TeleFoot: Your Guide To Watching Live Futbol in the D.C. Area
- DC Soccer Staff - March 2006
With the explosion of televised futbol near complete in the U.S. these days, the time has come to move from your couch in the living room to the bars and restaurants to start finding the atmospheres, food, drinks and multiple big screen televisions that make watching futbol that much better.
(1) Summer’s Grill & Sports Bar – Courthouse, Virginia –
Located on the corner of N. Courthouse and Wilson Blvd, one block from Courthouse Metro.
Atmosphere:
Summers became truly famous in 2002 when it adopted a policy of staying open 24 hours a day for the entire month of the 2002 World Cup, which took place half way around the world in South Korea and Japan. The fans came in droves, and the news media caught on quick. Summer’s reveled in the spotlight, and continues to draw large numbers from all over the D.C. and Northern Virginia area.
Large crowds flock to summers at all times of the week, especially to important competitions like the UEFA Champions League, despite the games kicking off live in the mid-afternoon work week. The numbers increase as the night goes on, especially because summer’s replays games throughout the night. The crowd is diverse in who they support, and knowledgeable of the game. What’s more, they know not to say the scores of the games if you come in for the replays. The large number of televisions adds to the atmosphere. There are around a dozen smaller screen TV’s on the restaurant and bar side, with several larger screen TV’s to watch on the bar side, meaning you can get a good view from wherever you choose to sit or stand.
Food & Drinks:
The food at Summers is good and well priced. Check out the chicken wings, or any of the burgers. Summer’s offers the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you would expect from a “Grill & Sports Bar.”
Additional Information:
Summer’s regularly charges a $10 cover fee or a $10 minimum purchase when fans come to watch live games. Cover charges have climbed as high as $20 and $30 for some games though. Generally, there is no cover for replays. For their game schedule, their fees, and more info, visit www.summers-restaurant.com
(2) Lucky Bar – Northwest, D.C –
Located at 1221 Connecticut Ave. near Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro
Atmosphere:
With far less televisions than Summer’s, the crowd that comes to watch games at Lucky Bar is attracted by the specific game of the time, meaning if Arsenal is playing at 2pm and Barcelona is playing at 4pm, Arsenal fans will show up at 2pm, and Barcelona fans will start filtering in by 4pm. The large projection screen in the back of the bar allows for a large number of fans to get a good view, which allows for some lively support.
Food & Drinks:
Lucky Bar serves what cab best be described as average bar food. A particularly tasty, and cheap, option is the grilled cheese.
Additional Information:
Lucky Bar requires a $10 minimum purchase for most every game day, while some days will have a $10 entrance fee. For their game schedule, their fees, and more information, visit www.soccer-nation.com.
(3) Flanagan’s Harp and Fiddle – Bethesda, MD –
Located at 4844 Cordell Ave., in the heart of Bethesda, around the corner from the old Flanagan’s and a short walk from the Bethesda Metro stop.
Atmosphere:
Their switch in location also led to a switch in atmosphere. Out went the underground bar atmosphere, with dartboards and a centrally fixed music stage, and in came an upscale restaurant feel. There are now fewer TV’s, which are also smaller in size. However, they still offer cable and Setanta Sports, a British-based PPV channel that shows Champions League and some European League games. Flanagan’s Harp and Fiddle will give first option to rugby games or Scottish League games, especially Celtic games.
Food & Drinks:
With its change to a more restaurant feel, the menu has also been revamped. The traditional Irish food has always been delicious at Flanagan’s, although you will be hard pressed to find meals under $10 this time around. Check out the Guinness beef skewers. The bar offers a good variety of imported beers.
Additional Information:
Flanagan’s Harp and Fiddle does not have a cover charge. However, on days where Champions League is being played, for example, they will show the one game being shown on ESPN2 live and then replay the other games afterwards on Setanta Sports. For their game schedule, their fees, and more information, visit www.flanagansharpandfiddle.com
Know a good place to watch live futbol and want it to be included on this list? Send an email to joe@dcsoccer.com