Think you’re smarter than the average bear? Test your trivia chops at one of these best trivia nights in the D.C. area. Who knows, all of that superfluous knowledge may win you and your friends an exciting prize like a discounted bar tab or, at the very least, bragging rights at the bar.
Tonic
2036 G St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-0211
www.tonicrestaurantdc.com
Date: Mondays at 8:30 p.m.
Every Monday night is trivia night at Tonic, a once bustling neighborhood pharmacy now transformed into a friendly neighborhood bar with the tagline “cure what ails you.” Enjoy delicious American comfort food, like mac n’ cheese, juicy hamburgers and specialty pizza. Monday through Friday, happy hour specials include $4 signature tater tots, $6 nachos and 75-cent wings. Teams of two to eight compete in all areas of trivia knowledge for the chance to win a $50 Tonic gift card. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. but teams are encouraged to arrive early in order to snag a spot. Tonic also offers Hot Toddy Tuesdays and Wine Wednesdays.
Stetson’s
1610 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-6295
www.stetsons-dc.com
Date: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Recognized as the first Tex-Mex saloon in DC, Stetson’s is a great place to set your hat down and enjoy one of the best and longest standing trivia nights in the city. Chow down on a bowl of Stetson’s homemade chili, the El Paso chicken sandwich or a longhorn burger. Stetson’s also offers happy hour specials like half-priced burgers on Mondays and 25-cent wings on Fridays. Drink specials include $4 Bud Lights and $3.50 rail drinks. Tuesday nights are trivia nights, with such prizes like $50 bar tab discounts and Bud Light pitcher specials for the entire team. Seasonal leagues with the chance to win big prizes are also available. Hosted by Mehrun, a five-time Jeopardy winner, the fun begins at 7 p.m.
Related: Best Late-Night Activities Beyond Bars In The DC Area
Nellie’s Sports Bar
900 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 332-6355
www.nelliessportsbar.com
Date: Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Think you’re a smart ass? Prove it at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Every Wednesday night features Smart Ass Trivia, where teams compete to win tab discounts and tickets to shows hosted at the 9:30 Club. Trivia team benefits include $15 buckets of beer and a free $10 dinner for bringing in a new team player. Nellie’s Sports Bar features American cuisine, including burgers, salads, wraps and soup, as well as a variety of other exciting events including Texas Hold ‘Em poker on Mondays and a drag queen brunch and show on Sundays. Trivia nights take place Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Argonaut
1433 H St. N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 250-3660
www.argonautdc.com
Date: Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Part English tavern, part San Diego taqueria and part coffee shop, The Argonaut is definitely a unique place to hang out with friends and participate in challenging trivia nights. Ranked one of the top bars in DC in 2013, the full-service restaurant and bar features traditional American fare, including sandwiches, seafood, soups and salads. Trivia night takes place every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Prizes are given to teams with the best name as well as teams who come in first and second place. The Argonaut also offers a variety of daily deals, including 25-cent wings on Mondays and half-price draughts on Sundays, and hosts other interactive events including science, family and bluegrass nights.
Penn Social
801 E St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 697-4900
www.pennsocialdc.com
Date: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
With more than 13,000 square feet of space, there is no shortage of things to do at this popular DC destination. Penn Social features three full-service bars, seven high-definition televisions and a 22-foot projection screen, patio seating and tons of games including skeeball, billiards, shuffle board, foosball, corn hole and classic arcade games. Fuel up on traditional bar fare like chicken wings, burgers and a half-smoke. Penn Social also features more than 30 draught beers. Trivia nights take place on Tuesdays, with the chance to win a $25 gift certificate and a free pitcher of beer for runner-ups. Penn Social also features live music, DJs and dancing and game show night. Trivia night starts at 7 p.m.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
