*UPDATE*: Capital One viewing parties now require tickets to enter the arena. Download your free ticket here!

We’ve FINALLY done it, Stanley Cup Finals here we come!

All Caps fans can finally say that two decades later we’ve not only won the Eastern Conference final, but we’ve overcome DC sports misery…and now #WeWantTheCup.

We all hope that this year is actually going to be our year, but regardless of how it goes on the ice, we’re here to help keep your playoff fun and excitement at Game 7 levels by making sure you’re at the right places to pregame, watch, and cheer on our boys as they compete for the championship.

Here’s the #FrayLife guide to the ultimate DC Stanley Cup experience:

Where to Pregame

If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket to any of the games, or even if you can’t, you’re going to want to grab a drink beforehand to get pumped because we’re one step closer to the Cup.

If you’re going to the game, Penn Quarter Sports Tavern has some great game day deals. Just a few blocks from Capital One Arena, you can show your ticket and get a BOGO Rockin’ Red Ale. They have pitchers between $12-$15 and plenty of other happy hour deals for drinks & food! Not to mention their 2 floors plus a patio with all the TV’s and cheering fans you could want.

#FrayLife Tip: While they do have TV’s in every direction, get there early to snag a table since they tend to fill up on big game days.

Iron Horse Tap Room is another go-to place to pregame. With two levels that are capable of fitting almost 300 people, it’s a prime spot for your group of friends (and bandwagon fans)! Iron Horse’s happy hour includes $2 off all drafts, $4 local craft beer and $5 wine or rail drinks. They also have an extended happy hour for those staying to watch the game.

Penn Social not only rocks the red but really rocks their pregame specials. With $2 off all beer (including their selection of 30+ craft beers), $5 rail drinks and $7 sausages, this place is a perfect spot to get pumped for the playoffs.

Where to Watch The Game

The best place to catch a playoff game is, obviously, inside Capital One Arena. If you’re splurging on the expensive, but totally worth it tickets, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get down to F Street and pregame before puck drops.

Even if it’s an away game, Capital One Arena is the place to be for the official Caps viewing party. If you were there for game 7 against the Lighting, you understand the excitement and energy that went on inside the arena. If you weren’t there, the Finals is your chance as The Caps are hosting a viewing party for every away game, find the schedule here. 

#FrayLife Tip: If you’re heading to Capital One Arena for an away game viewing party, you get discounted beer for the first hour!

Whether it’s a home or away game, if you didn’t get a ticket or don’t feel like paying for parking, thee are plenty of awesome spots around DC where you can catch the games with other spirited Caps fans while enjoyinh food & drink specials.

Here are some of our go-to spots for the Stanley Cup Finals:

Being only a few steps from the Capital One Arena, Bar Louie is sure to have that energetic crowd every Caps fan is looking for on game day. All 20 of their draft beers are $3, margaritas, mojitos and martinis are each $7, and all apps are ½ off! That’s right, we’re talking $5 plate of nachos and $4 loaded tots. During playoffs, in addition to the main bar, they have beer tub tables that offer $3 specials!

Green Turtle is the closest a fan can get to the action going on in Capital One Arena. The bar is attached to the Arena, but you don’t need a ticket to enjoy this game day atmosphere. Each booth has its own flat screen TV and they have plenty of 22oz draft IPA’s. You’ll feel right at home among a sea of red jerseys, passionate fans and draft beers.

Rocket Bar’s 17 flat screen TV’s, with sound, ensures that you won’t miss one second of the playoffs, unless it’s to finish their $4 draft of the month. Their game day specials also include rail drinks, wine, and champagne all for $4. Lastly, when the Caps are playing, they offer $3 Miller Lites.

#FrayLife Tip: During intermissions, they have plenty of pool tables, dart lanes, and skeeball machines to challenge your friends!

The Front Page is a hockey fans paradise. Located across the Caps Kettler practice rink, this bar has been known for its occasional player sightings and official Capitals sponsored viewing parties (where they often have giveaways including apparel and autographed items). On game days the staff is decked out in all red and the game is projected on every screen (with sound of course). Their happy hour and game day deals are among the best in DC, including $2 Bud Light, $3 draft beer, $3.25 wine & ½ priced apps.

#FrayLife Tip: Attend any of the Caps public practice session & stop by after wearing anything Caps for 10% off your bill!

If you’re rocking the red in Adams Morgan, check out Ventnor Sports Cafe. They host just about any and every DC sporting event and attract a friendly, hockey-loving crowd by offering some great nightly specials during the playoffs!

Crystal City Sports Pub located in Arlington is a great place to grab some great food while rooting for the Caps! Deals on food and drinks, multiple pool tables, and plenty of room for your group makes this pub a great spot.

If you’re around Dupont Circle, Buffalo Billiards is home to plenty of hockey fans. While the owner may be a Sabres fan, we won’t hold it against him since we know that hockey will always be on! There are three projector screens in the basement bar so you won’t miss any of Tom Wilson’s fights or Holtby’s “how did he do that” saves. With 30 pool tables, couches, dart boards, 2 full bars and more, this bar is a sports fans heaven.

The DMV is filled with hope & enthusiasm for our Caps right now. Two decades later, a DC sports team finally has a shot at a championship, so make the most of this monumental moment by watching the final series surrounded by people who love screaming LET’S GO CAPS as much as you do!

Where will you be watching the Caps as they battle Vegas for the Cup? Tag us in all your Caps Stanley Cup Finals adventures using #FrayLife on social.

Want to get the ultimate experience for other DC sports? Check out the #FrayLife guide to Nats Game Day.

View More Articles By Kristiana Johnson