The Commanders fan experience is woven into the fabric of DC sports, from the team’s rich history as the Redskins to today. Whether you’re looking for the energy of a packed sports bar or a cozy neighborhood spot to watch the game, the DC metro area has endless options for Commanders fans. As a long time DC sports guy who’s been around the local scene for years, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best Commanders bars.
Having lived in DC for 10 years, but almost 25 years ago, I was excited to see many of my old bars are still going strong. Crystal City Sports Pub was doing team sections (designated by Team Helmets on the TVs) a good decade before most of the US. The Exchange was right next to George Washington University so there are lots of expat students there to represent NYC, Philly, Boston and other intense fan bases. Even the Northern Virginia suburbs are represented with PJ Skidoos in Fairfax was a good place when I movedfurther out of the city. This was all Redskins days, but the fan base has come back after many years rebuilding.
What Makes It Special: City Tap Penn Quarter has built a reputation as a craft beer destination that also delivers serious sports viewing. The venue attracts discerning Commanders fans who appreciate quality brewing alongside quality football, creating an elevated game day experience.
Sports Setup: Multiple viewing zones throughout the spacious venue ensure comprehensive Commanders coverage with quality audio systems. The layout accommodates both large groups and intimate gatherings while maintaining clear sightlines to multiple screens.
Food & Drink: The craft beer focus sets this venue apart with an extensive selection of local and national brews. Elevated pub fare goes beyond typical sports bar food, with menu items that pair perfectly with the premium beer selection and satisfy hungry Commanders fans.
Atmosphere: The sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere attracts both serious beer enthusiasts and passionate football fans. Outdoor seating provides additional game day space during good weather, creating versatile viewing options for different group sizes.
Special Features: The venue emphasizes craft beer with an extensive selection showcasing both local DC breweries and national favorites. Elevated pub fare features menu items specifically designed to complement the beer program. Multiple viewing zones throughout the establishment accommodate different group sizes and viewing preferences. Outdoor seating expands the capacity during beautiful fall Sundays, and the versatile space works for everything from intimate gatherings to large Commanders fan groups.
What Makes It Special: The Exchange Saloon serves as an official Commanders rally location with a rich history of hosting organized game day events. The classic DC sports bar atmosphere combined with the downtown location makes this a reliable destination for authentic Burgundy & Gold experiences. This place was booming as a student bar in the 80s & 90s, so happy to see it still packs em in on Sundays.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the venue provide comprehensive NFL coverage with audio that prioritizes Commanders games. The setup ensures good viewing angles from most seats while maintaining the classic sports bar intimacy.
Food & Drink: Classic sports bar menu with game day specials that keep costs reasonable for regular visits. The drink selection covers the essentials without pretense, focusing on serving fans who prioritize the game over gastropub experiences.
Atmosphere: Official Commanders rally location status means organized events and consistent fan turnout throughout the season. The downtown location attracts a mix of office workers, young professionals, and die-hard fans creating diverse but united Commanders energy.
Special Features: Regular game day events organized throughout the season. A classic DC sports bar atmosphere provides authentic experiences without pretense or excessive theming. The Metro-accessible location at Farragut West station ensures easy arrival for fans from across the region. Happy hour specials during games make multiple-visit affordability possible, though limited street parking means Metro is the preferred arrival method.
What Makes It Special: The Blaguard brings authentic dive bar atmosphere to Adams Morgan's Commanders viewing scene. The Commanders flag flying outside signals the team loyalty within, where a strong local following creates genuine neighborhood game day energy.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the intimate space provide solid Commanders coverage with audio that fans can actually hear. The smaller size means everyone's engaged in the game, creating shared experiences with every big play.
Food & Drink: Basic bar menu focuses on the essentials rather than gastropub pretensions. Game day drink specials make regular attendance affordable, and the no-frills approach means your money goes toward beer and football rather than unnecessary amenities.
Atmosphere: Adams Morgan dive atmosphere attracts locals seeking authenticity over polish. The Commanders flag outside serves as a beacon for Burgundy & Gold faithful, and the strong local following creates a community that extends beyond Sunday afternoons.
Special Features: The venue proudly displays a Commanders flag outside, signaling its team loyalty to passing fans and creating a welcoming beacon for Burgundy & Gold faithful. An authentic Adams Morgan dive bar atmosphere provides genuine neighborhood character without pretense. A strong local fan following ensures consistent crowds and passionate game day energy throughout the season. Game day drink specials make regular attendance affordable for working-class fans, and the intimate space creates a shared experience where every play matters to the entire room.
