Chef José Andrés tweeted that federal employees can get a free sandwich at Oyamel, Zaytinya or China Chilcano as long as the government shutdown lasts. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Whenever the Washington area's major employer closes — say, during a snowstorm or a government shutdown — local bars and restaurants swing into action, offering free or discounted food and drinks for federal employees.

Of course, some deals are better than others. Here's our guide to the best shutdown specials.

Capitol Lounge: The Hill staffer favorite is offering a menu of $5 drinks for the duration of the shutdown, including C'mon, Chuck (Woodchuck Cider and Fireball) and To Flake or Not To Flake (a vodka martini “extra filthy dirty”).

China Chilcano, Oyamel and Zaytinya: José Andrés' restaurants are offering free sandwiches to all government employees with IDs between 2 and 4 p.m. at the bar on weekdays.

DC Brau: The tasting room is open all day on Monday with 50 percent off all beer.

DC Reynolds: The legendary buy one, get one happy hour begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m. The bar will also serve brunch from noon to 3 p.m. on Monday.

Dino's Grotto: Happy hour runs all day every day, with $4 drafts, $6 wine, $8 Negronis and signature cocktails and $10 charcuterie plates. The offer is open to everyone except “members of Congress, the President, cabinet and senior staff.”

Fat Pete's BBQ: The $5 bar bites menu, which is usually only offered during happy hour, will be available all day until the shutdown ends, along with $3 draft beer specials.

Glen's Garden Market: Show a federal ID at either branch of Glen's Garden Market, and your first craft beer is on the house.

Hank's Cocktail Bar: Happy hour runs all day when you show a government ID, and deals include $5 draft beers, champagne cocktails, Old Fashioneds and punch.

Madam's Organ: Get half-price food with a government ID.

The Queen Vic, the Pug and Granville Moore's: The three H Street bars are all offering 30 percent off draft beers for anyone with a government ID.

Roofer's Union: The Adams Morgan bar pours special $6 cocktails until the shutdown ends.

Union Pub: Brunch has been extended to Monday, with $16.99 bottomless bloody marys and mimosas from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in addition to $4 rail drinks and $14 buckets of Old Style beer. This deal is for everyone — no government ID required.

Z Burger: The Tenleytown location of the burger chain offers one free burger to federal employees with IDs between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and “will also cover meals for members of Congress who come in to talk out solutions.”

Read more:

Here are the Washington museums you can visit if the shutdown continues

Senators scramble to broker a deal to end government shutdown ahead of upcoming vote

‘It’s like the factory shut down’: for Washington region, furlough’s impact is acute