Best Sports Bar to Watch NFL Football in Arlington, Virginia (2025 Edition)

Introduction

Arlington, Virginia is football country through and through! With over 26 million annual visitors to the DC metro area and Northwest Stadium (home of the Washington Commanders) just a short drive away, Arlington has become the epicenter for NFL game day excitement in Northern Virginia. Having spent years exploring the sports bar scene from Ballston to Crystal City, I can tell you there’s something special about watching football in the shadow of the nation’s capital. I lived in DC for 9 years (4 in Arlington). I was a Sunday regular at Crystal City Sports Pub 26 years ago and that help form my passion for sports bars around the world. It set the standard for how a bar should address NFL Sundays! We’ve lost some great bars in Clarendon and other spots, but it’s still a great place to live and cheer on your favorite team.

From the bustling corridors of Clarendon to the waterfront views of Crystal City, Arlington’s diverse neighborhoods each bring their own flavor to game day. But after testing wings at every spot from Wilson Boulevard to Columbia Pike, one venue consistently delivers that perfect combination of viewing experience, game day atmosphere, and those essential 50 different wing sauces that make Sundays special. We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations!

Ballston

First Down Sports Bar and Grill

https://www.firstdownarlington.com
(703) 524-2867
Location: Ballston – 4213 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203

What Makes It Special: This Ballston institution has become the ultimate NFL headquarters in Arlington with their legendary 50 different wing sauces and authentic sports bar atmosphere. Walking in on Sunday feels like entering a football command center where every screen matters and every touchdown gets the crowd on their feet. I’ve watched countless Commanders games here and the energy when Washington scores is absolutely electric!

Sports Setup: Multiple high-definition TVs strategically positioned throughout the bar ensure you never miss a single play from any angle. The audio system is perfectly balanced so you can hear the game calls clearly without drowning out conversation with your crew. During primetime games and Commanders matchups, they dedicate the main screens and audio to the hometown team while keeping RedZone and other games visible for fantasy football fanatics.

Food & Drink: Those 50 wing sauce options aren’t just a gimmick – each one brings something different to your game day experience. Six boneless wings with fries for just $12 is a steal in the DC metro area. The pretzel bites ($7.50) and mozz sticks ($7.50) round out perfect shareable options. Drink deals include tall stadium cans for $12 that transport you right to the game, Touchdown Tequila shots of Corazon Reposado for $7, and Game Day Tito’s White Tea shots for $6 that’ll have you cheering louder.

Atmosphere: This is where real football fans gather, not just casual viewers. The Ballston location draws a perfect mix of young professionals, longtime Arlington residents, and die-hard Commanders faithful who’ve been suffering and celebrating together for decades. Staff members know their football and can debate plays between serving rounds. Sunday afternoons here feel like a weekly reunion of football fanatics.

Special Features: The legendary 50 different wing sauce collection sets this place apart from every other sports bar in the DMV, ranging from mild honey BBQ to sauces that’ll make you cry tears of joy and pain. Stadium-style tall beer cans bring that authentic game day feel right to your table while the strategic TV placement ensures perfect viewing angles from literally every seat in the house. Walking distance from Ballston-MU Metro makes this accessible for responsible game day adventures without worrying about parking.

Ballston Local

https://www.ballstonlocal.com
(703) 671-1100
Location: Ballston – 900 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203

What Makes It Special: This congenial neighborhood hang transforms into game day central with serious food and drink specials that draw crowds for both NFL and college football. The Big Boss Platter has become legendary among groups who can’t decide what to order. I’ve seen tables of eight struggle to finish this mountain of game day goodness!

Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the space with excellent sightlines from the bar and dining areas keep everyone connected to the action. The layout allows for different groups to claim their space while still feeling part of the collective game day energy. Audio levels are managed well so you can follow your game without missing conversation.

Food & Drink: The Big Boss Platter ($45) is a monster trifecta piled with nachos, 10 wings, and five sliders that could feed a small football team. Mix-and-match beer buckets ($20-$25) let your group sample different brews while $17 pitchers keep the budget in check. Those $6 rail shots help celebrate touchdowns without breaking the bank, and the kitchen knows how to handle the Sunday rush without sacrificing quality.

Atmosphere: Ballston Local attracts a neighborhood crowd that’s passionate but friendly – you might end up high-fiving strangers after big plays. The mix of young professionals and longtime locals creates great energy without the overwhelming chaos of larger venues. This is where Ballston comes to watch football without pretense.