What Makes It Special: Duffy's has attracted displaced Panthers fans through its authentic Irish pub atmosphere and comprehensive sports coverage in Washington D.C. The venue is temporarily closed but stay tuned for what happens next with tis DC Panthers bar.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the traditional Irish pub provide comprehensive NFL coverage with clear audio for Panthers games. The pub layout encourages community viewing among displaced supporters.
Food & Drink: Traditional Irish fare alongside American sports bar classics provides hearty game day fuel for displaced Panthers fans.
Atmosphere: Dupont Circle energy meets authentic Irish pub culture in a venue that attracts diverse crowds including NFL fans. The welcoming atmosphere creates DC community for Panthers supporters.
Special Features: Duffy's provides authentic Irish pub atmosphere that creates welcoming environments for displaced Panthers fans seeking community in the nation's capital. Multiple screens ensure comprehensive NFL coverage with clear audio for Panthers games, guaranteeing proper coverage in Commanders territory.
What Makes It Special: Walter's Sports Bar brings modern innovation to DC's sports viewing scene with its unique rooftop viewing area and self-pour beer system. Located near Nationals Park, the venue combines contemporary amenities with serious sports presentation for an elevated Commanders experience.
Sports Setup: The rooftop viewing area provides unique outdoor game watching during beautiful fall Sundays. Modern sports bar setup includes strategically positioned screens throughout multiple levels, ensuring quality viewing whether you're inside or enjoying the rooftop atmosphere.
Food & Drink: The self-pour beer system allows fans to control their consumption and try multiple options without commitment. Full menu service accommodates groups planning extended viewing sessions, and food quality remains consistent during busy game days.
Atmosphere: Navy Yard Metro accessibility makes arrival easy for fans across the DMV. The modern atmosphere attracts younger professionals and families, creating diverse crowds united by Commanders passion.
Special Features: The venue features a unique rooftop viewing area that provides outdoor game watching during beautiful fall weather. A self-pour beer system allows fans to control their consumption and sample multiple options throughout the game. The location near Nationals Park makes it convenient for multi-sport fans and provides a walkable entertainment district. Navy Yard Metro accessibility ensures easy arrival, and reservations are recommended for big games as the rooftop fills quickly during prime weather conditions.
What Makes It Special: The Ugly Mug delivers reliable neighborhood sports bar experiences on Capitol Hill's Barracks Row. With NFL Sunday Ticket and pizza specials that have earned local acclaim, the venue provides consistent quality that keeps regulars returning week after week.
Sports Setup: NFL Sunday Ticket ensures comprehensive coverage of all Commanders games regardless of broadcast restrictions. Multiple screens throughout the neighborhood pub maintain clear sightlines from most seats while preserving the intimate atmosphere.
Food & Drink: Pizza specials have earned local acclaim and provide affordable game day fuel. The menu covers sports bar essentials without pretense, focusing on quality execution rather than unnecessary innovation.
Atmosphere: Barracks Row location attracts Capitol Hill residents and creates a genuine neighborhood gathering spot. Regular game day crowds build familiarity throughout the season, and the consistent quality ensures fans know what they're getting every visit.
Special Features: The venue features NFL Sunday Ticket for comprehensive coverage of all Commanders games regardless of national broadcast schedules. Pizza specials have earned local acclaim and provide affordable, quality game day fuel for extended viewing sessions. A regular game day crowd creates a community of familiar faces throughout the season, and the Barracks Row location serves Capitol Hill residents seeking a reliable neighborhood sports bar. Consistent quality and service ensure fans know exactly what to expect with every visit.
What Makes It Special: Crystal City Sports Pub stands as one of the region's premier Commanders destinations with three levels of viewing, game day shuttles to Northwest Stadium, and historic sports memorabilia throughout. The venue has earned legendary status among DC-area sports bars for its commitment to fan experience. This was were I 1st observed how a sports bar SHOULD run NFL Sunday.
Sports Setup: Three levels of viewing areas ensure you'll find the perfect spot regardless of crowd size. The extensive screen setup covers every angle, and the audio system ensures you hear every play call clearly across all three floors. Every TV is marked for their games (early and late) helping fans position themselves early before the crowds. I spent almost every NFL Sunday here in the 90s and it’s a national treasure.
