
- Brunch (Sat–Sun, 12–4 PM): Exclusive creations like Pizza al Uovo ($18)—black truffle fonduta + poached egg—vanish Monday morning
Miss the window? You miss the deal. Timing isn’t everything—it’s the only thing.
🍖 Rule #2: Happy Hour Is a Full Meal (For Under $15)
Tuesday–Friday, 4–6 PM, dine-in only—and yes, meatballs are $0.99 each. Seriously.
Build a feast:
- 3 Meatballs: $2.97
- Fried Calamari: $6
- Pizza Bianca: $7
→ Total: ~$16 for a satisfying Italian spread
Add a $6 Stella Artois or house wine, and you’ve just outsmarted dinner pricing before it even starts.
🧀 Rule #3: Brunch = Italian Reinvention Hour
Weekends unlock dishes you literally cannot order any other time:
- Pizza al Uovo ($18): truffle + egg + asparagus
- Maritozzi con Panna ($10): Nutella-drizzled cream bun
- Brunch Calzone ($16): ricotta, prosciutto cotto, Parmesan hollandaise
- Lamb Ossobuco ($28): $4 cheaper than dinner
Even pastas get a discount: Linguine with Clams is $17 (vs. $21 at dinner).
🧺 Rule #4: The $50 TOCK Feast Is a Stealth Group Hack
Order in advance via TOCK, and for $50, get:
- Caesar Salad for 4
- 2 Pastas: Choose from Bolognese, Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Cacio Pepe, or Mafalde
- 2 Pizzas: The Mitzi, The Hank, Veggie, or Cheese & Pepperoni
That’s $12.50 per person—less than most fast-casual bowls—for a restaurant-made Italian dinner at home.
🍝 Rule #5: Gluten-Free? No Problem. No Markup.
Every pasta—Bolognese, Cacio Pepe, Ravioli, Mafalde—is made in-house daily. And gluten-free pasta is available for any dish at $0 extra. A rare act of inclusivity in Italian dining.
🍸 Rule #6: Cocktails Are Better at Home (Twice as Good, Literally)
All cocktails—like the Italian Mule ($12) or “You Broke My Heart, Roberto Baggio” ($14)—are sold to-go as double servings for 2x the menu price.
Perfect for splitting—or not sharing at all.
🍷 Rule #7: Wine Ranges from $8 to $119—No Judgment Either Way
- House Prosecco (draft): $8
- Nero d’Avola (glass): $9
- Reserve Barolo Broccardo 2016: $105
- Brunello La Togata 2013: $119
Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, the list meets you where you are.
Hank & Mitzis isn’t trying to be the fanciest Italian spot in D.C.—it’s trying to be the smartest. With strategic pricing, time-limited dishes, and a happy hour that defies logic, it offers real Italian hospitality that respects both your palate and your budget.
Ready to play by the rules?
Explore the full 2025 menu and order your TOCK feast at https://www.hankandmitzis.com/menus/.