The Nationals were hosting the Braves, and although I couldn’t attend the game, been next door was the next best thing. The Braves were coming off the heels of the modern day NL record of 29 runs against the Marlins.
Baseball is not the same this year without fans. When I walked into Walters, I noticed that not a single TV was on the Nats game, despite it been on the 2nd inning. Instead, they were showing the Orioles post game news conference. I know it’s easy to lose track of time especially with the normal rush of fans trying to line up into the ballpark and the roar of fans as the starting lineup is announced. But Walter Johnson, the Senators pitcher and bar’s namesake would be rolling over in his grave right now.
The management quickly put the Nats on the 220 inch big screen and apologized.
No worries – the Nats were already up 2-0
I was just happy to make it by happy hour which ends at 7pm M-F. I ordered the Nanticoke Nectar IPA brewered locally in Cambridge, MD. It started out malty but then the hops took over – but not aggressive – a well made IPA.
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The booths are spaced six feet apart and there are over 30 TVs which would easily accommodate every NFL game on Sunday. Walters is known for their self-pour draft beers but COVID customers were no longer allowed to pour from it. The utensils were sterilized and vacuumed sealed and the paper straws did not dissolve in the tongue.
“Excited about football starting back up?” I inquired.
“Oh yeah, we expect to be packed with 50 capacity that is.”
To reserve any of the five hightop-style tables, three indoor booths, or six outdoor “streetery” picnic tables, customers have to pay $100 per table, which will be deducted from their final tab. Reservations are recommended: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nfl-week-1-tickets-119909834543
I ordered the hanger steak and frites. It’s a good cut with just the right amount of marbling and very tender. The fries were thick, crispy with the right amount of seasoning. The homemade au jus sauce was rich and flavorful. Not bad for a sports bar.
The only thing that would make this evening better would be a Nats victory. I walked out to the ballpark to catch the 9th inning. It was so surreal – I could hear the announcement and the roar of the crowd, but there was no one there. It was difficult to follow the game and the Braves tied it sending it to extra innings.
I walked back to Walters and could see customers on artificial grass nursing a beer while enjoying the game – either the Nats or NBA.
Gotta get a shot of this as I snapped some pics of the streetery.
Suddenly an urgent voice caught my attention.
“You’re taking a picture of us?”
Well, I’m actually taking a picture of the bar and the patio. But yeah I see you happen to be in it.
“Well delete it,” the girl in the cocktail dress and high heels demanded.
“I’m sorry this is a free country.”
Suddenly the security guard approached me “Delete the pictures – these are minors.”
I didn’t say I would or would not. “Here’s my contact information – call the police if you want to.”
Suddenly the Nationals scored a run in the bottom of the 12th – no one seemed to care.
And with that I walked away and towards my next destination – the new sports book at Capital One Arena.
Here’s John from Walters teeing off in the synthetic turf as the Nats play in virtual silence next door. With the Braves clinching the division, the season ends early for the 2019 World Champions. Can we say Top Golf!