Food & Drink: Full menu with pregame buffet options fuels fans before heading to the stadium on shuttle buses. The food quality justifies the venue's reputation, and portions are sized for hungry football fans planning extended viewing sessions.
Atmosphere: Game day shuttles to Northwest Stadium make this the ultimate pregame destination for ticket holders. Historic sports memorabilia throughout creates a museum-like environment celebrating DC sports history, and Crystal City Metro accessibility ensures easy arrival from across the region.
Special Features: The venue features three levels of viewing areas with extensive screen coverage ensuring optimal sightlines from every seat. Game day shuttles run directly to Northwest Stadium, making this the perfect pregame destination for ticket holders who want to drink without driving. Historic sports memorabilia throughout celebrates DC sports history and creates an immersive fan environment. Crystal City Metro accessibility ensures easy arrival from across the DMV, and pregame buffet options provide substantial fuel before heading to the game. Parking validation is available for those who choose to drive.
What Makes It Special: First Down Sports Bar has built a reputation as Arlington's premier wing destination while delivering serious sports viewing. Clarendon used to have some great sports bars but hard to battle the rental costs. Multiple viewing zones accommodate dedicated fan groups, and the regular game day specials keep loyal customers returning throughout the season.
Sports Setup: Multiple viewing zones allow Commanders fans to claim territory and create their own atmosphere within the larger venue. Screen placement ensures quality sightlines from every section, and audio can be adjusted for different areas.
Food & Drink: The wings at First Down are renowned throughout Arlington and provide compelling reasons to visit beyond the game. Game day specials make regular attendance affordable, and the beer selection covers both craft and domestic options.
Atmosphere: Ballston Metro accessibility brings fans from across the region. The local favorite status means consistent crowds and passionate energy, and the venue's reputation ensures you're surrounded by serious sports fans rather than casual viewers.
Special Features: The venue is renowned throughout Arlington for having the best wings in the area, earning consistent praise from local food critics and fans alike. Multiple viewing zones accommodate dedicated fan groups who want to create their own atmosphere within the larger venue. Regular game day specials make attendance affordable for fans who want to catch every Commanders game throughout the season. Ballston Metro accessibility ensures easy arrival from across the region, and free parking is available after 4pm for those who prefer to drive.
What Makes It Special: The Greene Turtle brings regional sports bar chain consistency to Arlington's Commanders viewing scene. Multiple locations provide reliable options regardless of which part of Arlington you're in, and the family-friendly atmosphere accommodates fans of all ages.
Sports Setup: Consistent game day experience across all locations means you know what you're getting. Multiple screens throughout each venue provide comprehensive NFL coverage, and the audio systems prioritize major games.
Food & Drink: Full menu with extensive food and drink options covers all game day cravings. Chain consistency means reliable quality, and the broad menu accommodates different dietary preferences within viewing groups.
Atmosphere: Family-friendly atmosphere makes The Greene Turtle accessible for multi-generational Commanders viewing. The chain's regional presence means many fans grew up visiting these locations, creating nostalgic connections alongside current game day traditions.
Special Features: The regional sports bar chain provides consistent game day experiences across multiple Arlington locations, ensuring you know what to expect regardless of which venue you visit. A full menu with extensive food and drink options accommodates diverse group preferences and dietary needs. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for multi-generational Commanders viewing parties. Multiple locations throughout Arlington provide convenient options based on your starting point, and the chain's longstanding regional presence creates nostalgic connections for many DMV residents.
What Makes It Special: Wiley Gunters brings extensive craft beer selection and unique entertainment to Baltimore's Commanders viewing scene. Shuffleboard and darts provide entertainment between plays, and the South Baltimore location attracts Commanders fans seeking quality experiences north of DC.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the venue provide comprehensive Commanders coverage with quality audio. The setup maintains clear sightlines while preserving space for the shuffleboard and dart boards that add entertainment value.
Food & Drink: Extensive beer selection showcases both craft and traditional options. The beverage program attracts serious beer enthusiasts, and the food menu covers game day essentials with quality execution.
Atmosphere: South Baltimore location serves Commanders fans in the Baltimore area who maintain DMV loyalty. The strong Commanders following despite Ravens territory creates a special bond among patrons who represent Burgundy & Gold in enemy territory.