Special Features: The mix-and-match beer bucket concept lets groups explore different brews while staying on budget, perfect for those long Sunday sessions. Their ability to handle both NFL Sundays and Saturday college games with equal enthusiasm means you’ve got a reliable spot all weekend. The Big Boss Platter has become Instagram-famous as groups challenge themselves to finish it. Location right on Glebe Road provides easy access with actual parking possibilities unlike deeper Ballston venues.

Clarendon

Nettie’s Tavern

https://www.nettiestavern.com
(703) 465-0969
Location: Clarendon – 2854 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201

What Makes It Special: Opening in the beloved Whitlow’s on Wilson space, Nettie’s has quickly established itself as Clarendon’s go-to for Thursday and Monday night football with killer drink specials. This is their first football season and they’re going all out to win over the Clarendon crowd. The vibe here during primetime games feels like the neighborhood decided to throw a block party indoors!

Sports Setup: The familiar Whitlow’s layout has been optimized for sports viewing with screens positioned for optimal viewing from both the bar and dining areas. Thursday and Monday night games get full audio treatment making this the spot for primetime football. The setup handles crowds well with multiple viewing zones so everyone gets a good angle.

Food & Drink: Thursday Night Football brings $3 Mug Night from 6-9 PM – an absolute steal in Clarendon where beers usually run $8+. Monday Night Football features $5 beer buckets during the same window making this the most affordable game watching in the neighborhood. The menu covers solid bar food basics with portions that satisfy without emptying your wallet.

Atmosphere: First season energy is palpable as Nettie’s works to establish itself as Clarendon’s football headquarters. The Thursday and Monday night crowds are building weekly traditions already. The Wilson Boulevard location draws the young professional Clarendon crowd who appreciate good deals and great atmosphere. This feels like a neighborhood bar that’s still finding its identity in the best way possible.

Special Features: The spirit of old Whitlow’s lives on in this prime Clarendon real estate where generations of Arlingtonians have gathered for drinks and camaraderie. Thursday Night Football’s $3 Mug Night might be the best drink deal in all of Clarendon making this a can’t-miss weekly tradition. Their sister bar Quinn’s On The Corner in Rosslyn offers 50-cent wings on Monday nights if you want options. Being new means they’re eager to please and the service shows it with staff going above and beyond to establish regulars.

Rosslyn

Quinn’s On The Corner

https://www.quinnsonthecorner.com
(703) 248-9888
Location: Rosslyn – 1776 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209

What Makes It Special: Sister bar to Nettie’s Tavern, Quinn’s has carved out its niche as Rosslyn’s Thursday burger haven and Monday night wing destination. The corner location gives it that classic urban sports bar feel where office workers transition into football fans. I always hit this place for Monday Night Football – those 50-cent wings are no joke!

Sports Setup: Well-positioned TVs throughout ensure good viewing from both the bar and table areas with clear sightlines to multiple screens. Monday and Thursday night games get priority audio and screen treatment. The corner location provides great natural light during day games while maintaining that essential sports bar darkness for evening matchups.

Food & Drink: The Thursday special of burger and beer for just $10 from 6-9 PM is perfect for Thursday Night Football. But the real star is Monday Night Football with 50-cent wings from 6-9 PM – probably the best wing deal in all of Arlington. Regular beer selection covers all the basics with prices that reflect Rosslyn’s business district location but specials that make it affordable.

Atmosphere: Rosslyn’s business crowd transforms this place from office happy hour to serious football viewing as the evening progresses. Monday nights especially bring out the regulars who’ve discovered those incredible wing prices. The vibe is more subdued than rowdier Arlington spots but perfect for actually watching and discussing the game.

Special Features: Those 50-cent Monday night wings might be the best kept secret in Arlington for football fans on a budget who still want quality. The Thursday burger and beer combo for $10 provides incredible value in expensive Rosslyn making this a worker’s paradise. The Rosslyn location near multiple office buildings means a built-in happy hour crowd that transitions seamlessly into game watching. Sister bar relationship with Nettie’s gives you options depending on which neighborhood you’re in for the game.

