Five outdoor bars with TVs to check out
It's spring! Time to drink outside.
I know, I know. There are things you can do to enjoy the spring weather that don’t include drinking, but that’s not why you read my newsletter.
It’s baseball season, the Kentucky Derby is coming up, and we all need those perfect spots once early football season hits. Let’s talk about some of our favorite spots to grab drinks outdoors that also have TVs.
When you also want killer food
…or are heading into Nats Park after some cocktails. ICYMI, I recently dubbed Salt Line as the best burger in the city. We have spent countless hours on Salt Line’s patio; it’s where we pre-gamed the 2019 NLCS game, their heated patio was our pandemic escape, and we love to bring our pup on weekends.
Not only do they have a great TV set up, they have so much space, plenty of tables, and absolutely stellar food and quick service. Most of their cocktails are on draft, so you can easily get a refreshing G&T or a frozen Shandy even on their busiest days. Their burger is 10/10, but their oyster shooters and fried dishes are worth adding to the mix. It’s rare to have such a delightful bar right next to a stadium- just beware, don’t drive down on game day.
When you to be boujee before you barhop
The Imperial does not get enough hype around its outdoor space. We’ve frequented their rooftop for private parties and watched March Madness here. It’s more expensive and the drinks are fancy (they have an epic elevated orange crush), but you can start here with a few cocktails and some light fare before heading over to some of the other outdoor and rooftop bars in Adams Morgan.
It’s also a covered space with fans, so if it’s a typical humid DC summer day that feels suffocating, it’s still completely comfortable.
When the group is big & the weather might be hit or miss
Every time we’re at the Brig, we’re reminded of what a great spot it is. They do seat-yourself-picnic-tables and I love their ordering system (scan the QR code, they know which table you’re at, and deliver). It makes it super easy for larger groups.
They also have an indoor-outdoor set up, so on beautiful days, the garage doors are open, but even when they’re closed, you can still bring your dog inside. We see everything from post-softball groups to couples to families with toddlers.
When you want a divey rooftop
Cleveland Park Bar & Grill is the definition of a dive, but their rooftop has a ton of TVs and a great space. If you have friends who’ve since moved to Maryland but want to meet halfway, this is the spot.
The beers are cheap, the rooftop is covered. What more does one need?
When you want a true neighborhood spot
Buddy’s, the new bar in Columbia Heights, has a great patio with TVs. In the old Room 11 spot, it’s a welcome addition to the neighborhood. It’s outdoor space is huge and the vibes are casual. Come football season, this is going to be a go-to spot for folks in NW.