Top 5 Sports Bars For Watching The Hockey Playoffs In Washington, D.C.

If you can't get your hands on a ticket to tonight's NHL Eastern Conference semifinal between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers, don't despair. Watch the hockey playoff game at one of these top sports bars in Washington, D.C. with other die-hard hockey fans who know how you feel.

Ventnor Sports Cafe in the Adams Morgan neighborhood has a constantly evolving selection of beers on tap, including local ones, and the free popcorn and decent pub grub will make you feel right at home. The friendly staff makes it a point to greet you by name and remember you the next time you pop in. Plus, they have so many televisions that the bartenders will even change the channel to let you watch whatever game you want should you decide hockey is not your thing.

Its close proximity to the Verizon Center, where the Capitals play, contributes to the game-day excitement at R.F.D. (Regional Food and Drink) in the heart of the city on Seventh Street NW. Locals come here to sample the beer and to watch the game on 11 flat-screen televisions. With more than 30 beers on tap, you will need to watch more than one playoff game to make a dent in the selection that includes rare and handcrafted brews. If that's not enough, there are more than 300 globe-trotting bottled beers in stock. Even the food is infused with beer — try the coffee stout BBQ wings.

For alfresco viewing of the big game, the rooftop terrace at Cleveland Park Bar & Grill hits the spot with six televisions. In case of rain, Caps fans can still watch from the remaining 21 indoor screens. Sample one of the bar's wood-fired brick oven pizzas.

Securing a good vantage point to watch the game is easy at the Pour House on Pennsylvania Avenue. The tavern-style bar has 15 televisions including two 60-inch plasma televisions and a TV wall. Plus, their lower level bar has a Wii, darts, Skee-Ball, shuffleboard and arcade games to keep fans occupied during halftime.

With three floors and 20 televisions, it isn't hard to find a bar stool from which to watch the playoff game at BlackFinn American Saloon in Bethesda, Md. In honor of the Capitals' playoff games, the saloon-style bar has specials that include $2 Slap Stick Shooters during power plays, $3 Coors Light Bottles, $5 Great 8 Cocktails, and 10 percent off food if you're rocking the red in Caps gear.