The Madhatter
No matter which NFL team you support, Washington, DC has a sports bar where you'll feel right at home. Find team-specific watch bars, meet fellow fans and catch every game with great food, cold drinks and an electric game day atmosphere.
Experience more with our 3-day itinerary in the Sports Capital. Interested in more than football? See DC's teams here.
Jump to: A – C | D – H | I – M | N – R | S – Z
The Madhatter
DC stands awash in burgundy and gold during football season, when the beloved Washington Commanders take to Northwest Stadium in nearby Landover, Md. Winners of three Super Bowls in their decorated history, the team is led by head coach Dan Quinn. The team’s loyal and raucous fan base means tickets can be hard to come by, but these official Commanders Rally Bars offer the next best atmosphere, complete with fellow fans, food, drinks and plenty of team spirit.
The Blaguard – Adams Morgan: Settle into this cozy neighborhood pub for cold drinks, hearty fare and an easygoing atmosphere.
Public Bar Live – Dupont Circle: Catch the action across multiple levels at this high-energy bar known for big screens and a lively crowd.
The Madhatter – Dupont Circle: Head down the rabbit hole for drinks, dancing and a playful Alice in Wonderland-inspired setting.
Franklin Hall – U Street: Gather around communal tables for brews, bites and plenty of room for groups. Family-friendly during select daytime hours.
Whitlow’s on U Street – U Street: Pair casual drinks and comfort food with the lively energy of this revived DC favorite.
The Muni – Logan Circle: Swing by this golf-inspired hangout for drinks, bites and indoor putting.
The Dubliner – Capitol Hill: Enjoy classic Irish hospitality, live music and traditional pub favorites at this longtime Capitol Hill institution.
Whitlow’s at the Wharf – The Wharf: Take in waterfront views alongside frozen drinks, casual bites and a laid-back atmosphere
The Bottom Line |
Mission Navy Yard |
Crystal City Sports Pub – Arlington, VA: Find three floors of casual dining, drinks and wall-to-wall screens at this longtime neighborhood sports bar.
Mission Navy Yard – Navy Yard: Dig into Tex-Mex favorites and margaritas in a colorful, spacious setting steps from the ballpark.
Easy Tiger – Adams Morgan: Stop in for drinks, casual bites and a relaxed neighborhood-bar vibe in the heart of Adams Morgan.
Free State – Chinatown/Penn Quarter: Sip regional beer and spirits at this intimate bar celebrating flavors from across the Mid-Atlantic.
Exiles – U Street: Grab a pint and pub fare at this friendly neighborhood spot with plenty of screens and a welcoming atmosphere.
Grand Central – Adams Morgan: Make your way to this longtime Adams Morgan hangout for drinks, bar food and a lively sports-bar scene.
Proper 21 K street – Downtown: Pair elevated pub fare and cocktails with a polished sports-bar setting lined with screens.
Mission Navy Yard – Navy Yard: Dig into Tex-Mex favorites and margaritas in a colorful, spacious setting steps from the ballpark.
Ivy & Coney – Shaw: Step into a laid-back neighborhood bar serving Chicago- and Detroit-inspired eats with plenty of personality.
Union Pub – Capitol Hill: Settle in for draft beer, classic pub fare and a casual atmosphere just steps from the Capitol, family-friendly for dining during select hours.
The Bottom Line – Downtown: Head downstairs to this longtime DC watering hole for unfussy drinks, pub grub and an old-school tavern feel.
Yard House – Chinatown/Penn Quarter: Choose from an extensive draft beer selection and a wide-ranging menu in a spacious, energetic setting. Family-friendly.
Yard House - Chinatown |
The Midlands Beer Garden |
Mister Days – Arlington, VA: Enjoy drinks, casual fare and a lively atmosphere at this longtime Arlington gathering spot.
Tom’s Watch Bar National Harbor – National Harbor, MD: Take in sports from nearly every angle thanks to oversized screens paired with drinks and classic bar fare.
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern – Penn Quarter: Grab a seat among the screens for cold drinks and straightforward pub fare in the heart of downtown.
The Midlands Beer Garden – Columbia Heights: Relax indoors or out with beer, snacks and plenty of communal space at this neighborhood beer garden.
Ivy & Coney – Shaw: Step into a laid-back neighborhood bar serving Chicago- and Detroit-inspired eats with plenty of personality.
Hamilton's Bar & Grill – Capitol Hill: Pull up a chair for burgers, brews and an unpretentious neighborhood-bar experience near the Capitol.
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern – Chinatown/Penn Quarter: Grab a seat among the screens for cold drinks and straightforward pub fare in the heart of downtown.
The Admiral |
Blackfinn Ameripub |
Carpool Sports Bar – Arlington, VA: Mix drinks and bar bites with billiards, darts and other games at this casual Arlington hangout.
Blackfinn Ameripub – Downtown: Find American pub favorites, cocktails and a bustling atmosphere at this spacious downtown gathering place.
The Exchange Saloon – Downtown: Step inside one of downtown DC’s longstanding watering holes for drinks and classic tavern fare in a casual setting.
Solly’s Tavern – U street: Keep things low-key with a drink at this cozy corner tavern known for its unfussy neighborhood feel.
The Admiral – Dupont: Spread out across indoor and outdoor spaces while enjoying drinks and approachable American fare.
Ireland's Four Courts – Arlington, VA: Enjoy Irish pub favorites, pints and live entertainment at this beloved Arlington gathering place. Family-friendly for dining during select hours.
Atlas Brew Works - Navy Yard |
Boundary Stone |
Dirty Water – H Street: Head to this Boston-inspired watering hole for drinks and a lively, no-frills bar atmosphere.
Proper 21 – F Street – Downtown: Enjoy cocktails and elevated pub fare surrounded by sleek décor and plenty of screens.
The Artemis – Columbia Heights: Settle into this neighborhood hangout for cocktails, beer and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Nanny O’Briens – Cleveland Park: Find pints, pub fare and live music at this cozy Irish pub with plenty of neighborhood charm.
Irish Channel – Chinatown/Penn Quarter: Escape the bustle of downtown at this tucked-away Irish pub serving pints and traditional comfort food.
Boundary Stone – Bloomingdale: Cozy up with craft beer, whiskey and hearty American fare at this welcoming neighborhood pub.
The Renegade – Arlington, VA: Mix drinks and casual bites with live entertainment at this energetic Clarendon hangout.
O'Sullivan's – Arlington, VA: Settle into this traditional Irish pub for pints, hearty fare and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Snappy’s Small Bar – Petworth: Keep it casual with cold drinks and simple bites at this compact, easygoing neighborhood spot.
Red Bear Brewing Co
The Town Tavern – Adams Morgan: Head upstairs for drinks, bar bites and a lively atmosphere overlooking the heart of Adams Morgan.
Red Bear Brewing Co – NoMa: Sample locally brewed beer alongside games, events and casual bites in a colorful, welcoming taproom. Family-friendly during select hours.
Courthaus Social – Arlington, VA: Grab a spot on the patio or inside for beer, cocktails and European-inspired pub fare. Family-friendly during select hours.
Atlas Brew Works – Navy Yard: Sip locally brewed beer and dig into pizza in a laid-back brewery setting near the Anacostia River. Family-friendly.
If you don't see your team on this list, check out these sports bars who have games on all day during game day.