The rooftop bar coming along nicely. Photo by María Helena Carey
The Ugly Mug, 723 8th Street SE, is a favorite go-to place to grab a cold one and watch sports of all kinds– in addition to being a destination all its own for Nats fans, when their trusty golf cart shuttle is up and running. For instance, you can catch the Euro 2016 final this Sunday, July 10, starting at 3 p.m. on one of their many screens, and with drink specials ($5 Heineken Drafts, $8 Any Pizza, $4 Captain Morgan Flavors) to allow your inner hooligan to cheer appropriately for either France or Portugal*.
For the past couple of years, the owners of the Ugly Mug have been trying to finish up what is shaping up to be a gorgeous rooftop bar (see pano above), which has been held back by the usual red tape. But the wait will be over soon: Sometime before the end of July, the upstairs will be open, featuring a patio with a retractable roof, a bar with misting spray so everyone can stay cool and capacity for between 180 to 190 patrons. The new upstairs space will allow for much-needed repairs and renovations to take place in the downstairs bar, which really needs some updating, especially in the bathrooms.
Best of luck to the Ugly Mug with their renovations and we look forward to seeing their new rooftop very soon!
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* I shamelessly root for whoever has the cuter team in this case.