Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
Bar · Waterfront ·
Boardwalk-inspired eats, arcade games, and frozen cocktails
Boardwalk-inspired eats, arcade games, and frozen cocktails
"It’s an all-around fun time with daily happy hour, Skee-ball, easy-to-win claw machines, sparkly waterfront views, and a damn good hot dog. The carnival-styled fixture facing the Potomac isn’t just for kids; as a neighborhood regular, friendly bartenders in bright blue already know my order: a snappy Sriracha slaw dog served day and night. Boardwalk helped pioneer D.C.’s "adult happy meal" movement, and the mini Miller Lite-and-whiskey shot combo comes with a basket of ranch-flavored popcorn for $10.95. Nachos are the sleeper hit, loaded with black beans, pico de gallo, jalapenos, sour cream, and a big heap of chicken. On weekends, a brunch buffet parked next to cruise ship-sized shuffleboard lays out hot trays of fluffy pancakes, bacon, and eggs; the $54 meal, bottomless mimosas included, is a decent deal (by Wharf standards). Expect a mixed bag of after-work suits, concertgoers, captains fresh off the boat in flip-flops, and the occasional celebrity—MMA fighter Conor McGregor even saddled up to the turquoise patio bar with his family this spring. Kids congregate near the main arcade downstairs, but a cute surf lodge up top offers a secluded spot where dates plop down to a Pac-Man table for two. Insider tip: pass on the too-sugary frozen cocktails, but the espresso martini is typically on point." - Tierney Plumb
"Waterfront hot dogs with a side of Skee-ball, anyone? The entertainment venue with the biggest bar at the Wharf offers a solid American menu, daily happy hour (4-6 p.m.), and popular brunch buffet on weekends. The two-story space has every kind of game covered, from basketball toss to claw machines to a fortune-teller mannequin spitting out cards of your future. A hidden bungalow up top is home to a Pac-Man table for two and Dance Dance Revolution." - Claudia Rosenbaum
"Waterfront brunch with a side of arcade games and Skee-ball? Yes, please. The entertainment venue with the biggest bar at the Wharf sends out a surprisingly solid weekend lineup of avocado or French toast, breakfast burritos, and tacos. A bottomless brunch buffet (scrambled eggs, turkey sausages, crispy bacon, mini muffins, potatoes, and cereal) is $29.95 or $11.95 for kids 12 and under. Go bottomless with unlimited bottles of bubbly and a choice of cranberry, pineapple, or orange juice for $23.95 (90-minute limit). Go for the buffet and mimosas for $47.95." - Tierney Plumb
"The Southwest Waterfront neighbor dedicates entire claw machines to tiny ducks that are up for grabs so guests can do a DIY drink on-site." - Tierney Plumb
"With two bars, arcade games, shuffleboard, and pinball, there’s no shortage of entertainment at the Wharf’s waterfront hangout. During daily happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.), adults can order a “Happy Meal” combo ($8.95) complete with a mini Miller High Life, shot of whiskey, and popcorn. A kids’ menu includes mac and cheese, pizza, tacos, cotton candy, and ice cream sandwiches ($4.95-$9.95). FYI: The bar is cashless, and kids are only allowed with a 21-and-up guardian." - Emily Venezky
