Updated 03/27/19

It’s been a long offseason for fans of the Curly W, but spring training is over and our boys are finally back in DC (well, most of them anyway) for the 2019 edition of Nats baseball.

Put in your “work from home” request, break out your jersey (if the one you had didn’t end up in the garbage back in February), and crack a cold one as we gear up for the excitement of Opening Day in the District!

Much like the Nats roster, many of the bars, restaurants and other mainstays of the gameday experience in and around the stadium are returning in 2019. Also much like the Nats roster, the changes that did take place since last season are clearly for the better.

Someone had to break it all down for you and that’s exactly what we did. So with that, we’ll put an end to the petty references about our former right fielder and spend the rest of this article breaking down what’s new and what’s the same for Nats games so your Opening Day experience gets the #FrayLife stamp of approval.

Where to Pregame

The Bullpen is still the essential spot to gather before, during and after Nationals games. If you don’t know what the Bullpen is all about, you’ve yet to get the full Nats experience.

#FrayLife Tip: The Bullpen (yes, it’s STILL open) is bringing back its infamous happy hour deal with all drinks for $5 each from the start of the third inning to the end of the seventh. Talk about hitting it out of the park!

If you’re looking for an option besides The Bullpen, Top of the Yard Bar has unmatched views of The Yards, and you can see directly inside Nats Park. Located on the rooftop of the Hampton Inn, the bar is open daily from 4 p.m.- 10 p.m., and you can enjoy a Nats-themed menu two hours before the first pitch.

The Big Stick has the right idea that you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning. It’s opening its doors at 9 a.m. with opening day deals like $20 buckets of Budweiser and Bud Light.  

The Salt Line’s outdoor bar and patio is positioned outside of the First Base entrance, and they will always open 90 minutes before every home game to support your pregame necessities!

Where to Watch the Game

Obviously, the ideal spot to catch the home opener is from inside the stadium. If you didn’t buy a ticket to the home opener yet, you can always score one on StubHub at the last minute (we recommend the standing room tickets so you can save a few bucks for extra beers). Or you can catch the game at one of these spots around the stadium in one of DC’s fastest growing neighborhoods:

Capitol Riverfront is loaded with food and drink options ready to open their doors to Nats fans for the big day.

Declaration DC is back again this season with giveaways, prizes and artisanal pizza, and Due South, a neighborhood staple, will feature its Dockside bar for some outdoor fun.

Assuming the weather cooperates, beer gardens are another great go-to on a game day.

Atlas Brew Works will be serving up the good stuff with a beer garden takeover on Barracks Row at the Brig for Opening Day fun.

Bluejacket, a Navy Yard Brewery, is another spot Nationals fans gather to enjoy good beer and watch good sports. There will be good bites to pair with the brews starting as early as opening, which is 9 a.m. sharp!

#FrayLife Tip: After the game, maneuver around the metro riders and avoid the predictable surge prices for ride shares and unwind at DC’s urban winery. You can check out our visit here.

Opening day means DC is brimming with Natitude, and it’s full of amazing options for a unique gameday experience.

Where is your favorite place to watch the Nats before, during or after the game? Tag us in your Opening Day adventures using #FrayLife #DCFray.