Whether you’re one of 100 million Americans tuning in for the big game on February 11, 2024, rallying one of D.C.’s championship teams to another playoff win or gathering for any regular season showdown, Alexandria, Virginia, minutes from D.C., has you covered with the perfect sports bar or restaurant in Old Town and beyond. Here’s where to cheer in a sports legend’s space, huddle up in a community headquarters or toast experimental brews with your crew.
For Cheering in a Sports Legend’s Space:
Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar: Feel like an MVP as you dine in Theismann’s, opened by the namesake Super Bowl champion and Commanders legend. The newly-renovated space sports a sleek new mural and menu boost, plus a replica Lombardi trophy, the jam-packed “Quarterback Scramble” and hearty “Joe’s All-American Burger.”
Bugsy’s Pizza and Restaurant Sports Bar: For more than 30 years, Bugsy’s has drawn in pizza lovers for its unique thick-crust pie as well as hard-core hockey fans since former owner Bryan “Bugsy” Watson is a retired Caps defenseman. Head upstairs to the sports bar (once known as the “Penalty Box”) where you’ll find 15 HDTVs and legendary memorabilia, from sweaters signed by a vintage Caps lineup to Ovechkin’s rookie jersey.
For a Hard-Core Sports Headquarters:
Glory Days Grill: Glory Days Grill brings sports fans together with the simple combo of a bar, burgers and ballgames. Don your rally cap as you head to the regional chain’s West End location for extensive daily specials, happy hour drinks and appetizers.
T.J. Stone’s: Where else to root for a T.J. Oshie hat trick than at T.J. Stone’s Tap Room in Old Town, with 11 flat screen TVs broadcasting anything from to the NHL to WWE, with surround sound for all NFL playoffs, and playoff pub snack and drink specials. If you’re in the West End, check out sister restaurants Ramparts Tavern and Grill and Shooter McGee’s for more die-hard viewing destinations.
For a Beer Destination to Soak Up the Big Game:
Aslin Beer Co.: Aslin Beer Co. in the West End is an art-splashed, games-filled, Insta-worthy magnet for craft beer enthusiasts who line up to try signature IPAs like Mind the Hop and Orange Starfish.
Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden: At Augie’s, order a bevy of mussels to pair with over 70 brews as you pour one out for the home team. For an indoor-outdoor viewing experience, migrate to their festive outdoor Beer Garden and watch the game on one of their 13 TVs.
Village Brauhaus: Raise a pint at the Oktoberfest-themed Village Brauhaus as you fuel up on German-Austrian fare and watch anything from soccer to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Lost Boy Cider: Say cheers as you cheer your favorite team over a cider flight in Lost Boy Cider’s spacious tasting room in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood. Check out the food truck of the day and don’t be afraid to ask the friendly staff for their recommendations as you sip in Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery.
For Comfort Food and Community Vibes:
Murphy’s Irish Pub: Murphy’s is a home away from home for Patriots fans, many of whom line up outside well before Murphy’s opens its doors. Get there early for a seat upstairs, where the games are televised on eight 42” high-def screens. Murphy’s is also a popular spot for watching the World Cup, the Olympics, MLB and other events.
Anchor Bar at Fish Market: Catch all NFL games, college football and local teams’ games at the Fish Market’s Anchor Bar, complete with fresh seafood, two bars and 16 high-def TV screens, plus weekday happy hour specials and NFL Sunday deals with a “Primetime Eats” menu.
Northside 10: Northside 10, the Del Ray sister restaurant of Old Town’s Southside 815, is an ideal watering hole for a low-key big game watch party. Find American comfort food, from jalapeño-honey pulled chicken sandwiches to jambalaya pasta, served up in a laid-back setting.
Bonus: For Game-Day Takeout:
If you’re looking to feed a team of hungry fans, ring up Rocklands Barbecue & Grilling Company in Alexandria’s West End for pulled meat by the pound, racks of beef ribs or The Pearl, which layers mac & cheese, baked beans and saucy chopped pork into one satisfying stack. In Old Town North, Haute Dogs & Fries serves hot dogs and other American classics on toasted, buttered New England-style buns with choices like the banh mi dog with sriracha mayo, carrots, cucumber jalapeños and cilantro. Appropriately enough, its second location is in Nationals Park, so you can pretend you’re in the stands as you’re chowing down.
