Watching Soccer in DC
If you’re new to Washington D.C. you might expect that finding a football match to watch would be difficult. There was a time where watching football in Washington D.C. was a challenge but all that has changed. With the growth of FOX Soccer Channel over the last decade and the recent additions of Sentanta Sports and Gol TV to satellite services. Used to be that the only people on the street at 9 am on a Sunday morning in January were hardcore football fans heading to their local. In fact so many matches are now available at home, the football pub scene has been slightly diminished. Whether you’re an ex-pat looking for his favorite club or in Washington D.C. on holiday we’ll help you find the spot to watch the match.
Where to Watch Soccer in Washington DC
Lucky Bar
1221 Connecticut Ave NW # 1221
(202) 331-3733
Another soccer friendly pub, the Lucky Bar is near Dupont Circle on the Red line of the metro. Like Summers, the Lucky Bar shows a number of international games.
Capitol Lounge
229 Pennsylvania Ave SE
(202) 547-2098
The Capitol Lounge is on Pennsylvania Avenue, near the Capital. Both are part of the soccer nation and are another favorite spots for watching games in town and hooking up with fellow soccer fans before and after games.
9:30 Club
815 V St NW
(202) 393-0930
If live music of the rock variety is your thing this is the place to go. Mostly hosts current touring acts and has been a bit of a D.C. institution for live rock and roll music. Cover charges usually range from $10-$40 depending on who is playing. Stick to this place if there is an act you really want to see, otherwise I would suggest the Black Cat.
Black Cat
1811 14th St NW
(202) 667-7960
This venue is the place if you like live music of the alternative variety. The Black Cat and the 9:30 are pretty much the places to check out some of the best live music in D.C. They pride themselves on offering up some of the lesser-known independent acts of the local and national variety. Cover prices normally range from $5-$15 depending on who is playing that night. They have also added the Red Room which is a no cover bar that also offers food selections from the now defunct Food For Thought restaurant as well as other standard bar fare.
The Brickskeller
1523 22nd St NW
(202) 293-1885
This place has one of the most insane beer lists I have ever seen. There are some area newspapers that are smaller than this thing as it lists at least 1,000 different beers. That being said they also make some fine burgers and pizza for consumption along with the massive variety of beer. Keep in mind, though, that the place is a tad on the small side but if you like to experience different kinds of beer this is the place you want to be.
Try these areas of the city for restaurants and clubs:
In Washington – Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, U street, between 10th and 16th streets. Georgetown is the most well known and is popular with tourists. All can be a challenge when it comes to parking, so leave the car at home if you can.
Alexandria, VA has a number of restaurants and pubs, some with views of the Potomac. The preserved Federalist buildings give the city a nice feel and attractive look. It’s compact area is conducive to strolling and seeking just the right place to eat or drink.
The Clarendon-Courthouse corridor in Arlington is starting to sprout new restaurants and clubs. It’s become quite the destination for the trendy suburbanite and is easily accessible from the Orange line of the subway.
