Two Arlington Sports Bars Nab Top 5 Spots In Best Of DC Area

Two Arlington sports bars nabbed top-five spots on The Washington Post's list of the 10 best sports bars in the D.C. area, according to its readers.

First Down Sports Bar took fourth place, while Ireland's Four Courts nabbed the No. 3 spot.

Located across from the Ballston Metro station, The Washington Post described First Down as feeling like "the best kind of hole-in-the-wall."

The Post also praised its 50 varieties of wings. It noted that the bar is a popular gathering spot for fans of major local sports teams, including the Capitals, who practice just a few blocks away. Commanders, Ravens and Nationals fans also frequent the establishment, along with fans of Virginia Tech and James Madison University on game days.

Ireland's Four Courts, meanwhile, has a more international feel. The Post noted that fans of seven international soccer clubs frequent the establishment, along with college football fans from Notre Dame, Penn State and Army. It also hosts the largest Minnesota Vikings fan club in the D.C. area.

The Post praised its Irish breakfast, burgers and selection of Irish beers and whiskeys. The bar recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and was named "America's Best Soccer Bar" by soccer media company Men in Blazers.

The two Arlington bars were the only Virginia establishments to make the list. Caddies on Cordell in Bethesda, Maryland, was the only other bar outside D.C. to earn a spot, coming in at No. 2.