What a time to be a Commanders fan. The capital’s football team hasn’t been this fun to watch in years. Nay, decades.
My dad and grandparents used to drive from Newport News to Richmond, taking the train to D.C. to catch a game in the old RFK stadium. Lately, I wear his tattered 1991 Super Bowl sweatshirt around the house, carrying my 18-week-old daughter from room to room (she was born the week the 2024 NFL regular season commenced).
I’ve never been so excited to watch a professional sport—thank you, Jayden Daniels—and being able to attend a game this December with three generations of fans was pretty special.
So yes, I’ll be watching this weekend, as long as the power stays on. *
Here’s where to view the wild card games (and eat and drink and be merry!) starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 and concluding 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13:
*Please note: All information is subject to change based on Richmond and Henrico’s boil water advisory, which The Richmonder is reporting could potentially be lifted on Saturday; also, the impending snowfall, round two.
Bingo Beer Co.
2900 W Broad St.
Open Tuesday & Wednesday 4-11 p.m., Thursday 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Friday 3 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Saturday noon-1:30 a.m. and Sunday noon-10 p.m.
Viewing: “We will have the games on, crisis permitting,” says co-owner Jay Bayer. No sound on TVs.
Eat & Drink: There will be a limited menu given the boil water advisory, but expect plenty of pizza, beer, draft cocktails and canned products.
Go team: “No official affiliation but, go Bills and Lions!”
City Beach
2416 W Cary St.
Open Thursday-Sunday noon-2 a.m. and Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Viewing: City Beach will be playing all games on 23 TVs with sound ON.
Eat & Drink: Look out for boneless wing specials and beer bottle bucket specials of Miller, Coors, Bud Light and Corona (and possibly a couple others) during the games.
Gus’ Bar & Grill
2701 W Broad St.
Open daily, 11:30-12 a.m.
Viewing: This Broad Street mainstay says they’ll be showing all games on 14 regular TVs plus six booth TVs and two theater screens.
Eat & Drink: The owners say to expect food and drink specials.
Go team: “As we are in RVA, we are a Commanders spot. But we enjoy everyone’s team spirit.”
Home Team Grill
1630 W Main St.
Open Monday 3-10 p.m., Tuesday 3-11 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Viewing: Home Team is showing all games on 15 TVs.
Eat & Drink: They’ll be running food specials all weekend and a beer bucket deal.
Parlay
3117 W Leigh St. Ste. A
Open Monday & Wednesday 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Friday 3 p.m.-12 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Viewing: New Scott’s Addition sports haven Parlay says they’ll have games on all 15 TVs, including a projection screen and TV in attached sports card shop, Graybo’s. The sound will be “pumping through the building.”
Eat & Drink: They’ll have a “few items delayed” due to the Boil Water Advisory. They will have their 24-hour brined, then roasted wings; freshly made pizza dough (currently made with bottled water); plus vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Go team: “We love all teams, but we will DEF BE REPPING the Commanders on Sunday!”
Capital Ale House
Multiple locations, hours vary
Viewing: Come here for the Commanders vs. Buccaneers watch party Sunday Jan. 12. Multiple TVs.
Eat & Drink: Enjoy late-night specials early including half-off appetizers and $5 off flatbread pizzas starting at 8 p.m.
Go team: All hail.
Penny Lane Pub
421 E Franklin St.
Open Tuesday & Wednesday 3 p.m.-midnight, Thursday & Friday 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Viewing: They’ll be playing the wild-card games if it doesn’t “overlap with any Premier League matches.” Closed for Monday’s game.
Eat & Drink: “Fish and chips and Guinness go with any sport!”
Go team: More futbol than football at Penny’s, but all team spirit is appreciated.
What did we miss? Email details to maryscott@styleweekly.com.
