Support Us Button Widget

Best spots to watch college football in Northern Virginia

The leaves are changing, and college football season is right around the corner. To get hype for the season, visit these NOVA sports bars that are perfect for catching every game this season.

The stadium at a Virginia Tech football game.

If you can’t make it to the stadium, these businesses offer a great game-day atmosphere. | Photo by NOVAtoday

College football season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 23, and we’ve rounded up five great spots to catch your favorite teams in action this fall. While many of you will be cheering for Virginia Tech or UVA, I’ll be rooting for the Badgers. On, Wisconsin.

Psst... Bookmark this roundup for your next game day. And if we missed your fave, send us a note so we can add it to the list

Murphy’s Irish Pub | Open daily | 713 King St., Alexandria
This Irish pub regularly hosts events like MLB game days and live European soccer matches + they proudly broadcast a range of college football games — “from Ohio State to Notre Dame,” as its website puts it. Personally, I’ll be booing both of those teams.

T.J. Stone’s | Open daily | 608 Montgomery St., Alexandria
You’ll find us in the tap room, where 11 flat-screen TVs make it the perfect spot to catch every game — it’s the ultimate haven for multitasking sports fans.

Crystal City Sports Pub | Open daily | 529 23rd St. S., Arlington
Open 365 days a year, yep, every single one, this spot just outside Arlington’s Pentagon City is a solid place to catch a game. Pro tip: Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m., and they offer weekday lunch deals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dudley’s Sport and Ale | Open daily | 2766 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington
Grab a taco tray while enjoying the game at the largest sports bar in Northern Virginia.

Patriot’s Pub + Grill | Closed Mondays | 10560 Main St., Fairfax
Serving up all the game day classics, like wings and pizza, this spot also offers a solid brunch, making it a great choice for morning matchups. Did I mention that there are home fries in the burrito?

Bunnyman Brewing | Closed Mondays + Tuesdays | 5583 Guinea Rd., Fairfax
Three words: self-pour beer. Sample a wide variety at this microbrewery while cheering on your favorite team. Don’t forget to check out their new location in Lorton, too.

Anchor Bar | Open daily | 1609 Village Market Blvd. SE., Leesburg
This Loudoun County bar is a great place to kick back, catch a game, and dig into some wings. Plan ahead, their Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m.

More from NOVAtoday
Let’s take a deep dive into future development projects in Northern Virginia.
Let’s enjoy an evening in one of Arlington’s most popular neighborhoods.
Meet your local Poet Laureate and find ways to join the world of poetry.
Fairfax City, Alexandria, and DC Restaurant Week are just around the corner — get ready to savor the season.
Sometimes a whole pizza is just too much... let’s just grab a slice.
Reach your local community with our help.
Everything Newsletter Editor Ava Wojnowski did when hosting a tourist in NOVA.
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Northern Virginia and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
We like to call this one, “NOVA Nostalgiawave Midweek Mood.”
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.