By George, we’ve finally done it.
After a short dry spell for DC-based baseball teams that lasted, oh I don’t know, 86 years, we’re finally back in the World Series. Last week, Nationals’ centerfielder Victor Robles caught the final out in the pennant, breaking an unfortunate streak that had plagued baseball in our nation’s capital since 1933, when the Senators, DC’s home team at the time, appeared in the Fall Classic.
Game One — away to the Houston Astros, who beat the Yankees in five games — starts tonight at approximately 8 p.m. EST.
Whether the Nats end up winning or losing, and whether you want to be swirling a cocktail or tanked on lite pilsners when you find that verdict out, it’s gonna be a fun week. And with that, we present to you the perfect game-watching location for all possible situations.
You want to eat a decent meal while you watch…
The Salt Line. Located legitimately right across the street from Nationals Park, this upscale New England-style seafood restaurant is the perfect spot to park your haunches to enjoy the game with anything from fried clam bellies to grilled swordfish and beef bourguignon. They have large, easily accessible TVs, and specials for out-of-town games include half-price oysters as well as $3 Narragansett, $5 DC Brau or wine and $7 draft cocktails. P.S. Their dock bar is also dog-friendly in case you want to bring your pooch along for the excitement.
You want to be among a rowdy and beer-soaked crowd…
The Bullpen. The original home base for Nationals fans, the Bullpen is usually the best spot to pregame before heading into the stadium. For the World Series they will be airing all of the games on a 12-foot big screen TV with the sound on. Doors open at 6 p.m. for Games 1 and 2, and they’ll be serving up $6 drinks all night long, so come prepared to double-fist.
You’re bringing the kids along…
The St. Gregory Hotel. The newly renovated Dupont Circle hotel will light up their lobby entrance Nationals Red and will have the games playing fireside and ballpark snacks like Cracker Jack and hot dogs. Their cheeky drink specials include The Rendon Special of hot Cheetos and a Corona, the Scherzer Slider of Rye, Kahlua and milk, and even a kid-friendly mocktail called the Juan Soto that’s basically just sparkling white grape juice.
You think tacos and margaritas are more your thing…
Agua 301. Head over to the waterside Agua 301 in Yards Park for rotating food specials and $3 tacos, with options like pork belly al pastor and Baja fish. Also, when the Nats score you’ll be cheering extra hard — margarita specials start at just $7, with 25 cents off for every run the home team scores at each game. Come wearing your Nats gear and you’ll be entered into a daily drawing for the chance to win four tickets to a 2020 season game.
You’re looking for the biggest screen possible…
Penn Social. There are times when one can argue that size really does matter, like in the case of Penn Social’s enormous projector screens, one of which is 22 feet in diameter. Grab a beer to sip on and don’t fret about finding a spot with a good view — they have nine other screens that measure at least 10 feet. Their Nats game special is $5 drafts from D.C. breweries 3 Stars, Atlas, DC Brau, Hellbender and Right Proper.
You’re looking for something low key…
Novel South Capital. Wanna check out the game and a new apartment all in one day? This luxury building will be opening up their rooftop lounge to the public for a watch party on Friday night. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. they’ll be offering ballpark concessions and brews, and you’ll also be able to enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Saturday’s game.
You want something a little more quality than Coors Light…
Bluejacket. This local microbrewery went all out to celebrate the DC sports milestone, creating a new fruity double IPA that they’ve named 86 Years — a nod to the amount of time that’s passed since DC has been in the World Series. Check out their tap and watch party where you can enjoy $5 drafts and cans and various food specials. Commemorative cans of 86 Years will go on sale starting Friday (10/25) at noon in their bottle shop and are first come, first serve.
You’re a lowly Astros fan…
Republic Cantina. This intimate Tex-Mex joint will serve as a haven for DC-based Astro fans looking to cheer their team on without being tarred and feathered. They’ll have a 10-foot projector set up, according to a statement by owner Chris Svetlik to the Washington Post. Come early for their happy hour, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes $5 chile con queso, $5 Modelo beers and $8 margs.
Plus, where to pregame in style…
Shilling Canning Company. Chef Reid Shilling’s modern Mid-Atlantic restaurant in Navy Yard features is celebrating this week with a happy hour running Tuesday to Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in their newly opened outdoor culinary garden and indoor bar. It’s located a short walking distance from Nationals Park and the Bullpen, so it’s a great spot to get the night started with specials like $2 oysters, $6 Old Oriole Park Lagers and a $9 Homers for Howie cocktail of vodka, ginger, nutmeg and bitters.
And a hotel for out-of-towners looking to catch a game…
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Only a 15-minute Metro ride to Nationals Park in Navy Yard, Hotel Monaco is offering a special “Stay for the Series” package, including two pre-loaded Metro cards out of towners can use at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail across the street from the hotel, plus a $20 credit to use at the hotel’s restaurant and bar, Dirty Habit, on cocktails before or after the games. Guests will also have the option to enjoy a specialty Pitcher’s Punch cocktail available all day from October 21 through October 30 for $6 per glass, with $1 from every glass benefitting the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation.
This article was featured in the InsideHook DC newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Beltway.