Are You Ready for Some Foosball?

Bistrot du Coin.1738 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-234-6969, http://www.bistrotducoin.com/. This lively French bistro is a favorite in Dupont Circle, known for its moules, steak frites and the spirited bonhomie of its servers. Upstairs you'll find a single foosball table -- a French version known as a Bonzini, which sports wooden players with carefully painted red-and-blue uniforms. A taste of French pride? Mais oui!

Buffalo Wings & Beer.5240 Randolph Rd., Rockville, 301-770-7444, http://www.buffalowingsandbeer.com/. Situated in Loehmann's Plaza, this newly opened franchise specializes in -- surprise! -- buffalo wings and beer. If your team is losing on one of the many TV screens, try unloading your frustration with the competition at the foosball table.

Crystal City Sports Pub.529 23rd St. S., Arlington, 703-521-8215, http://www.crystalcitysportspub.net/. Foosball fanatics gather around the two tables at this popular sports pub on Tuesday nights beginning at 8:30 (arrive early to sign up). Tournament entry costs $5. The fourth Tuesday of every month is "ladies night," when the entry fee is waived for women. Those who can't dedicate themselves wholly to foosball will find comfort in the bar's 60 televisions, tuned to various sporting events.

Finn MacCool's Irish Publick House.713 Eighth St. SE, 202-547-7100, http://www.finnmaccoolsdc.com/. New owners have pumped up this Capitol Hill pub by expanding its draft beer selection -- which now includes Leinenkugel, Boddington's and Magic Hat -- and adding pool, shuffleboard and foosball tables to the upstairs game room.

Jimmy's Old Town Tavern.697 Spring St., Herndon, 703-435-5467, http://www.jimmystavern.com/. Monday nights are foosball-filled at this small family-run tavern, with players duking it out over two tables. If table soccer isn't enough to get you sweating, an order of buffalo wings will: Owner Jimmy Cirrito, a native of Buffalo, serves 'em "mild, medium, hot or suicidal." Tournaments start at 9 p.m.; entry is $5. Ladies play free the third Monday of each month.

Stetson's Famous Bar and Grill.1610 U St. NW, 202-667-6295, http://www.stetsonsdc.com/. This no-frills bar is a favorite for watching baseball games and drinking pitchers of inexpensive draft beer. Upstairs you'll find pool, darts and a foosball table ripe for good-natured play.

Three Nine's Tavern.7705 Washington Blvd., Jessup, 410-799-7851, http://www.threeninestavern.com/. This low-key Howard County tavern, family-run since 1962, has two foosball tables in its basement and is home to open-registration tournaments on the second and third Saturday of every month, drawing many of Maryland's top players. Intimidated? Calm your nerves with $1.50 drafts or $2 bottles of import beer. Registration closes at 9 p.m.; entry for beginners is $5.

Whitlow's on Wilson.2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-276-9693, http://www.whitlows.com/. This Clarendon brew house is a favorite among young professionals, thanks in large part to its inexpensive beer (drafts are $2.50 during happy hour). To the side of the large L-shaped bar is the "gallery," where patrons shoot pool and play foosball at the lone table.