We certainly aren’t short on national pride here in D.C., which makes the Olympics an exciting time. The Winter Olympics are starting up Feb. 9 and if you’re feeling the competitive bug on a personal level, you might want to swing into one of D.C.’s many gaming bars. From pool, to bowling, to board games, these spots offer a little something for every competitive spirit.

Chinatown

Photo courtesy of Lucky Strike

Folks with some of the most high-stress jobs in D.C. go to work in the areas around Chinatown. Between 1600 Penn to the west and Capitol Hill to the east, politicians, lobbyists, and their faithful staffers traverse this area of the District daily. It makes sense that you would find a few fun bars nestled between coffee houses and office buildings in the neighborhood.

If you’re looking to get up off your feet and move a bit while you drink, Lucky Strike might be the perfect spot. You can stop in for a handcrafted cocktail — like the fruity Pink Elephant with Grey Goose, triple sec, peach liqueur, orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices — and reserve one of 14 bowling lanes and enjoy a game with up to six friends.

A quick two-minute walk away you’ll find Rocket Bar, a retro-style billiard bar that lives and breathes nostalgia. For $2 a pop you can snag a board game or dart board and play with a group. Pool and shuffleboard tables are available at an hourly rate. 

H Street

Photo courtesy of H Street Country Club

If you head north to H Street, you’ll find an energized and lively neighborhood with a restaurant or bar almost every other storefront. If you’re not up for standing around hoping the bartender will notice you, you might consider a bar with some additional activities. 

H Street Country Club offers Mexican eats to enjoy while you play a round on its D.C.-themed, 9-hole mini golf course. The spot also has shuffleboard tables, skeeball machines, and giant Jenga, in the event that mini golf isn’t your thing.

If you’re itching for a real retro vibe, try out Atlas Arcade. This bar and gaming spot is fully stocked with some of the best classic gaming you can find that doesn’t require an Ebay account and a small fortune to enjoy. Get in line for a classic cabinet game such as Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. You can also sit down for a bit of Super Mario on the NES, Ms. Pacman on the SNES, Madden 96 on Sega, or Diddy Kong Racing on N64. These games represent a small percentage of the cartridges Atlas has in stock, so come with some time to spare.

Dupont Circle

Photo courtesy of the Board Room

Dupont Circle is another neighborhood known for its dining and nightlife, but a lively gaming scene has popped up among the sit-down restaurants. If you’re among the many professionals walking into an office in this neighborhood each day, one of these spots could be a great place to blow off some steam with your coworkers once 5 p.m. hits.

When you walk into the Board Room you’re welcomed by a wall of board games that is taller than your average 27-year-old. A $2 flat fee will gain you access to classics like Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Monopoly, and Ticket to Ride. As far as libations go, you can grab a drink at one of two bars — one upstairs and one on the main level. While they don’t serve food, you can bring in anything from a nearby spot, have Uber Eats delivered, or enjoy a pizza brought to your table from Flippin’ Pizza, just a few doors down.

On the opposite side of the Circle is Buffalo Billiards. This basement-level billiards joint offers pool tables, skeeball, shuffleboard, foosball, ping-pong tables, Pop a Shot, Golden Tee, and even arcade beer pong. It’s chock-full of competitive fuel for those of us who always dreamed about being a pro athlete, but missed too many Sunday practices after a Saturday bar crawl.

Georgetown

Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

Leave it to Georgetown to offer one of the most upscale dining and gaming experiences you might find in D.C. While the waterfront neighborhood doesn’t offer much by way of games, one location stands out. Pinstripes is a national chain that serves up fine dining and cocktails to enjoy during a game of indoor bowling or bocce ball. Pricing is per person, per hour, and while reservations aren’t required, they are highly recommended.