Shirlington

Astro Beer Hall and Astro Doughnuts

https://www.astrodoughnuts.com
(703) 888-2456
Location: Shirlington – 4001 and 4005 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206

What Makes It Special: This dual-concept venue brings together craft beer excellence and those Instagram-famous Commanders mini donuts that have become a game day tradition. The beer hall’s lower level speakeasy 1969 adds another dimension to game watching. I’ve never seen donuts create such excitement during a football game until you witness a box of burgundy and gold mini donuts arrive at a table of Commanders fans!

Sports Setup: The beer hall features multiple screens positioned throughout with excellent viewing angles from the communal seating areas. The industrial-chic space creates interesting acoustics that somehow make game audio more exciting. The speakeasy downstairs offers a more intimate viewing experience for smaller groups who want to escape the main floor energy.

Food & Drink: Pitchers run incredible specials – Gansett for $15 on Mondays and Thursdays, Astro Kolsch for $15 on Saturdays, and Miller Light for $20 on Sundays. The house lager and Fireball shot combo for $10 has become a touchdown celebration standard. Those Commanders-themed mini donuts ($36 for a box, pre-order only) in flavors like crème brûlée and honey bun are worth the splurge for special games.

Atmosphere: Shirlington’s dining destination crowd brings a different energy than typical sports bars – expect more families early and young professionals later. The beer hall setup encourages mingling between tables creating spontaneous game day friendships. The donut shop connection means random eruptions of excitement when those burgundy and gold boxes appear.

Special Features: The Commanders mini donut boxes available on every Washington game day have become legendary on social media with fans posting photos throughout the season. The basement speakeasy 1969 offers a completely different vibe with High Life pitchers for $20 on Sundays perfect for more intimate groups. Shooter specials including Fireball variations and Pineapple Upside Down keep the energy high all game long. The Shirlington location makes this accessible from both Arlington and Alexandria drawing a diverse crowd of fans from across Northern Virginia.

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

https://www.dudleyssportandale.com
(703) 379-0601
Location: Shirlington – 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206

What Makes It Special: Billing itself as Northern Virginia’s largest sports bar and rooftop, Dudley’s has over 40 TVs creating a viewing experience that rivals any venue in the region. The rooftop situation during nice weather games is unmatched in Arlington. This place feels like what would happen if someone decided to build the ultimate sports bar and actually pulled it off!

Sports Setup: With 40+ TVs you’re guaranteed multiple viewing options for every game with the capability to show everything from NFL RedZone to obscure college matchups. The rooftop adds another dimension with outdoor screens and fresh air viewing that’s perfect for those beautiful fall football days. Sound systems on both levels ensure you hear every play whether inside or out.

Food & Drink: Shareable platters designed for groups include loaded nachos, wings, pizzas, burgers, and more – all portioned for hungry football crowds. The famous crushes in grapefruit or orange flavors have become signature drinks while frozen lime margaritas help cool down heated rival debates. The kitchen handles volume without sacrificing quality even during the busiest Sunday afternoon rushes.

Atmosphere: The sheer size means different zones for different vibes – find your crew’s perfect spot whether that’s rowdy bar seating or calmer dining areas. The rooftop draws a see-and-be-seen crowd especially during Commanders games when the weather cooperates. This is big-time sports bar energy with all the excitement that comes with it.

Special Features: The rooftop viewing experience during perfect football weather is absolutely unbeatable in the entire DMV region with views and vibes you won’t find anywhere else. Those famous crush drinks in grapefruit and orange have become so popular people come just for those and stay for games. The massive 40+ TV setup means they can accommodate any viewing request no matter how obscure your team preference. Shareable platters are actually sized and priced for real sharing making this perfect for large groups who want variety without ordering the entire menu.

Crystal City

Crystal City Sports Pub

https://www.crystalcitysportspub.com
(703) 521-8215
Location: Crystal City – 529 23rd Street S., Arlington, VA 22202

What Makes It Special: This isn’t just a sports bar – it’s a full-service Commanders game day operation with their legendary tickets-and-tailgate packages to Northwest Stadium. The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet before games is the stuff of legend. I took their bus to a Commanders game last season and it turned a regular game into an event!

Sports Setup: Traditional sports pub setup with multiple screens ensuring good coverage of all games throughout the venue. The real draw is being the launching point for game day adventures rather than just watching on TV. When they’re not running shuttles, the pub maintains solid viewing for all NFL games with focus on Washington.

