3 Spots to Grab a Drink (or Four) in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area
(Photo: Luca Lago)
You may find this hard to believe, but there are reasons to visit Washington, D.C., other than touring the numerous monuments and memorials — or, you know, taking part in a violent insurrection aimed at halting the certification of a legitimate election you didn’t like the outcome of (but anyway… *bead of sweat rolls down forehead).
While paying a visit to our good friend Abe or taking in the magnificence of the World War II Memorial or reflecting quietly at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are all perfectly good uses of your time in the nation’s capital, there is also a good selection of watering holes for those looking to wet their whistles after the sun goes down.
These are just a few of the locations you might consider checking out:
1. The Midlands Beer Garden
If you’re a fan of sports and large selections of draft beer, The Midlands Beer Garden could be just what you’re after. Found just north of Howard University in D.C.’s Park View neighborhood, The Midlands has over 20 beers on tap, a multitude of televisions to catch the big game (whatever that happens to be on any given day), indoor and outdoor seating, free darts, and a small menu featuring shareables and classic pub grub.
The bar has kind of a backyard- and garage-type feel, and is especially friendly toward fans of the Washington Football Team, the Detroit Lions, and, most importantly, your 2021 Big Ten East Division Champion Michigan Wolverines football squad. In that vein, drink specials are typically on tap throughout football season.
The scene at Looney’s Pub in College Park, Maryland, on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2021
2. Elephant & Castle
Closer to the National Mall is a British/American-themed pub and restaurant called Elephant & Castle. While technically part of a chain that includes outposts across the U.S. and Canada, this spot has the feel of a local bar with British flare. Located along Pennsylvania Avenue, just east of the White House, Elephant & Castle invites you to “get your Brit on” by diving into crisped-to-perfection fish and chips and catching the latest football match (soccer, to the lay person).
With a fine selection of draughts and bottled beers — including favorites from across the pond, such as Smithwick’s (an Irish go-to) and Crabbie’s Ginger Beer (born in Edinburgh in 1801) — along with cocktails, specialty coffee, and a halfway-decent wine list, you’re sure to find something that quenches your adult beverage thirst at Elephant & Castle.
3. Looney’s Pub
Looking for a quaint and quiet environment to settle in for a drink or two? Well, find somewhere else to go, because Looney’s Pub in College Park, Maryland, is for the raucous and rowdy — especially on game day. Just a 15- to 20-minute walk from Maryland Stadium, home of the Terrapins, this is the place to be both prior to, and after, the score has been settled on the field of play.
At Looney’s, you’ll find an array of specialty cocktails, such as the Looney Bin Painkiller (Captain Morgan, Malibu, pineapple, orange juice, and piña colada mix); celebration-worthy shooters, including the Scooby Snack (Malibu Rum, melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and whipped cream) and the Girl Scout Cookie (Rumple Minze, Baileys, crème de menthe, and crème de cacao); and plenty of food options to keep you fueled all night long (or at least until the kitchen closes).
The best part is not only being surrounded by an army of TV screens broadcasting all of the day’s biggest games, but also by your fellow sports fanatics. It truly makes for a great atmosphere.
-LTH