Bugsy's

I felt like a local the minute I stepped through the doors. I enjoyed the chummy teasing from the bartender, it was welcome, friendly and made me feel like I had been coming to Bugsy's a long time... instead of a single visit in 2008. The bartenders switched over while we were there, and our party grew from 2 to 9. The new bartender handled us with ease and a smile, despite being the only person servicing everyone in the bar area. She split up our large bill easily, even though she was using an ancient machine. Her positive attitude was worth her weight in gold: The CAPS game was not being played at the bar, or any bar in walking (or affordable taxi) distance... instead of calling it a night we stayed on because we were welcome and relaxed and the pizza was fantastic.

Despite the Direct TV vs. Versus ordeal (7 CAPS game this NHL season are played on Versus which is not carried at most bars in the metro area), we had a great time. I wasn't a huge fan of most of the apps, but you don't go to Bugsy's for the appetizers. Bugsy's is known for its tastey pizza — all who ordered it were pleased.

In summary: loved the atmosphere, loved the pizza, stay away from the other apps — and double check to make sure they are playing the hockey game.

the deal:
M–F
4–7
$4 Apps (full size, no skimping)
$4 selected domestic drafts

Bugsy's

Crystal City Sports Pub

Capitals vs. Penguins. My friends and I all put on our gear and staked out some seats to watch the game. Capitals lost in a miserable defeat with my two-outlier friends cheering on the victory. Though the game was MISERABLE, I enjoyed the restaurant.

There were TVs everywhere! Big TVs, Small TVs, every shape and size! Another huge plus for me, was there everyone there was there to watch the game. I hate going to sports bars when there are tons of people talking over all the excitement who you are trying to block out in order to focus on the game.

The service was quick and efficient. The muiltple servers were into the game and cheering on their teams (in a non-obnoxious way). I have a friend who goes here during college football season and stays all day on Saturdays. Her friends all follow different teams, they are able to hang out at the same table and all watch their games.

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of details on beer choices because I opted for the cheap ML. The chicken tenders were great, I was thoroughly satisfied.

the deal:
4–7, M-F
$2 Miller Lite
"About $1 off drafts, $3 Domestic Bottles"
1/2 Price Apps ("except Steak & Sea Food")

Crystal City Sports Pub

XIII. Old Dominion Brewery

Many pro's and con's to this bar as Joel and I discussed it on the metro ride home. I'd love to hear other perspectives

First, the pro's:
- The selection at this bar I enjoyed -- from light ales, high-alcohol content "Millennium", my personal favorite the oak-stoat, and even a beer tower (for those long-haulers). 15 beers on Tap in total, plus various bottles to choose from.
- Nachos were standard. I'd give a 5/10 -- plenty of jalaps, squeezy cheese, but small servings and turns soggy fairly fast... no guac! Everyone seemed to enjoy the quesidilla's, and the sushi was even attempted.
- for the non-alcohol drinks, the root beer was faaaaaaantastic!
- they played infomercials on one tv when no sports were on, if it makes me laugh its a good thing.

con's:
- not convenient, at all... no one lived nearby, and the walk through the convention center's concrete surroundings was desolate and eerie... making a girl feel a little unsafe when walking it alone (&*@^%#& metro and its *#$@&*% delays! Don't get me started on 20 minutes in a tunnel with 30 kids screaming about how they don't want to be late to *#%$&@*@ Hanna Montana)
- has the potential to be a really great brew house, but I felt it was a little spoiled by trying to also be a sports pub (hence the beer tower). I haven't been to a bar yet which can do both in tandem well... I think these guys should focus on the brewery aspect and go whole-hog for it... no more dallying.
- took about 20 minutes to get our check. blah.... other then that the service was good. Though when a waiter says a beer is his "least favorite", I'd like to know specifics on why. What if his favorite beer was miller lite? Then I certainly wouldn't enjoy his favorite, and his last-pick may be my new #1! Details people, details.

deals:
4–7pm
$3.99 Large Drafts
$3.25 Small Drafts
1/2 price apps
old dominion

CM XII: Buffalo Billiards

Not a great deal on happy hour drink prices, but a fun atmosphere with plenty of pool tables, shuffle board tables, dart boards, and a large TVs. Don't let you have a tab at the tables, which was a bummer, and instead had to deal with a waitress instead of walking 3 ft to the bar to order your own drinks... but learning to play shuffle board was worth the trip. This probably won't be one I visit again soon.

deals:
4–7pm, Mon–Fri... 1–7pm Sat & Sun
Selected Drafts $3.50
House Wine $3, Rail Drinks $3 & $3.50

Table rates (before 7pm)
1 player: $6
2 players: $12
3 players: $15
4 or more: $16
buffalo billiards