Football Season in DC

Get your pigskin fix at these 6 all-star bars in DC:

Penn Commons

This Penn Quarter tavern buzzes with American spirit and fine New American eats. A round bar greets you upon entering, with flat-screens situated for catching prime action. Conveniently located right next to the Verizon Center, you can also chill out here after attending a Wizards or Capitals game.

Fumble for Food: Don’t be fooled. Chef Jeff Tunks’ farm-to-table menu is also finger-food friendly, making it perfectly acceptable to drop the pigskin in order to dunk pulled pork hand pies in spicy sauce (also see: crispy fried oysters). Wash it all down with a brew from Penn Commons’ impressive beer list.

700 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
202-905-2999

Capitol Lounge

Nestled in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Capitol Lounge brings all parties together for beer, food and sports. Throw aside affiliations (well, except for your favorite NFL or NCAA squad) and throw down a brew from the Lounge’s tap, which features classics and craft choices for beer lovers.

Rally the Troops: Want to root on your favorite team with a group of pals? Book either the Kennedy Room or Nixon Room inside the Capitol Lounge and enjoy the game away from the crowd. The outdoor patio is available for private events as well.

229 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
202-547-2098

Penn Social

Penn Social is more of an experience than a bar or restaurant. Boasting bar games galore, three separate bars, two stages and a selection of more than thirty draft beers, it’s a fun spot to watch your own game, from Skee-Ball to bags to Jenga XL.

Screen Pass: The public house boasts nine 10-foot screens, a 22-foot movie screen and, for good measure, countless high-def TVs, which makes catching the game of your choice as easy as walking through the door.

801 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
202-697-4900

Nellie’s Sports Bar

Located in the U Street Corridor, this gay-friendly neighborhood institution is flush with all a sports fan could want: lots of screens, dedicated fans, Nellie’s killer wings and a rooftop bar – perfect for afternoon games.

The Pre-Game Brunch Bunch: While Saturday and Sunday morning games are shown upstairs, Nellie’s famed Drag Brunch is held in the main dining room on the first floor, which, in addition to live entertainment, has everything from cheddar-kissed grits and Guinness ginger chicken to heaps of bacon and eggs. The 10:30 a.m. seating should let out before 12:30 p.m., meaning there’s time time to spare before a 1 p.m. kickoff.

900 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
202-332-6355

Buffalo Billiards

Like Peyton Manning’s stats, Buffalo Billiards’ features speak for themselves: foosball tables, dart boards, dozens of flat-screen TVs, ping pong tables, shuffleboards, plenty of pool tables (duh) … we could go on, but you get the picture. This is sports and gaming heaven.
You’re Always Special: If you want to stretch your dollar a little further, make good on Buffalo Billiards’ solid food or drink specials, available during practically all football games. Happy hour also runs from 4-7 p.m. daily, and includes favorably priced Miller Lite, Bud Light and Yuengling.
1330 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
202-331-8811

Public Bar

Three levels of football fan bliss await at Public Bar, as TVs are ever in view from tables, on walls and at any bar inside. The Dupont Circle locale will keep you nourished on solid pub grub, strong drinks and as much football as you can handle.

Raise the Roof: When the other team is sucking the oxygen out of the room, step away from the screen to Public Bar’s heated rooftop for some fresh air. And if your team mounts a comeback, you can stay there and catch the action on one of the four outdoor flat-screen TVs.

1214 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
202-223-2200