If you’ve ever walked through Arlington on a Sunday afternoon, you know the vibe. It’s loud. It’s crowded. People are wearing jerseys that have seen better days. And usually, a good chunk of that noise is coming from one specific corner on North Fairfax Drive. First Down Bar and Grill isn't trying to be a Michelin-star bistro or a high-concept cocktail lounge. Honestly? It doesn’t need to be. It’s a sports bar in the truest, grittiest, most buffalo-sauce-stained sense of the word.
What First Down Bar and Grill Actually Gets Right
Most places try too hard. They put kale on the menu or try to charge $18 for a craft beer that tastes like pine needles. First Down keeps it simple. You want wings? They have over 40 flavors. You want a screen? There are literally dozens of them lining the walls. It’s the kind of spot where the floor might be a little sticky during a playoff game, but the beer is cold and the service is fast enough that you won’t miss the kickoff.
The location is a huge part of the draw. Being right across from the Ballston-MU Metro station makes it a magnet for people who don't want to deal with DC traffic. It’s basically the neighborhood living room.
I’ve seen people argue about the "best" wing spot in Northern Virginia for hours. Some people swear by the big chains, but First Down Bar and Grill usually ends up in the top three of that conversation. Why? Because they don't overcomplicate the fry. The skin is crispy. The meat isn't dry. And they have flavors like "Ballston Fire" that actually live up to the name without just being painful for the sake of being painful.
The Buffalo Wing Obsession
Let's talk about the wings for a second. Most places do mild, medium, and hot. Maybe a garlic parm if they’re feeling fancy. At First Down, the menu looks more like a periodic table of capsaicin. They’ve got everything from honey BBQ to Jamaican jerk and stuff that involves ghost peppers.
It’s not just about the heat, though. It’s the texture. They use a traditional frying method that keeps the inside juicy while the outside gets that specific crunch that holds onto the sauce. If you’re a purist, you go for the Buffalo. If you’re feeling weird, you try the peanut butter and jelly wings. Yes, those are a real thing. No, they aren't for everyone, but people order them way more often than you'd think.
The Game Day Chaos Strategy
If you plan on showing up at 1:00 PM on a NFL Sunday and expect to grab a booth immediately, you’re gonna have a bad time. That’s just the reality of a popular sports bar.
🔗 Read more: Finding Another Word for Calamity: Why Precision Matters When Everything Goes Wrong
The strategy here is "arrive early or don't arrive at all." The regulars—the ones who have been coming since the place opened years ago—usually stake out their territory by noon. It gets packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, "excuse me, sorry, just grabbing a napkin" packed. But that’s the appeal. You aren't just watching a game; you’re experiencing it with 100 other people who are just as stressed about their parlay as you are.
Beyond the NFL
While Sundays are the bread and butter, First Down Bar and Grill does a surprisingly good job with other sports. It’s a big spot for Capitals fans. When the Caps are in the playoffs, the energy changes. It’s less about fantasy stats and more about that specific brand of DC hockey tension. They also lean into college football, especially for the big state schools. If you’re looking for a quiet place to read a book on a Saturday afternoon, this is quite literally the last place on earth you should go.
The Menu: It’s Not Just Wings
Kinda feels wrong to talk about a bar and not mention the burgers. They’re solid. They aren't "gourmet" in the sense that they use wagyu beef or truffles, but they are exactly what you want after three pitchers of Miller Lite. They’re messy. They come with fries that are actually seasoned.
- The First Down Burger: Classic, heavy, reliable.
- Nachos: These are huge. Don't order them for yourself unless you haven't eaten in two days.
- Tacos: A bit of a sleeper hit on the menu, actually.
The prices are also pretty reasonable for Arlington. This isn't the cheapest dive bar in the world, but it won't clear out your savings account just for a round of appetizers. They run specials throughout the week—Taco Tuesdays, wing deals, that sort of thing—which keeps the local grad students coming back.
What People Get Wrong About First Down
People sometimes complain about the noise. Honestly, that’s like complaining that the ocean is too wet. It’s a sports bar. If it were quiet, something would be wrong.
Another misconception is that it’s only for sports fans. While the TVs are the main event, the bar has a decent late-night scene that doesn't revolve entirely around what's happening on ESPN. They do trivia nights. They have a decent happy hour that draws in the office crowd from the nearby tech hubs and government buildings.
💡 You might also like: False eyelashes before and after: Why your DIY sets never look like the professional photos
It’s a transitional space. At 5:00 PM, it’s happy hour for consultants. At 8:00 PM, it’s a dinner spot. At 11:00 PM, it’s a full-blown bar.
The Logistics of Visiting
Parking in Ballston is a nightmare. Do yourself a favor and just take the Metro or an Uber. There’s a parking garage nearby, but by the time you pay the hourly rate, you could have bought another basket of wings.
The staff is used to the rush. You’ll see servers weaving through crowds with five plates of wings balanced on their arms like they’re performing a circus act. It’s impressive. Because of the volume, don't expect a 20-minute chat with your bartender about the nuances of hops. They are there to get you your drink and move to the next person. It’s efficient, not cold.
Why It Survives When Others Close
Ballston has changed a lot. The mall was gutted and rebuilt into the Quarter. High-end apartments are popping up every fifteen minutes. A lot of the "old" Arlington spots have been priced out or replaced by chains that feel like they were designed by a corporate committee.
First Down Bar and Grill has stayed because it knows what it is. It hasn't tried to pivot to a wine bar. It hasn't started serving "deconstructed" nachos. It’s consistent. In a neighborhood that is rapidly becoming more polished and expensive, there’s something comforting about a place that just wants to give you a cold beer and a good game.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re heading there for the first time, keep these things in mind.
📖 Related: Exactly What Month is Ramadan 2025 and Why the Dates Shift
First, check the schedule. If there’s a major UFC fight or a massive rivalry game, they might have a cover charge or specific seating rules. Usually, it’s first-come, first-served.
Second, try the "Ballston Fire" sauce at your own risk. It’s not just a clever name.
Third, if you’re with a group, order the towers. It saves you from having to flag down a server every time someone finishes a pint. It’s the veteran move.
Lastly, be cool to the staff. They handle some of the most chaotic crowds in the city, especially during the playoffs. A little patience goes a long way when the bar is three-deep with people screaming at a referee on a screen.
The reality of First Down Bar and Grill is that it’s a staple because it’s reliable. It’s the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting before you even walk through the door. It’s loud, it’s fun, and the wings are legit.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Timing is everything: For NFL games, aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before kickoff if you want a table.
- Order Strategy: Start with a "Sampler" if you’re undecided on wings—it lets you test the heat levels without committing to a full pound of something that might melt your face.
- Transport: Use the Ballston-MU Metro station (Orange/Silver lines); the bar is less than a two-minute walk from the exit.
- Check Specials: Follow their social media or check their chalkboard for daily deals, especially on weeknights when they run heavy discounts on specific menu items.