The beauty of the Winter Olympics is it’s like a two-week buffet: You can pick and choose what you like, sample a little bit of this and that, or dive all-in into an event. Whether you’re into hockey, downhill skiing, curling or ice skating, local bars and restaurants are sure to have the games on.
Here are six area locations:
Bugsy’s Sports Bar/Pizza Restaurant
With former Capital and native of Canada Bryan Watson as the owner, this Old Town spot is arguably the best hockey bar in the metropolitan area. The location plans to have food and drink specials during the games. 111 King St., Alexandria; 703-683-0313; bugsyspizza.com
Crystal City Sports Pub
The mecca of sports bars in the D.C. metro area says it gets a pretty decent crowd for Winter Olympics viewing. The folks here have installed some new high-definition equipment to better air all of the coverage, and the third level will mostly have the volume tuned to the games. 529 23rd St., Arlington; 703-521-8215; ccsportspub.com
ESPN Zone
Sure, it’s corporate, but so are the Olympics. But all kidding aside, it’s hard to argue with the 180 television screens on hand. This Penn Quarter location is expecting multiple groups looking for Olympic fun. 555 12th St. NW; 202-783-3776; espnzone.com
Good Stuff Eatery
This hamburger joint is owned by former “Top Chef” contestant Spike Mendelsohn, who was born in Montreal. In honor of Canada hosting the Olympics, Chef Spike is offering Canadian poutine, featuring Sunny’s hand-cut fries smothered in gravy and cheese curd; a farmhouse cheeseburger with Canadian bacon; and a swirled maple syrup shake. 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; 202-543-8222; goodstuffeatery.com
Nellie’s Sports Bar
This U Street sports bar is planning to show the Olympics all the way through. It had a good turnout during the Summer Olympics back in 2008, and is expecting more of the same this go around. 900 U St. NW; 202-332-6355; nelliessportsbar.com
Russia House Restaurant & Lounge
To be clear, this is not a sports bar. Its upper levels don’t even have televisions and are more for the lounge/club scene. However, Russia House has gotten a reputation as a hangout for — and place to see — Capitals players. Try the six-vodka sampler, or dive into the series of Baltic beers. 1800 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-234-9433; russiahouselounge.com – Robert Fulton
