Double Smokes in Chocolate City

A couple of friends are headed to DC for a wedding this weekend and asked if I could suggest a place to watch the Stanley Cup final. It would appear that the capital has its fair share of sports bars, but despite being the birthplace of the Champions franchise, they all seem to be more than a little douché. Based on some preliminary research and a quick perusal of Stop Smiling magazine’s DC issue I’m suggesting dinner at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a local landmark famously patronized by Bill Cosby, who held a press conference there to launch his eponymous TV show. It’s a Chocolate City institution, much like Nathan’s on Coney Island and Uno’s in Chicago.

After dinner it’ll be game time at either The Tune Inn or Hank Dietles’ Tavern. The Tune Inn was featured in Esquire’s Best Bars of America and looks fantastic. Get a load of this sweet interior shot:

Beers are cheap and if folks are still hungry after their half-smokes everything on the menu comes with a side of bacon.

On the other hand, these guys may be more inclined to a roadhouse tip. If so, Hank Dietles’ seems like the place to be.Washington’s City Paper says “There’s not a microbrew in sight, the giant beer bottle above the bar lights up when the phone rings, and the “wine list” simply reads WINE $3.00.” The price is rite with $1.50 Miller Lite and free chips and crock pot dip sound like a tasty snack if things go to overtime.

Buffalo: I’ll Take the Wings, You Can Keep the Phish

I’ve been doing a bit of research for a mid-summer gentlemens' jaunt to Buffalo in pursuit of wings, Rolling Rock beer and taverns patronized by rust belt brutes whom are likely to kick my lilly livered, trillium loving Ontario ass.

Three rather disappointing things I’ve discovered;

1. Though The Beef is undoubtedly home to some sweet bars and restaurants, collectively they’ve got pretty much the most underwhelming online presence I’ve ever seen.
2. Almost every alehouse in the city proudly offers some sort of live entertainment… as if jam bands, blues duos and poetry slams were an attraction. I’m not sure what a Saturday night open mic is supposed to do for business, but I can’t imagine it brings in a heavy drinking clientele.
3. Apparently Phish is still pretty popular with the local undergrad population.

That being said, fear not my valiant comrades, I have judiciously separated wheat from chaff to establish this (somewhat less than comprehensive) list of potential destinations:

The Anchor Bar – Birthplace of Buffalo wings. Need I say more?

The Essex Pub – If the movies featured on their Myspace (Barfly and Trees Lounge) are anything to go by this place will be amazing.

Staples of Allentown – Their “private booths” look comfortable and the beer specials are nothing to turn your nose up at.

The Old Pink aka 223 Allen Street – Anthony Bordain’s No Reservations gives their steak sandwich and fried bologna two thumbs up.


Mulligan’s Brick Bar – Apparently locals have favoured Mulligan’s happy hour above all others for decades. I have no reason to argue with that sort of endorsement. Also, this recent review is pretty funny: "The last time I frequented this establishment, a friend of mine had his leather seats stolen out of his new 1967 Jaguar XKE convertible while we were having some liquid refreshment."


Sportsmen’s Tavern – With a name and façade like that I’ve got to see the inside. No other info to speak of though.

Mohawk Place – Buffalo’s indie rock venue. Tommy Stinson, The Hold Steady, Fugazi and The Brain Jonestown Massacre have all played there. Can’t be terrible.

Some other place of ill-repute that warrant exploration: Merlin’s, Sterling Place Tavern, Vinny’s and Broadway Joe’s.