Food & Drink: The pre-game tailgate buffet includes eggs, bacon, corned beef hash, cheese blintzes and more – serious fuel for a day at the stadium. Regular pub menu covers all the standards with prices reflecting Crystal City’s business district. The beverage program during tailgate packages helps get the party started early.

Atmosphere: Game day mornings when buses are loading feel like a pep rally with fans in full gear ready for battle. Regular viewing days bring the Crystal City business crowd mixed with Pentagon personnel and longtime regulars. The energy builds throughout the day as kickoff approaches whether you’re heading to the stadium or staying put.

Special Features: The tickets-and-tailgate deal for $65 includes bus transportation to and from Northwest Stadium plus that incredible all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and beverages making this the best value for seeing games live. You can buy just the transportation for $35 if you want to tailgate on your own but the full package is worth every penny. Crystal City location makes this convenient for Arlington, Alexandria, and DC residents with easy Metro access. The chance to turn TV watching into a live stadium experience sets this apart from every other sports bar in the area.

Pentagon City/Westpost

Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza

https://www.nighthawkdc.com
(703) 486-2345
Location: Westpost – 1201 S. Joyce Street, Arlington, VA 22202

What Makes It Special: This retro eatery brings together craft brewing, quality pizza, and 23 screens including a massive 130-inch projector that makes you feel like you’re at the game. The ticket giveaway program has created serious buzz with people winning Commanders tickets just for dining. The cafeteria-style seating brings back school lunch nostalgia while watching NFL action!

Sports Setup: Those 23 screens include every size from standard TVs to that incredible 130-inch projector screen that becomes the focal point during big games. The cafeteria-style seating might seem odd but creates perfect viewing angles and encourages communal watching. The projection screen makes touchdown moments feel larger than life.

Food & Drink: Game day specials include $6 LightHawk Light American Lager and Mid-Day Sun Mexican Lager plus a rotating weekly beer selection. Hickory-smoked wings or pretzel sticks for $10 provide solid value in this part of Arlington. The pizza program offers both classic and creative options perfect for sharing during games.

Atmosphere: The retro cafeteria vibe creates a unique atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and fun – like watching football in the world’s coolest school lunch room. The brewery connection means craft beer enthusiasts mix with football fans creating interesting crowd dynamics. Pentagon City location draws both military and civilian crowds adding to the diversity.

Special Features: The ticket giveaway program where purchases enter you to win actual Commanders game tickets has created incredible excitement with regular winners announced. That 130-inch projector screen is one of the largest in any Arlington sports venue making this destination viewing for big games. The cafeteria-style seating oddly works perfectly for sports viewing creating natural group areas while maintaining good sightlines. Located less than a mile from the Pentagon means strong military presence especially for prime time games featuring patriotic ceremonies.

Multi-Location

Paisano’s Pizza

https://www.paisanospizza.com
(703) 123-4567
Location: Multiple Arlington Locations – See website for nearest location

What Makes It Special: As the official Washington Commanders pizza provider, Paisano’s has gone all-in with the new Dan Quinn Pizza featuring stuffed crust that honors the head coach himself. This Arlington-founded chain brings hometown pride to every game day order. When the Commanders score, I swear the pizza tastes even better!

Sports Setup: While primarily a pizza joint rather than sports bar, many locations have TVs for viewing and all offer excellent takeout/delivery for home game watching. The partnership with the Commanders means special promotions during games. Some locations have expanded dining areas with multiple screens for those who want to stay and watch.

Food & Drink: The Dan Quinn Pizza ($21.99) features green peppers, onions, and pepperoni packed inside the crust – a hearty combination perfect for game day. Regular menu covers all pizza classics plus wings, subs, and sides. The official Commanders partnership means special combo deals during the season.

Atmosphere: Varies by location but all share that local chain pride that comes from Arlington roots and Commanders partnership. Primarily takeout/delivery but dining areas provide casual viewing opportunities. The excitement when someone orders the Dan Quinn Pizza is palpable – this is Arlington supporting its own.

Special Features: The official Washington Commanders partnership makes this more than just pizza – it’s a statement of team loyalty with every order. Dollar from each Dan Quinn Pizza goes to Quinn’s Corps charity supporting active military and veterans adding purpose to your purchase. Founded by Arlington native Fouad Qreitem means this is truly homegrown success story that locals love supporting. Multiple locations throughout Arlington ensure there’s always one nearby whether you’re watching at home or need game day fuel delivered.