The 2016-2017 NFL season kicks off today and if you're looking for a place to watch your favorite team, look no further. We've rounded up some of the best sports bars in the District and let you know which team's fans congregate there to cheer on their side. Whether you're Team Brady, looking to wave a Terrible Towel, decked out in silver and black, or a fan of any team in New York state, we've got a spot for you.
Mason Inn (Glover Park) - On Saturdays, Mason Inn is all SEC football, all the time. But Sundays they become the District's satellite bar for the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Mason Inn has been named DC's best sports bar by Zagat, and offers a rowdy atmosphere, sub-$10 pitchers, and dozens of screens to view multiple games.
Lucky Bar (Dupont) - You can find Capitol Riot, the self-proclaimed oldest Carolina Panthers fanbase outside the Carolinas, at Lucky Bar on game days. The crew doesn't mess around: they have custom club gear and can fill the place to capacity. For Panthers fans in Virginia, hit up Mad Rose Tavern by Clarendon.
Grand Central (Adams Morgan) - Grand Central has been known to proudly fly its Buffalo Bills flags on 18th Street, and is the go-to spot for any DMV Bills fans.
Ivy and Coney (Shaw) - Bearing the names of two midwest icons (Ivy for Wrigley Field, Coney for Detroit hot dogs), you should be able to find good company as a Chicago Bears or Detroit Lions fan at this second floor dive in Shaw. Bears fans near Capitol Hill can head to Union Pub to snack on Chicago-style hot dogs and throw back Goose Islands. Lions fans on the Hill can hit up Capitol Lounge.
The Bottom Line (Farragut) - Cincinnati Bengals fans can throw on their orange and black and meet in the Bottom Line basement for brews and a "Big Al Burger," named after the spot's general manager.
Paddy Barry's Pub (Tyson's) - This Tyson's Corner Irish pub is the home this season to the Washington D.C.-area Cleveland Browns Backers Club. The crew has been known to hold Ohio State watch parties, if you're into that sort of thing. Other Browns locations include RFD in Chinatown and the Hard Times Cafe in Manassas.
Parlay Sports Lounge (Dupont) - This Dupont spot goes all out for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, so Tony Romo fans, you know where to go.
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern (Penn Quarter) - Fans of the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks should head to the two level sports bar for game watches. Things can get heated when the two play each other, I've seen it firsthand. Broncos fans can also gather at Stoneys in Dupont, which offers $12 Bud Light pitchers and food specials. Seahawks fans can also be found at Acre 121 in Columbia Heights.
Hamilton's Bar and Grill (Capitol Hill) - Not to be confused with The Hamilton near the White House, Hamilton's Bar and Grill is the place to drink Leinies and throw back cheese curds with fellow Green Bay Packers fans. Also your spot if you're a Wisconsin Badgers fan looking for somewhere to jump around.
City Tap House (Mount Vernon Triangle) - Houston Texans fans are ready to call City Tap House their home for the season. The DC Texans Fans will be taking over the beer joint on gamedays.
Spider Kelly's (Courthouse) - Though not necessarily an official spot, last season a small group of Indianapolis Colts Fans in Washington DC picked this Arlington sports bar to watch the games. With any Luck, they'll be back this year.
Buffalo Billiards (Dupont) - You'll find members of the Bold City Brigade, DC's Jacksonville Jaguars club at Buffalo Billiards for the season. They'll have the Garage Room reserved for every game with a 10 foot projector and sound.
Clyde's (Georgetown) - Okay, this is maybe stretching it, but it seems like you'll find at least one fellow Kansas City Chiefs fan at Clyde's.
Blackfinn (Downtown) - D.C. Miami Dolphins fans can be found at Blackfinn for official game watches. Additionally, in an odd sports pairing, Solly's on U St. religiously shows Dolphins and Ohio State football games. Dolfans in Northern Virginia can also find an enthusiastic group at Mellow Mushroom in Herndon.
Murphy's (Old Town Alexandria) - New England Patriots fans can be found in numbers at Murphy's in Old Town. They can pour one out for lost DC hangout Rhino Bar, which closed in 2015, but toast another season dominance while cursing Goodell and the sham that is Deflategate [disclaimer: Pats fan author]. Kelly's Irish Times is also a gathering spot for New England fans. Additionally, this Pats fans meetup group posts game watch locations. Season opener against the Cardinals this year is at U St. sports bar The Prospect.
Bayou (Foggy Bottom) - As you might have guessed from the name, you'll find $5 hurricanes, po' boys, and New Orleans Saints fans at Bayou on Sundays.
Nanny O'Briens (Cleveland Park) - This Cleveland Park Irish pub has been known to fly the New York Giants flag on Connecticut Ave. Get the wings.
51st State (Foggy Bottom) - Self-proclaimed as DC's only New York sports bar, this is a go-to destination for New York Jets fans as well as Bills and Giants supporters. It's probably a terrible place to be [again, disclaimer, New England fan].
Public Bar (Dupont) - This Dupont spot is home to the DC Metro Oakland Raiders Booster Club. If the Oaktown silver and black are your jam, meet up with the crew there on Sundays this season.
Ventnor Sports Cafe (Adams Morgan) - Owned and operated by a Philly native, Philadelphia Eagles can find pitchers and some of the best nachos in town at Ventnors. Eagles fans can also be found at Sign of the Whale in Dupont.
Orange Anchor (Georgetown) - Bring your terrible towel and join fellow Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Orange Anchor. The waterfront bar will be the season home base for Steeler fans, with specials and FREE JELLO SHOTS AFTER EVERY SCORE. Danger.
Town Tavern (Adams Morgan) - Town Tavern is not shy about its SF affiliation and the San Francisco 49ers are no exception. Find wing and pitcher combos here.
Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill (Courthouse) - Thanks to one pioneering fan, Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans finally have some place to call home. Craft beer fans take note: they'll have imported kegs of Cigar City Brewing Co.
Lou's City Bar (Columbia Heights) - Head to Columbia Heights to find the DC fan club of the Tennessee Titans. They'll have specials on Tennessee whiskey, of course, as well as other food and drink deals.
Everywhere else: You can watch the hometown Washington Redskins at most other local sports bars, but you probably should just spare yourself the agony and not.
Note: I was unable to find anything for Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers or L.A. Rams supporters (if any exist yet). If you know of a spot for these two teams, give me a shout.
