DC Bar Challenge Update

It was a great first weekend in the NiteNetwork DC Bar Challenge. Nellie's took on Bugsy's Sports Bar in the opening round of the tournament and scored a decisive victory 55-25 to advance to the second round.

Bugsy’s just didn’t have the goods to compete. The antiquated televisions and lack of game coverage gave them an atmosphere score of 10/20. The service was questionable as my chicken parmesan sandwich magically morphed into an order of buffalo wings. Moreover, there was a substantial wait for beer refills. As a result, they scored a mere 5/20 on service. The bar was not packed, and many seemed indifferent about the games, perhaps disappointed with the lack of Hockey coverage. In fact, in seemed as though they had their consistent draw of regulars, rather than an influx of college basketball fans. They get a 5/20 score for patronage. And finally, there was a Bud Light Promotion, but it was a feeble attempt at drawing a crowd. The Bud Light cheerleader was selling 5$ Bud Light drafts. That’s right, one dollar more than the Miller Lights I was drinking. The plastic basketball hoop was more of a distraction than an allure, and so they receive a meager 5/20 for intangibles, giving them a total of 25 points.

Nellie’s Sports Bar, on the other hand, was equipped to handle a much larger crowd, with far more flat screens. The university banners in the back added to the collegiate tone. They earned a 12/20 for atmosphere and backed it up with consistent and punctual service (15/20). The cheering and interest in the games earned them a 13/20 for patronage and I gave them a 15/20 for intangibles. As a result, they scored 55 points, en route to a runaway victory over Bugsy’s 55-25.

Nellie’s advanced on to the second round where they played valiantly against second seeded Crystal City Sports Pub. Crystal City, however, had too much firepower, edging them out 62-55. They had too many televisions, all visible, and had posters advertising the game line-ups. The state-of-the-art sound system puts patrons courtside for the games and so they earned a 17/20 for atmosphere. The service was impeccable, as both my hands were full throughout the evening, and despite the lack of tables, a bartender actually set up stools for our appetizers. For service they received high marks (17/20). As for patronage, it was evident that collegiate basketball fanatics regularly congregate here. The noise level and enthusiasm earned them a 15/20 for patronage. And finally, I gave them a 13/20 for intangibles, enough to solidify a 62-55 victory and advance to the championship.

For complete reviews of these venues, you can check out my previous reviews.

Bugsy’s Sports Bar
Nellie’s Sports Bar
Crystal City Sports Pub

Nellie's Sports Bar -- Debunking Stereotypes

The prospect of me, an ex-athlete with “meathead like” tendencies, attending a gay bar by myself to watch the NCAA tournament seems outlandish. Nevertheless, last Saturday, I found myself downing Miller Lights at Nellie’s Sports Bar on U Street, alone, watching Duke scrape by Texas by the slightest or margins.

Societal stereotypes dictate that the mere existence of a gay sports bar is a paradox. Since when can the two diametrically opposed worlds of cutthroat athletic competition-- the historical gridiron of manliness--and the “alternative lifestyle” coexist? Since now. Nellie’s Sports Bar has done more than just open up a great sports venue. It is challenging the close-minded, all-too-pervasive stereotype that male sports are not for the homosexual community. I specify “male,” not because Nellie’s message to the lesbian community is any different (it’s not), but because I feel like the sports/lesbian dichotomy is less pervasive. It is much more acceptable for female professional (and collegiate) athletes to admit to being gay than it is for male athletes. But, Nellie’s, in its fun-loving manner, tackles this controversial issue, and ultimately debases the lingering stereotype that sports are not for the gay community.

