Whether you’re cheering for the Washington Commanders or another NFL team, your college alma mater or your fantasy defense, there are plenty of Arlington sports bars and eateries offering discounted drinks and grub this football season. Fuel up with bites named after the coach, on-brand cupcakes, wings galore and lots of drink specials.
First Down Sports Bar and Grill
Wings are a fan favorite at this Ballston watering hole, where connoisseurs can take their pick of 50 different sauces. Specials on bar food include six boneless wings with fries for $12, mozz sticks for $7.50 and pretzel bites for $7.50. Drink deals include a tall stadium can of beer for $12, Touchdown Tequila (a shot of Corazon Reposado tequila) for $7 and the Game Day Tito’s White Tea shot for $6. 4213 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Ballston Local
Head to this congenial neighborhood hang on NFL and college football game days for discounts on wings, chili dogs, and sliders, as well as $17 pitchers, mix-and-match beer buckets ($20-$25) and $6 rail shots. Can’t decide what to eat? The Big Boss Platter ($45) is a trifecta piled with nachos, 10 wings and five sliders.
Nettie’s Tavern
For its first NFL season, this Clarendon newcomer in the old Whitlow’s on Wilson space is going for a touchdown with $3 Mug Night during Thursday Night Football, 6-9 p.m., and $5 beer buckets during Monday Night Football. Its sister bar, Quinns On The Corner, in Rosslyn also has deals: $10 for a burger and beer on Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., and 50-cent wings during Monday Night Football, 6-9 p.m. 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Astro Beer Hall and Astro Doughnuts
Head to this Shirlington beer hall for pitchers of Gansett ($15) on Mondays and Thursdays, Astro Kolsch ($15) on Saturdays, and Miller Light ($20) on Sundays. The brewpub’s lower level speakeasy, 1969, pours pitchers of High Life ($20) on Sundays. From Thursday to Monday, fans can pair house lager and a Fireball shot for $10. Shooter specials on game days include Fireball’s Cinnamon or Blazin’ Apple, Pineapple Upside Down, and White Tea with Wheatley Vodka. Back by popular demand, Astro’s doughnut shop next door is whipping up boxes of hometown-themed mini doughnuts, available on every Commanders game day this season, in flavors such as classic vanilla, creme brûlée and honey bun. Boxes are available for pre-order only for $36. 4001 and 4005 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Crystal City Sports Pub
Watch the game at the pub in Crystal City or head to Northwest Stadium to see the action in person with the bar’s tickets-and-tailgate deal. The latter package includes a bus ride to and from Commanders home games this season, plus pre-game beverages and an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring eggs, bacon, corned beef hash, cheese blintzes and more. (You buy the game tickets.) The tailgate package is $65, but if you just want to go along for the ride, it’s $35. 529 23rd St. S., Arlington
Paisano’s
This fall, the official Washington Commanders pizza provider is kicking off a stuffed crust option in honor of head coach Dan Quinn. Available starting Sept. 7, the Dan Quinn Pizza ($21.99) is a large pie with green peppers, onions and pepperoni packed inside the crust. Paisano’s will donate $1 from each purchase to Quinn’s charity, Quinn’s Corps, which supports active-duty military members and veterans. See website for locations and delivery options.
Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza
Want to see a home game in person? Make a purchase at this retro eatery on an NFL game day and you’ll be entered to win tickets to two Commanders games. In the meantime, plant yourself at one of the cafeteria-style tables to watch the gridiron on 23 screens, including a 130-inch projector screen. Game day food and drink specials—also available during college football games on Saturdays—include $6 LightHawk Light American Lager, Mid-Day Sun Mexican Lager and a weekly rotating beer. Hungry? The food deals include hickory-smoked wings or pretzel sticks for $10. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Dudley’s Sport & Ale
Billing itself as Northern Virginia’s largest sports bar and rooftop, this Shirlington tavern has more than 40 TVs, so you won’t miss a minute of the action. Bring a crowd for shareable platters of tacos, wings, pizza, burgers and nachos. If your team is feeling the heat, cool off with a frozen lime marg one of Dudley’s famous crushes in grapefruit or orange. 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
Victory—or the agony of defeat—is sweeter with cookies, cupcakes and cakes. Get them from this Best of Arlington winning hometown bakery, which also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Those are pretty good stats for making the run. 2150 N. Culpeper St., Arlington