The Food: The menu is about the only thing that isn’t reminiscent of a sports bar. Dressed-up nachos, burgers, and cheesesteaks are listed alongside blue cheese, apple and walnut salad, sun-dried tomato penne, and a selection of wraps. But if you’ve got a craving for good old pub food, you’ll find that too, with by-the-pound wings, cheese fries, and chili dogs. Expect restaurant, not bar, prices.

The Scene: Three levels host two bars, an arcade, an ESPN Radio broadcast booth, and large rooms for private parties. But what really makes this sports emporium stand out is the screening room. There, booths with individual TVs are arranged stadium-seating-style, and overlook a theater-sized projection screen. Six big screen TVs broadcast other games and classic sports moments. There are electronic boards for scores, schedules and sports news, plus news tickers. ESPN Zone is very kid-friendly, and school and touring groups constantly book the private rooms. But while a busload of 13-year-olds may file through the door, they usually hang around the buffet or the basement-level arcade.

What’s Nearby: ESPN Zone is only a few blocks from the Wizards, Capitols, and Hoyas home games at the Verizon Center, which is surrounded by more restaurants and bars. The Ford’s Theatre, National Theatre and Warner Theatre are all nearby, and the Landmark E Street movie theater is just down the street.

Insider Tips: Reservations aren’t taken, so it’s best to show up early to cheer on favorite teams. But recently, one quote of a two-hour wait for a screening room table only ended up taking 30 minutes. In the meantime, you can order food at any of the bars. The ESPN Zone web site lists game schedules.