Football + Food + Fun = Great American Past Time

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

The college football bowl season is finally winding down, but the NFL’s postseason is just getting started this weekend. Not to mention that the NBA, NHL and college basketball seasons are in full swing.

Watching the games at home is all well and good, but Northern Virginia is home to a multitude of bars that cater specifically to sports fans. You may go with no intention of eating, but it’s been my experience that many of these establishments turn out to be restaurants worth trying more than once.

One of my personal favorites is Crystal City Sports Pub, located a little over a mile from the Crystal City Metro Station. It has three floors and flat screen televisions everywhere you turn. A definite must at a sports bar! Alumni associations like to meet there, so there’s always that chance you’ll run into someone you know from your alma mater. It’s fairly easy to make new friends with similar loyalties too. Game day experiences here can make up for the fact that you weren’t able to go to the actual game. You can cheer or jeer as much as would like, with plenty of others doing the same.

A typical football game can last over three hours, so I recommend trying a few things off the menu while you’re there. Tasty appetizers include spinach artichoke and buffalo chicken dip. If you’re still hungry afterwards, feel free to try one of the many entrées that are guaranteed to hit the spot. You can’t go wrong with one of their mouth-watering burgers or saucy chicken wings with your choice of ranch or bleu cheese dressing. An assortment of salads are also available. Sufficed to say, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t forget about the growing list of beers on tap you can try while enjoying the game. Five domestic bottle buckets are a usually a better deal than pitchers. You can save yourself up to $2, and get a little more beer in the process.

I’ve also had pleasurable experiences at the Hard Times Cafe in Fairfax and Lucky’s Pub in Alexandria. Whether it’s the spicy chili platters at Hard Times or ultra competitive arcade games at Lucky’s, I’ve always enjoyed myself no matter what. Most sports fans will too.

-Ryan Robertson

Tags: American, bar, beer, food, football, fun, grill, Hard Times, Lucky's, sports