College football is back! Thankfully every school in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is represented with a bar in the DC-area where fans and alumni can convene to watch their beloved teams play. Almost all of these bars are either partnered with a respective school’s alumni association or are spots where the alumni have regularly shown up for viewing parties and happy hours. Game day specials and deals on food and drinks should be expected as the season begins to ramp up. Now let’s take a trip through the ACC bar scene…   

Clemson

Clemson has become a perennial college football powerhouse and with that comes an extremely passionate fanbase. Thankfully, for those DC located Tigers, there are two bars where Clemson fans unite for gameday:

Arcuri

2400 Wisconsin AVE NW, Washington DC

This is not your average brick oven pizzeria joint. This upscale pizza bar serves delicious italian classics with a full bar and dining room. With multiple TVs situated around the bar you’ll never miss a winning play call by Dabo Swinney. Also, what’s better after a late night victory than a late night victory pizza?

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

3207 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA

A staple in Arlington for Clemson fans. O’Sullivans features great beer and Irish spirits, with an eclectic sports decor that will entice all different kinds of football fans to come cheer on Clemson at this classic bar in the heart of Clarendon.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has arguably the largest alumni presence out of any school in the country in the DC area. Even the President of Virginia Tech has been known to make a celebrity appearance at the following bars on game day from time to time.

The G.O.A.T

3028 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA

The game day headquarters for the DC Hokies has moved around a bit in the past few years. From Hard Times (RIP) to Spider Kelley’s and now, just down the block, The G.O.A.T. takes up the mantle of the Virginia Tech bar. With great game day specials on drinks and food,  all the VT alumni should feel right at home at one of the newest bars in Clarendon.

Boardroom

925 N Garfield St. Arlington, VA

Boardroom has previously hosted viewing parties sponsored by The Key Play, a Virginia Tech sports website, and it pulls in almost as many VT alumni as The G.O.A.T during game day. This neighborhood style bar features a large bar, multiple levels, and lets not forget the board games for rent to play at halftime!

Florida State

Rounding out the schools that are represented with two locations here in DC comes Florida State. Rejoice with other fans at the following hotspots as FSU fights to regain former glory with Coach Willie Taggart.

Union Pub

201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington DC.  

A few blocks from Capitol Hill sits Union Pub. A great brunch spot with a lengthy craft beer list and indoor/outdoor spaces which create a prime game day experience. Unleash the tomahawk chop with fellow alumni at this spot over some great food and beer.

Blackfinn Ameripub – Merrifield

2750 Gallows Road, Vienna VA

Florida State fans will love this upscale gastropub with delicious cocktails, American fare, and… beer towers! You and your squad of Seminoles will love this spot for game day. Order yourselves a beer tower, kick back, and enjoy some Florida State football.

Miami

Everyone is still wondering, is the U back?This season could provide answers for those questions as Miami starts the season in the Top 25 yet again. Die hard fans can make sure to visit the next spot to see if it is indeed Miami’s coming out season.

1831 Bar and Lounge

1831 M St. NW, Washington DC

Situated right off M St. in the Dupont Circle neighborhood comes this cool brick covered bar offering high class bar bites along with awesome happy hour specials, craft beers, and cocktails. A longtime friend of the Miami Hurricanes, 1831 Bar and Lounge will be the place to be anytime Miami plays.

University of North Carolina (UNC)

Excited to watch Larry Fedora get the Tar Heels back to their former glory? Our next bar is the go-to spot for UNC fans in DC. Don’t forget your Carolina blue!

Buffalo Billiards

1330 19th St. NW, Washington DC

Smack dab in the middle of Dupont Circle is Buffalo Billiards. A sprawling sports bar with plenty of televisions and seating for large groups. Grab a cold one and some steak nachos at this spot and cheer the Tar Heels on in style.

Duke

Duke’s football team has been on the rise for the past few years. Could this be the year they finally break into an ACC Championship game for the first time since 2013? Only time will tell, but spend that time with fellow Duke alumni and fans at a crowd favorite known for being a great time on game day.

Mackey’s Public House

1306 G St. NW, Washington DC

Looking for a hearty meal during game day? Say no more. Grab your squad of Blue Devils and head to Mackey’s Public House. This two-level establishment is known for filling meals to satisfy everyone on game day. From their BBQ beef brisket sandwich to their Fish N’ Chips or Shepards Pie, Mackey’s will be the hot ticket on game day for Dukies.

