The Washington Nationals’ 2016 season kicks off today—and the first home game is Thursday, April 7. Are you ready for some meatballs? Or at least, some beer specials? We found baseball-themed specials at restaurants around Nationals Park and beyond.
Monday: Georgetown’s Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce and Bistro is hosting a viewing party for today’s game against the Atlanta Braves starting at 4 p.m. with free Nats’ swag, $4 house wine and draft beers, $5 well drinks, $7 flatbreads and apps, and a guest appearance from two of the presidential mascots.
Monday: At the 14th Street outpost of BBQ Joint, a happy hour during today’s game will feature $2.50 draft Natty Boh, $4 Old Overholt rye, $6 Frito pies, and $3 pulled-rib tacos and chipotle brisket sliders.
Thursday: It’s Opening Day Fest from noon to 4 p.m. at Bluejacket Brewery. On the Bluejacket patio, look for a grill bearing oysters, Red Apron sausages, wings, and ribs (there will also be grab-and-go boxes, if you have tickets to the game), plus plenty of Bluejacket brews. The festivities will extend to a joint block party with Hugh & Crye, where you’ll find corn hole, a photo booth, and live music. Admission is free, but food and drinks are for purchase.
Thursday: On the same day as the home opener, hit “Chefs Play Ball,” a day of meatballs, booze, and baseball at Osteria Morini. From noon to 3 p.m., sample meatballs from Victor Albisu of Del Campo, Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto, Mike Isabella of Kapnos, and more. Reserve your spot ($55 for adults, $20 for kids) here.
Thursday: Due South is transforming the patio at the Arris Apartments, which sits a few blocks from Nationals Park, into a makeshift beer garden. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., expect live music, eats, and eight beers on draft. Over at the actual restaurant, an outdoor grill will be up and running before and after every home game this season.
Thursday Saturday: For a sweeter start to the season, head to Astro Doughnuts for a limited edition sausage-and-doughnut sandwich—a collaboration with Meats & Foods—and a “peanuts and crackerjack” doughnut glazed with caramel and topped with Fishers Popcorn from Ocean City. They’ll be available at the Downtown DC and Falls Church locations starting at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday through Sunday: Head to Brookland’s Finest for a special $8 beer flight (featuring selections from DC Brau and Atlas Brew Works), a $14 meatball sliders app special, and a $20 dinner plate featuring half smokes, pretzel bites, spicy greens, and whole-grain mustard sauce.
This post has been updated with a correction.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
Greta started as an editorial fellow in January 2016 and joined as a full-time staff member that August. She now works as a web producer and writer. She was previously an intern at Slate and National Geographic and graduated from the University of Missouri’s Journalism School. She lives in Adams Morgan.