Special Features: The venue features an extensive beer selection with both craft and traditional options that attract serious beer enthusiasts to pair with their football viewing. Shuffleboard and darts provide unique entertainment options between plays and during commercial breaks, adding value beyond pure game watching. The South Baltimore location serves a strong Commanders following despite being in Ravens territory, creating special bonds among fans who represent Burgundy & Gold behind enemy lines. Multiple screens ensure you never miss crucial Commanders action while enjoying the venue's unique entertainment offerings.
What Makes It Special: El Bufalo brings tequila bar energy to Baltimore's Commanders viewing scene with a unique Mexican menu. The mixed fan base in Ravens territory creates interesting dynamics, and the energetic atmosphere makes every Commanders game feel like an event.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the Canton tequila bar ensure comprehensive game coverage. The setup accommodates the energetic atmosphere while maintaining clear viewing angles for invested fans.
Food & Drink: Mexican menu provides different game day dining options that stand out from standard sports bar fare. The tequila focus creates signature drink options, and the food quality validates the venue's culinary reputation.
Atmosphere: Canton neighborhood location brings energetic crowds that appreciate the unique concept. The mixed fan base means you'll encounter Ravens supporters, but the Commanders presence remains strong and passionate.
Special Features: The Canton neighborhood tequila bar concept provides a unique alternative to standard sports bar environments with Mexican-inspired menu options. Multiple screens ensure comprehensive coverage of all Commanders action throughout the venue, and the energetic atmosphere makes every game feel like an event rather than routine viewing. The mixed fan base in Ravens territory creates interesting dynamics and good-natured rivalry during NFL Sundays. Quality Mexican food elevates the dining experience beyond standard sports bar fare, and the tequila-focused drink program offers signature cocktails you won't find at generic venues.
The Washington Commanders’ fan base extends far beyond the DMV area, with dedicated watch locations in every major region of the United States. From Manhattan’s Second Chance Saloon to Los Angeles’ Joxer Daileys, fans can find game day experiences that rival those in Washington DC. Each region offers unique experiences:
• Northeast venues combine traditional sports bars with urban sophistication
• Southeast locations emphasize southern hospitality and seafood specialties
• Midwest bars feature strong expat communities and family-friendly environments
• West Coast establishments open early for dedicated fans, offering breakfast options
• Western venues integrate sports betting and modern amenities
These bars demonstrate the nationwide reach of Commanders fandom, providing not just places to watch games, but communities where fans can celebrate their team together. Whether you’re a travelling fan or a transplant in a new city, there’s likely a Commanders-friendly establishment nearby.
We are at the beginning of our curation of the best sports bars around the world. Any feedback and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Here are some categories that we are using to judge sports bars
Bibliography:
1. “Washington Commanders Fan Club Directory” (2024). NFL Team Association Guides.
2. Smith, R. (2024). “Sports Bar Culture in American Cities.” Journal of American Entertainment & Dining, 15(2), 45-62.
3. “National Sports Bar Association Annual Report” (2024). NSBA Publications.
4. Johnson, M. (2024). “The Evolution of Team-Specific Sports Bars.” Sports Business Quarterly, 8(4), 112-128.
5. “NFL Team Viewership Patterns and Fan Distribution” (2024). Nielsen Sports Analytics.
6. Thompson, K. (2024). “Out-of-Market NFL Fan Behavior Study.” Sports Marketing Research Institute.
Game Day Tips
1. Get there early to get good seats
2. Check social media for deals
3. Join programs for rewards
4. Reserve for big games
5. Have a DD or ride-share
Insider Tips:
● Metro accessible (i.e., Columbia Heights station)
● Kitchen serves quickly during games
● Upstairs area for groups
● Weekend brunch for early games
Game Day Transportation Tips
Metro Access
● Penn Quarter bars: Gallery Place/Chinatown station
● Columbia Heights venues: Columbia Heights station
● Crystal City locations: Crystal City station
Parking Information
● Street parking: Limited on game days
● Parking garages: Multiple near Penn Quarter
● Metro parking: At suburban stations
Local Fan Clubs & Communities
● Official Commanders Rally Bars Network
● DC Metro Commanders Fan Club
● Local chapter meetup locations
● Social media groups and hashtags
WiFi & Sports Betting Information
● Sports betting legal in DC through GambetDC app
● All bars have free WiFi
● Virginia locations: Mobile betting through approved operators
● Maryland locations: Sports betting through state-licensed apps
Special Events Calendar
Regular Season
● Weekly watch parties
● Jersey giveaways
● Half-time raffles
● Food and drink specials
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