The London 2012 Olympics begin tonight, and over on
the After Hours blog, we’ve rounded
up
bars where you can watch the opening ceremonies. But some local
spots are
really getting into the spirit with special dishes, cocktails, and other games-themed treats.
Why: The bar at
Art Smith’s Southern restaurant is serving up a cocktail with ingredients from Tennessee, Illinois,
DC, Florida, and Virginia. And go USA, because when we win a gold medal, it’s half
off for the next 15 minutes.
The Deal: The All American cocktail, made from whiskey, Hum liquor, honey syrup, soda water,
White Hall Viognier, and a slice of orange. ($13).
When: Through August 12.
Why: Mixologist
Rico Wisner has created a very American cocktail in honor of our athletes.
The Deal: Rouge, White & Blue cocktail: a blend of Bluecoat Gin, peach purée, house-made hibiscus
grenadine, and a dash each of iced tea and lemon juice ($9).
When: Through August 12.
Why:
Spike Mendelsohn’s local chainlet celebrates the games with two tasty-sounding specials in honor of
the host country.
The Deal: Try the Brit Burger (smoked English cheddar, caramelized onions, and horseradish
mayo) with a Sticky Toffee milkshake.
When: Through August 12.
Why: The seafood spot has a special menu of snacks from merry olde England.
The Deal: A special menu of “pub snacks” is under construction, but we know it’ll include some
classics: fish and chips, Scotch eggs, Welsh rarebit, cucumber sandwiches, and ham
salad. Oh, yeah, and each snack costs just $2.50.
When: From 4:30 PM to close through August 12.
Why: Pretend you’re running with the torch while sipping a flaming drink at this dumpling
destination.
The Deal: A passion-fruit martini with a flaming float of Wray & Nephew overproof rum.
When: Always, but specially featured during the Olympics for $11.
Why: The European barista bar/actual bar comes replete with televisions for Olympic-viewing,
and if you sit long enough, you can nab both the breakfast and the drink specials.
The Deal: For breakfast, there’s the Madison Olympic Power Breakfast—an giant egg-white omelet
filled with spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli and served with local tomatoes, minted
berry salad, and Greek yogurt layered with quinoa granola ($16). If you’re not planning
on swimming the English Channel, try the London Fog Cutter cocktail, with London Dry
gin, absinthe, maraschino liqueur, and kaffir lime leaves ($13).
When: Through August 12.
Why: The Queen Vic is so British, it’s opening a tuck shop stocked (say that three times
fast) with authentic British goods.
The Deal: A special menu and drink specials is still being finalized, but one thing’s for sure:
If you’re in the Queen Vic, you should cheer for England. Every time Britain wins
a gold during the games, beers are just $4.
When: Through August 12.
Why: What better places to get into the spirit than at these two British-themed bars in
Ballston and Bethesda?
The Deal: Both bars will open at 10 AM on weekends and serve UK and Irish pints ($4) with $2
off any Irish or UK bottles. During the games, a special menu of foods made with Newcastle
will be available. If you order off that menu, you can add on a discount Newcastle
($3).
Bonus: On Saturday, July 28, Union Jack’s in Bethesda will host an Olympic doggie brunch
from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering up British-themed doggie treats.
When: Through August 12.
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Why: The hotel, opened by an Englishman and bought by an American company, is showing
the games on 12 flat-screen HDTVs and offering deals on Budweisers and UK brews.
The Deal: Budweiser tallboys for the Americans ($4), and various ale from the United Kingdom
and Ireland for our friends from across the pond ($5). There’s a special menu of “All-American
bar bites,” including a double cheeseburger, a Philly cheesesteak, Buffalo wings,
and apple pie (all under $10). Fear not, Brits, there’s also fish and chips.
When: 11 AM to 11:30 PM, through August 12.
Why: Eight flat-screens and a midday menu honoring the games make Virtue a good choice
for a NOVA viewing party.
The Deal: Enjoy a menu of Olympics-inspired specials—Greek salad,
moussaka, a Maryland crab sandwich, or Welsh rarebit—for $12. Add a can of beer for $2.
When: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM.
