The Blaguard – Washington, DC

A Dive Bar Tourist follower, wrote to us to recommend The Blaguard in Washington D.C. They call themselves “your neighborhood bar” and our DBT reader agrees, calling it “a good dive bar that has very loyal regulars.”

This is a classic hole-in-the wall joint, located in SoMo. They have twenty beers on tap, TVs, and food. Once again, DBT is making the mistake of writing while hungry. A couple things we’re excited about: the mac & cheese withbacon, pub chips withcaramelized onion dip, and “totchos.” These appear to be nachos using tater tots in place of chips.

Most importantly, however, is the fact that all of these things are on the menu for less than $10!

It’s not easy to find a reasonably-priced place to chow down in a busy city like D.C., but this place is it.Our anonymous insider says these guys “are cheap and fun and good people.”

The drink prices aren’t too shabby, either.

The Blag has some great drink specials going on right now (like pay for a single and get a double) because of the social distancing order, but unlike a lot of little dives, they don’t seem worried. These guys are pros when it comes to improvisation. They just opened a window, set up a bar on one of the tables inside, and called it a concession stand.

Their carryout hash tag has us cracking up: #BlagInABag.

The usual specials are on point at The Blag, too. Every weekday from 5-8pm, snag $3 domestics and $5 draft beers and rail drinks. They’ve got daily specials, too. Our favorite? On Sunday, get a mystery beer with a mystery shot for $5.

It’s clear that the guys here have a blast running the place, but our covert informant also adds that they don’t forget to give back to the community. From Free the Period packing parties for homeless women to fundraisers for the American Heart Association and the National Brain Tumor Society, the Blag doesn’t shy away from using their powers for good.

This place has been open for almost a decade. We can’t tell if they’re trying to emulate a sports bar, an Irish pub, or Cheers, but we do know that whatever they’ve got going on is working. The bartenders are friendly, the food is delicious, and everyone agrees it’s a great place to watch the game.

Some uppity folks have complained that the bathroom is too small or the place is a little grimy. Sometimes it’s hard to get a table. But for true dive bar aficionados, these things won’t matter one bit. We care that the locals are welcoming. We care about the fact the bartenders love it there enough to hang out even when they’re off-duty.

We care about the heart of a place, and it’s clear to The Dive Bar Tourist that The Blaguard has plentyof that.

Location: South Campus, Washington D.C.

Be sure to try: The totchos and a Guinness! 

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