The beauty of Nellie’s message is the subtlety by which they achieve it. There is nothing political about their message. In fact, the only political undertones you will find are a few patriotic decorations and their motto, “Nellie Wants You to Join Our Team.” It is reminiscent of the Uncle Sam Army posters that the United States utilized as a wartime marketing technique. But whereas politics, and especially wartime politics, are marked by divergence, confrontation, and unilateral disagreement, Nellie’s message is clear, “all are accepted here.” Their proof is in the pudding. Not only will you find every demographic, from gay to straight, from man to woman, from black to white, but you will find every sport. The main room is decorated in antique sports paraphernalia, but NOT your expected football, baseball, and hockey memorabilia. Rather, wooden tennis rackets, croquet mallets, and crew paddles—the so-called more refined sports--adorn their walls. But then, in typical Nellie fashion, they are juxtaposed with an extensive collection of antique fraternity paddles. Brilliant! Moreover, you will find the collegiate basketball banners in the back room and realize that Nellie’s pays homage to all sports, just like they invite all races, and all sexual affiliations to “join our team.”

Come to Nellie’s. The cement floors and old exposed brick walls are cozier than you might think. And their "antique sports" decorative scheme is tasteful and neverending. Nellie’s embodies what all competition should--an even playing field for everyone where the rules are consistent for all those involved. This message is clear, all while taking a back seat to their primary message, “have fun.” And they are most certainly that. How else could you explain a former fraternity meathead visiting alone, without the security blanket of his friends, and having a wonderful time?

March Madness Bar Challenge

The brackets are set up for the first Annual 2009 DC March Madness Challenge. Six qualifiers will battle it out to determine which is the best college basketball venue in the city. The preliminary rankings were determined by the NiteNetwork Drinking Establishment Committee (NNDEC). Committee members include Me, Myself, and I.

After heated debate, Buffalo Billiards earns a first round bye after picking up the number one seed. Their solid performance during the pro football season coupled with key screenings of marquee boxing matches enabled them to win the highly touted Northwest Conference and receive an automatic bid. They will face the winner of Rhino Bar and Penn Quarter Sports Tavern, ranked 4 and 5, respectively. Both venues scored at-large bids, falling short in the Northwest Conference tourney. Solid college football representation combined with a binge-drinking inducing atmosphere gave them high RPI ratings and their difficult strength of schedule(SOS) merited that they go dancing. Will one of them be this year's Cinderella Story?

In the bottom part of the bracket, Crystal City Sports Pub snagged the number two seed on mere hearsay. I have never been there, but I am told it is a premier venue for a sports fanatic. Will they live up to the hype? They will take on the winner of Nellie's Sports Bar and Bugsy's Sports Bar, ranked 3 and 6, respectively. Bugsy's earned an automatic bid by winning the lowly Alexandria Conference, and Nellie's is currently the only team in the "Alternative Lifestyle" Conference. They will do battle this weekend to take on the supposed perrenial powerhouse, Crystal City Sports Pub.

In order to bring some sort of objectivity to this competition, I will be adhering to a strict limit of fifteen drinks per evening so as to give each establishment their rightful review. Venues will be judged on four important criteria; atmosphere, service, patronage, and intangibles. Furthermore, they will be judged solely by me and my vast expertise in March Madness Hosting Technique. For my complete review schedule reference my earlier blog. Tipoff starts at Bugsy's on Thursday at 7pm.

March Madness Bar Challenge

It's that time of year again folks. Break out the tourney sheets and prepare for the bracket-busters and buzzer-beaters. March Madness is upon us. This year I have decided to run the gamut of DC Sports Bars so as to find the best college basketball venue(s) in the city. I will review a total of at least six establishments. The schedule is below. I may add to these based on recommendation--additional reviews will take place on Sunday, a day I have initially kept free for "liver recovery."

Schedule

Thursday, March 19th @ 7pm

Bugsy's Sports Bar, Old Town Alexandria

Friday, March 20th @ 7pm

Crystal City Sports Pub, Crystal City

Saturday, March 21st @ 5pm

Nellie's Sports Bar, U Street

Thursday, March 26th @ 7pm

Buffalo Billiards, Dupont Circle

Friday, March 27th @ 7pm

Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, Georgetown

Saturday, March 28th @ 5pm

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern, Penn Quarter

Who will be crowned the preeminent venue in DC for March Madness? Stay tuned.......