Syracuse

Syracuse has generated excitement in the past few years with an up-tempo style of offense, especially when playing home games in the hostile Carrier Dome. Catch all the games at the tavern below in Penn Quarter.

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern

639 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington DC

Located near the Capital One Arena and just outside the Archives-Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter Metro station is Penn Quarter Sports Tavern. This bar features two full bars, outdoor sidewalk seating, and sports memorabilia lining the walls below their dozens of TVs. Cheer on the Orange here with a pitcher of beer and good company.

Louisville

The post-Lamar Jackson era begins at Louisville and what better challenge than playing in the ACC as every game will be a hard fought competition. Gather your fellow Louisville fans and make a break for the next bar on our list.

Crystal City Sports Pub

529 23rd St. S, Arlington VA

This South Arlington staple is known for drawing a crowd during football packed weekends. The menu is completely sports themed, such as their “Pre-Game Warm Ups” section which includes “stadium pretzels” and “home run quesadillas.” Gather your band of Cardinals and make sure to get here early as your match-up with ACC competition awaits.

University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)

Pitt fans are known to be some of the most passionate in the ACC, especially when playing in the heart of Pittsburgh at their home stadium Heinz Field. The rather large contingent of Pitt alumni who now live in the DC-area are sure to make this following spot electric on game day.

Capitol City Brewing Company

1100 New York Ave NW, Washington DC   

This location is a bit different from the other bars on this list as it doubles as a brewery. Stop in for a game here and order one of their signature beers, like the Capital Kolsch. A large dining room with a projector screen, among other viewing options, awaits all Pitt fans during their gameday matchups throughout the season.

Wake Forest

Coming off an 8 win season with some impressive showings, the Demon Deacons are going into this season with high expectations.. All local Wake fans can convene at the following neighborhood bar for fun on game day.

Dirty Water

816 H St. NE, Washington DC

This locals-only sports bar vibe provides a unique viewing experience for any Wake Forest game. Instead of the large sports bars most recognize, this is a more intimate experience with patio and rooftop viewing options. Grab a fried chicken sandwich or split some delicious cheeseburger sliders at this joint with your fellow Wake Forest alumni.  

Photo cred: Barred in DC

Boston College

BC had a stingy defense last year and is looking to roll that into more success this year in the ACC. Take notes for the future at this local hangout.  

James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant

1 Dupont Circle NW. Washington DC

Yet another Irish spot cracks the list as a viewing party destination for an ACC team. Dine on Irish favorites either inside or on their massive outdoor patio. Cheer on the Eagles with a Guinness or an Irish car bomb at this fan favorite bar.  

NC State

After a successful season last year, the Wolfpack looks forward to even more impressive wins to come. Don’t miss a single game by watching them all at the bar below.

The Ugly Mug  

723 8th St SE. Washington DC

Located in one of the best new neighborhoods in the country, The Ugly Mug is right in the middle of things in Navy Yard. With over 10 custom pizzas on their menu, this makes for the best spot for all Wolfpack fans to watch a game. Did I mention that beer towers are also a menu item here?

University of Virginia (UVA)

UVA has a large presence of alumni in the DC area that can turn any bar into a party during game time.

Town Hall

2340 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Washington DC.

Located north of Georgetown, right next to the Naval Observatory, is Town Hall. This bar features a rustic design, a large outdoor dining area, and elevated food. Plenty of TVs line the bar, so join fellow Cavaliers here for some grub and some football every time that UVA plays.

Georgia Tech

Rounding out the list is the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Known for the Paul Johnson “triple option” style of playing, they make for an extremely difficult team to beat. Yellow Jacket alumni can rest assure that their games will be on at the last spot on this list.

Penn Social

801 E St. NW. Washington DC

There are few bars in the DMV with as many options for viewing as Penn Social. An upstairs with couches and group seating awaits you as you walk in the door, but then head downstairs to their massive viewing room with gigantic projector screens and other TVs lining the walls. Gather your group of Georgia Tech fans and make it a game day at Penn Social.

View More Articles By Adam Rothe

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