D.C.'s Best Bars for Watching a Nationals Game

Baseball season is here and that means peanuts, hot dogs and cracker jacks are back as the snack of choice. If you can’t make it to the game, head to these bars just a stones throw away from the ballpark to catch all the action. The silver lining of watching the game at a bar? You’ll already have a spot staked out when the post-game crowd arrives.

 

Head to the fast casual Spanish restaurant serving up mini, tapas-style sandwiches aka Montaditos (100 different kinds, if you didn’t already gather that by the restaurant’s name) and watch the Nats on the multiple 60-inch screens. Stop in for Dollarmania on Wednesdays where all Montaditos are $1 and sangria and beer are also heavily discounted. (300 Tingey St., SE; 202-488-8500)

The sister restaurant to Justin’s Café, The Big Stick’s décor leans more lodge/ski chalet than your typical sports bar, but don’t be fooled, you can still catch America’s pastime on the TVs behind the bar. Happy Hour runs Monday–Friday from 3–7 PM, and specials include $4 Bud Light drafts and $2 off house wines. (20 M St., SE; 202-750-7724)

Navy Yard’s latest addition boasts super crispy, double fried chicken as well as a large bar area with multiple TVs for your baseball viewing pleasure. Bonchon has 16 taps, all of the wings your stomach can handle and extended hours for Nationals game days. (1015 Half St. SE; 202-488-4000)

A brewery complete with restaurant and bar, stop by The Arsenal at Bluejacket and catch the games on the TVs behind the bar. Bar menu includes everything from oysters, house-made tater tots, grilled bratwurst and charcuterie plates. 4 oz tastings of all beers are offered anytime of the day. (300 Tingey St., SE; 202-524-4862)

Steps from Waterfront metro station, head to the Wharf for margaritas and catch the game on the TVs at the bar. There are drink specials every night of the week including $10 Corona-ritas on Sunday and $4.50 Dos Equis pints on Thursday. If you’re here to pre-game, Cantina Marina offers shuttles to and from Nationals Park starting one hour before opening pitch. (600 Water St., SW; 202-554-8396)

This chain brewery is located a couple blocks from the ballpark. The bar, with multiple flat screens, opens up to the outdoor patio and offers happy hour Monday–Friday from 3–7 PM and late night happy hours all week long from 10 PM–Close. (100 M St., SE; 202-484-2739)

Pair your baseball viewing with this popular neighborhood restaurant’s progressive happy hour. Starting at 4 PM with $3 draft beers, $4 rail drinks and $5 firefly vodka/bourbon, the offerings get bumped up $1 each hour until 8 PM. For Tuesday games, come for the taco happy hour and catch the action on one of the five flat screens. (1025 First St. SE; 202-652-1009)

A casual sports bar in Barracks Row, The Ugly Mug provides a shuttle to and from Nats games. For those of you not attending the game, there are plenty of screens and happy hour deals to keep you happy. Come for brunch during weekend games and you’ll score $12 bottomless mimosas and $5 Bloody Marys. (723 8th St., SE; 202-547-8459)

Willie’s Brew and Que
Beer, barbeque and baseball: you’ll find all of those at Willie’s on game days. There are plenty of TVs at the bar and surrounding the main dining area. Happy hour runs Monday–Friday from 3–7 PM and includes $5 draft pints and $20 pitchers. (300 Tingey St., SE; 202-651-6375)

Photo via Flickr