Whether you’re rooting for the Patriots, Eagles, or even Justin Timberlake, this year’s Super Bowl is sure to be fun for everyone. It’s an evening filled with football, finger food and most of all, friends or family. Whether you’re calling your mom to smack talk the other team or giving your buds chest bumps after your team scores a touchdown, there’s something about the thrill of people coming together for a night of football that can get even the least sports fans excited. If you’re thinking about watching the game but don’t have time to play host, these sports bars around the District have got you covered, with great food and even greater company.
Known for its popular Sunday Drag Brunches and so much more, Nellie’s is often known as D.C.’s #1 sports bar. There’s no doubt that the place will be packed with fans this Super Bowl Sunday. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. but if you don’t already have your tickets for Drag Brunch, you can still take advantage of the $15 beer buckets available all day long. Each bucket includes three Budweiser products, with two more for free.
Don’t worry about making reservations; guests can arrive on a first come first serve basis. Then, sit back, munch on the bar’s popular honey sriracha wings, and watch the game on any of the bar’s 27 TVs alongside an energetic crowd. Although the bar is typically open to all guests ages 18 and up, on Super Bowl Sunday, there’s just one catch: you must be at least 21 to enter.
Where: 900 U St. NW
Metro: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Station 10th St. Exit, Green/Yellow Lines
If you’re wondering where Eagle fans might hang out for this year’s game, look no further than the Ventnor Sports Cafe. It may be a small neighborhood sports bar, but with the Eagles playing this year, it’s bound to be filled with Philly fans.
“It’s sort of like a more intimate vibe than you might get at a larger chain place,” said Scott Auflander, owner. “The vibe this year for the Super Bowl is going to be sort of like you’re in a bar in the Manayunk or South Street neighborhoods of Philadelphia.”
The party kicks off at 3 p.m. and bar goers can expect Philadelphia team giveaways before the game. The bar has 47 TVs between two floors so you won’t miss a second.
The top seller is their homemade nachos, made with four cheeses, black beans, pico de gallo and lime crema guacamole. If you’re not in the mood for something too cheesy, be sure to try their hand cut, freshly breaded homemade chicken fingers, another fan favorite.
Don’t worry about making a reservation; it’s first-come, first-served! Only thing is, you must be 21 or older to enter.
Where: 2411 18th St. NW
Metro: Woodley Park-Adams Morgan Station, Red Line
Hungry for wings? Head over to The Prospect. With 14 different flavors of chicken wings made in house, you may get more than what you bargained for. If you want to hang with the popular crowd, be sure to give the Classic Buffalo and Cognac Barbeque flavors a try.
For Super Bowl Sunday, this bar is 21+ only and has liquor and beer specials. While these specials run all day, things really get going at 3 p.m. when the second floor opens up to the public.
The bar has maxed out on reservations, but walk-ins will still be accepted. Just be prepared; there’s a big chance it’s going to be extra packed this year.
“Our two biggest fan bases happen to be the Patriots and the Eagles, so it’s going to get a little hectic and a little wild but hopefully a lot of fun,” Floor Manager Zoe Willis said.
Where: 1214 U St. NW
Metro: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Station, Green/Yellow Lines
This little neighborhood bar knows how to throw a party. Last year, while some watched as football players tossed the pigskin on each of the bar’s 12 TVs, The Big Stick hosted a pig roast on the patio.
“Anybody could get pig with sloppy joes, pork belly and sides with it,” said Assistant Manager Carlos Pilo Par.
The bar plans on doing the pig roast again this year if weather permits. Regardless, the bar is expected to be packed, and seats are on a first come, first serve basis.
“People that come in here they feel like we’re not pushing product down their throats or anything,” said Pilo Par. “It’s more of a friendly environment; everybody just loves coming here because it’s like … everybody from the neighborhood is here, having a fun time.”
The Big Stick is known for its sausage-based menu items. The different flavors of big sticks, which are sausages served on a toasted white bun, are becoming more popular around the neighborhood, although the sandwiches and burgers are enough to get people excited.
Pilo Par recommends “The Grant and Danny,” a burger topped with pastrami, melted swiss, thousand island dressing, crispy onions and a side of house fries cover in sausage gravy.
“Every time a server takes that out to the table, it’s like everybody just goes, ‘Wow,’” said Pilo Par. “Everybody should at least try it or think about getting it whenever they can.”
Where: 20 M St. SE between S Van Street and S Capitol Street Navy Yard
Metro: Navy Yard Metro, Green Line
What are you waiting for? It’s game time! Visit any of these bars and enjoy Super Bowl Sunday the right way.
