The Washington Nationals kick off their 2019 season on Thursday against the New York Mets. Another year of baseball means more opportunities to feed hungry fans, with new options inside the stadium and around the growing neighborhood.
The park added nine concession stands, including steamed buns from Bao Bao steamed buns (section 116), CHICKO fried wings (section 238), po’boys via Hank’s Oyster Bar (108), oysters on the half shell from Harris Creek Oyster Co. (238) and Rappahannock Oyster Co., D.C. Empanadas (244), and steak sandwiches from Medium Rare (136).
A Stella Artois lookout bar (205) and frozen cocktails from The Cocktail Counter (107) are beverage additions. D.C. distillery Republic Restoratives will serve their liquors at section 111 and their mainstay Civic Vodka around the park.
“Often when you’re at major sporting events or other large crowd gatherings, it’s hard to support small businesses like ours because the options are so limited,” said Pia Carusone, co-owner of Republic Restoratives. “This partnership really integrates the fan experience in terms of being able to connect the world inside the stadium with what’s happening in the community.”
Don’t want to wait in line? A select list of local restaurants’ menus will be available to order using the Caviar app, and guests can order for pick-up in Section 106. See the full park concessions guide here.
Since last season, the restaurant scene around the park has also continued to bloom. Newcomers Wiseguy Pizza, Circa, and El Bebe opened for service. Kwame Onwuachi’s second Philly Wing Fry brought cheesesteaks and wings to Whole Foods. Later this year, diners can look forward to openings from former Petworth favorite Walters Sports Bar, Dacha Beer Garden #2 by the first base gate, Altani Gelato, and Hatoba from the Ramen team behind Daikaya and Haikan.
Nearby restaurants will start the celebrations early with food and drink deals all day long. Here’s everything you need to know about where to get a bite in and around the park on opening day.
Opening Day deals: Thursday, March 28
Deals are on margaritas ($5), Corona Light drafts ($4.50), chicken quesadillas ($6), and Mexican spring rolls ($5 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m,. Come after the game for $6 margs and sangria, $4.50 drafts, $5 wines, $3 tacos, and $7 nachos. Guests can also participate in a raffle for eight sets of club seat tickets to future games.
301 Water Street SE
For select games, All-Purpose will “pit” local beers against a brewery from the visiting team’s city in competitions before and after the game. During Opening Weekend, DC Brau’s Joint Resolution and Full Count will go up against New York-based Singlecut Beersmiths Weird & Gilly IPA and Plaintop Pilsner. The pizzeria’s roof deck also opens Thursday.
79 Potomac Avenue SE
Bring your old Bryce Harper Jerseys to donate to Bread for the City and get a free shot of Old Overholdt (if you’re over 21). The bar and patio opens at 9 a.m.
20 M Street SE
The brewpub starts tapping debut lagers and blonde and sour ales at 10 a.m. in honor of Opening Day. For the second year in a row, the brewery will release Perfect Places, an IPA brewed with Nelson Vauvin hops, which is available in a commemorative can. An outdoor grill menu will feature jalapeno-stuffed boozy burgers, sticky mumbo ribs, grilled flatbreads, and “crazy corn” with parmesan and chipotle mayo.
300 Tingey Street SE
The outdoor venue will host their game day happy hour (all drinks $5 from 3rd-7th inning) and live music throughout the night. The 19th Street Band will play before the game, and The DCeivers after last pitch.
1201 Half Street SE
District Winery will serve a wine-inspired Grand Slam Punch with fresh fruit for $10 a glass.
385 Water Street SE
Wear a Nationals hat or shirt to any Ice Cream Jubilee location on Opening Day and receive 10 percent off ice cream or 20 percent off the Yards Park location’s Baseball Helmet sundae until 7 p.m. The Nats Red Velvet flavor (swirled red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting), will be ready to scoop all season.
301 Water Street SE #105
Mission opens at 10 a.m. for all-day drink and food deals: $5 Estrella drafts, $6 Tito’s and Jack cocktails, $7 Mission Margaritas, $3 chorizo sliders, and $8 quesadillas.
1221 Van Street SE at N Street
Pregame early with fast-casual Indian and 10 a.m. drink specials, including $3 16oz PBR, $4 craft beers, $5 draft beers, wine, Masala gin and tonics, and tamarind margaritas, and $6 Taj Mahal tall boys.
1247 First Street SE
Hang out on the patio, where there will be will half-smokes ($8) and grilled oysters with Old Bay breadcrumb butter ($9).
79 Potomac Ave. SE
Craft beer is available on tap for $3 all day.
1212 Fourth Street SE
The Ugly Mug and Valor Brewpub
If you’d rather start the party on Barracks Row, The Ugly Mug’s Mug Bug will offer customers a ride to the stadium free of change. Food and drink specials start at 11 a.m., including Tennessee hot chicken and BBQ sandwiches ($11), half smokes ($10), $2 fries and tater tots with a sandwich purchase, $4 Miller Lites, and $5 Blue Moons.
723 8th Street SE
Watch a live radio broadcast of 106.7 FM The Fan’s The Sports Junkies with Cakes and JP for Opening Day. The event, sponsored by Sam Adams, includes all-day Happy Hour on New England IPA and the Summer Ale ($5 pints and $18 pitchers) and an interactive radio booth with gift certificate giveaways and other freebies.
300 Tingey Street SE
This post has been updated.
