The Georgetown Hoyas taking on the Marquette Golden Eagles at Capital One Arena, where the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 and Elite 8 will play next month. | Getty Images The nation’s capital has a bar to suit just about every flavor of sports fan, from diehards who prefer raucous college hang outs to casual observers looking to kick back over tots and touchdowns. D.C.’s sports-loving standbys keep fans properly fed and satisfied, with kitchens that bring their A-game when it comes to pub grub. (Naturally, many sports bar picks are also home to some of the best wings around town.) NHL Washington Capitals and NBA Washington Wizards games remain in full swing at Capital One Arena, which will also host a huge part the NCAA men’s basketball tournament (East Regional) at the end of March. Then there’s plenty of D.C. sports to look forward to this spring. The NWSL Washington Spirit’s 2026 season opener is Friday, March 13, at Audi Field, and baseball will soon follow at nearby Nationals Park. The MLB Washington Nationals’ opening day is set for Friday, April 3. D.C. lost quite a few game-day options over the past year alone, including Thirsty Crow, the Big Stick, the Ugly Mug, and most recently, Duffy’s and Johnny’s All-American Cafe and Bar. And a manager from now-closed Dupont standby Across the Pond will take over the old Sign of the Whale space this spring as Dupont Public House, just in time for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in June. Here are D.C.’s essential sports bars. ...read more read less