Whether you’ve been loyal to the Caps since before Ovi was drafted or you’re just jumping on the bandwagon, now is the time to find a place to settle in and watch some history unfold. Will the Capitals’ first Final appearance in 20 years be the one that finally earns them their chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup? Or will the newly minted Vegas Golden Knights overcome their preseason 500-1 odds in true Sin City style? Either way, you’ll want to be watching. Here are some local spots to settle into for at least the next four games.
Hudson Street Stackhouse
If you can’t wear your Caps jersey to the office, be sure to bring it along for a quick change at quitting time. Happy hour prices on Hudson Street’s dozens of drafts extend through all three periods (and into overtime, when you’ll really need it) for those rocking team gear. 2626 Hudson St., 410-342-0592
Swallow at the Hollow
This North Baltimore dive offers red, white, and blue domestic bottles (Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Bud Light for those who haven’t studied up on their beer branding) for $2.50 during all Caps games. Use the brews to wash down some Guy Fieri-approved Honey Ghost Chicken Wings while you cheer. 5921 York Rd., 410-532-7542
Hair of the Dog
Grab a spot near one of 20 big-screen TVs, including a 110-inch HD projection screen, at this South Baltimore sports bar. Bring some friends along to share $10 Natty Light pitchers or a pitcher plus a half pound of peel ‘n’ eat shrimp for $14. 1649 S. Hanover St., 410-814-0342
Slainte
This soccer bar also knows how to cater to the crowds that prefer ice. Head to the Thames Street pub for $25 Budweiser towers, $3 Bud Light/Labatt Blue/Labatt Blue Light, and $7 apps every game night. Head upstairs for easier views of some of Slainte’s 18 HDTVs. 1700 Thames St., 410-563-6600
DogWatch Tavern
Come early to nab a seat near one of the 12 TVs in this Fells Point tavern with plenty of couch seats and arcade games to keep the fun going during intermission. Happy hour specials from 4-8 p.m. include $2 domestic bottles, $2 Jello shots, $4 rails and wine, $5 Stoli flavored cocktails, and $5 appetizers. 709 S. Broadway, 410-276-6030
City Limits Sports Bar
In addition to regular nightly specials during each game, Caps fans can get $5 Jameson drinks and $5 wings, half-size nachos, mezze platters, and mozzarella sticks while they watch one of the 19 TVs at this Locust Point gathering place. 1700 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-8084
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
When it comes to hockey, Jimmy’s doesn’t mess around. In addition to an away game happy hour (two for one drinks, half-priced burgers, half-priced flatbreads, $1 oysters, $3 tacos, $4 steamed crabs), the seafood spot is planning its ninth “Famous Bus Trip” of the season for Game 4 in Washington, D.C. on June 4. More details are still to come, but for now super fans can plan on a $50 package that includes a ride to and from the arena, drinks on the bus before and after the game, happy hour pricing before the game, a koozie, and a Caps T-shirt. 6526 Holabird Ave., 410-633-4040