Crystal City Sports Pub – Best DC Venue for March Madness

Last week, Rhino Bar took on Penn Quarter Sports Tavern for the right to face Buffalo Billiards in the second round.

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern had ample representation from exuberant UConn and Villanova followers and thus earned a 15/20 for patronage. The bar is smaller and at times it was difficult to secure a good vantage point for watching the games. Also, more than half of the establishment was booked for the College Hockey tournament so they only receive an atmosphere score of 12/20. The service was average (10/20) as I had to wait for the bartenders attention on multiple occasions. And finally, I give them a 10/20 on intangibles, as I felt the bar did nothing to go above and beyond for the NCAA tournament.

Rhino Bar lacked the collegiate representation that I expected, and was actually eerily empty for the Saturday evening game. Still, the sporadic cheering and interest in the game was enough to score a 13/20 for patronage. I could take my pick of televisions and could hear the game commentary clearly. As a result, they received higher marks for atmosphere (14/20). The service, perhaps because it was so empty, was great. I had a beer in my hand at all times, helping to quell the heartburn brought on by the $.25 wings (my own lack of judgment). They get a 16/20 for service and a 12/20 for intangibles. Rhino Bar defeats PQ Sports Tavern 55-47 to advance and meet Buffalo Billiards in the semis.

Buffalo Billiards was just better suited for NCAA tournament action. They were absolutely filled to capacity last Thursday for the sweet sixteen match-ups. In fact, even before the game started they had multiple group happy hours already in attendance. The contrasting mix of hard core collegiate fans and those looking to socially network resulted in a mediocre patronage score (14/20). Their atmosphere score, however, by virtue of their many flat screens, was a 16/20. Buffalo Billiards seems understaffed for larger events. It is nearly impossible to get drinks at the back bar, and there is always a lack of seating. They scored relatively low marks for service (12/20). I gave them a 15/20 for intangibles resulting in a 57-55 victory over Rhino Bar and advancing them to the championship.

Buffalo Billiards’ low marks for service was the difference in their championship game against Crystal City Sports Pub. Even across all of the other criteria, Crystal City’s impeccable service earned them a 62-57 victory and the right to be called the best March Madness Venue in the DC area.

For complete reviews of these venues you can reference my previous blogs.

Rhino Bar & Pumphouse
Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
Buffalo Billiards
Crystal City Sports Pub

March Madness Update

Rhino Bar & Pumphouse - Sports in Georgeown!

When you think of Georgetown, the images of cozy coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and upscale shopping probably come to mind. You don’t necessarily think of sports bars. Still, Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, has carved out an interesting niche in this often times “swanky” town.

Located on M Street, just a rock toss from the Key Bridge, this sports bar is known for its professional and college football coverage, as well as being a Red Sox bar—during the MLB playoffs, transplanted Bostonians come in droves. Rhino Bar is a good venue for group congregation. It is dark, and a bit dingy, but they have ample televisions and plenty of room. In the Fall, they cater to Big Ten alumni, and are usually packed for the Ohio State and Penn State games. You will find the larger, more boisterous crowds upstairs, where long tables are usually covered with pitchers of beers and pizza. Recent Buckeye and Nittany Lion alum arrive early on Saturdays to claim their stake. If you get there at game time, you may be out of luck, especially if you are sober. Like any venue, when it gets too crowded, the small bathrooms can get a little skuzzy, and securing a drink at the bar can be increasingly frustrating. On Sundays, they have the NFL ticket, so Charger and Seahawk fans can take solace in at least getting some coverage in the DC area.

On nights that lack a big game, you will find local Georgetown and GW undergrads enjoying one of Rhino Bar’s many specials, whether it be half-priced beers, or $.25 wings. Their patrons run the gamut from jersey clad football fanatics to the more anticipated Georgetown crowd--popped collars and handbags to boot. The demographic battle is usually won depending what game is being aired. In any case, if you are looking for a sports pub in Georgetown, this is it. There is a lack of solid alternatives, although if the crowd is too overbearing, you can always walk three blocks east to Old Glory. It doesn’t have the coverage, but it also doesn’t have the crowd.