Lift a glass to professor-led talks on fascinatingly unique subjects. Ideas aren’t the only things this date will spark.
The Background
Profs and Pints removes barriers to higher education by bringing professor-led lectures to the masses at an affordable price. Founded by a journalist specializing in education, this organization has been democratizing access to learning since 2017. While you enjoy a breadth of fascinating topics on this date, your ticket puts extra cash into university professors’ pockets. What’s better than expanding your mind while supporting a noble cause?
The Standout Features
Here’s why this date is a brilliant idea:
- Find a Cerebral Connection: Brains are sexy, ya’ll. Explore your date’s intellectual curiosity and ability to challenge you in the best way. Stimulating discussions are key to a rewarding romance.
- Embrace Quirky: Lecture topics are delightfully unusual. Is your date willing to dive into unconventional subjects? Does learning strange facts excite them? Answer yes and you’ve got an open, inquisitive plus one. Jackpot!
- Natural Icebreaker: The evening offers an abundance of talking points to keep the words flowing. Ask what your partner knows about the night’s theme while you’re in line or what surprised them most as you grab your belongings. The possibilities are endless.
- Price: Less than $20! Come on, now. That’s a win.
- Become More Interesting: Hold on to the unique details you learned. Someday you’ll share this eclectic knowledge with others at a party or over dinner, casting yourself as a well-rounded individual. No matter how this night goes, you’ll walk away a more fascinating, informed person. A date that makes you better? Yes, please.
The Experience
Introduction
I know I’m at the right place when I see “Profs & Pints” brightly displayed over the Penn Social entrance. As I wait for the doors to open at 6pm, I wander through the first level filled with captivating colors and sports games on large TVs. Everywhere I turn, I overhear excited conversations about the soon-to-start show.
When it’s time, I descend the blue-lit staircase. After flashing my ticket, I enter a massive room softly illuminated by a swirl of more blues and purples. As I look for my date, I notice racing games at the room’s edge. This “barcade” boasts a row of drink taps and an extensive bar perfect for hosting a crowd.
I spot him in line for a drink and I join in with a chicken quesadilla order. While waiting for my food, I count seating for around 150 people. The audience will claim an impressive 75% of the chairs before the show starts. When my buzzer jolts to life, I retrieve my tortilla treat at a hidden window to the bar’s right.
Main Points
At 6:30 sharp, the Profs & Pints founder introduces the decorated professor. His credentials are so remarkable, I’m surprised by my low ticket price. When the lecturer begins, I’m struck by his exceptional speaking skills and, based on the surrounding whispers, I’m not alone in my assessment.
His talk is on DC architecture plans that were never realized, and how they influenced the city we know today. The presentation is informative, delightful, and sprinkled with comedy. The audience listens attentively and responds with “Ohs” and “Wows” as he shares a series of surprising facts, such as:
- Senior officials insisted that DC’s Freedom Plaza be bigger than Russia’s Red Square to assert superiority.
- Pierre (Peter) Charles L’Enfant played a major role in designing DC. However, George Washington fired him, in part for bulldozing the home of a powerful man’s son. Andrew Ellicott picked up the job from there.
- Someone proposed a dolphin center between the White House and Congress so the animals could soothe high-strung politicians and promote better collaboration across the aisle.
At the hour mark, the talented speaker invites us to take a five-minute break. Right away, everyone exchanges impressions and opinions with their neighbor. Phones google to answer newly sparked questions and the intellectual stimulation creates an unmistakable excitement. Before long, the lecture enters its final 30 minutes.
At 8pm, our speaker ties a bow on the gift that is his lecture. Then the audience bursts into applause before the founder begins the 15-minute Q&A. The engaged crowd asks intriguing questions and I discover unknown architecture developments happening in my locale.
Acknowledgements
Next at 8:15, the Prof & Pints director thanks us for coming and teases a few upcoming shows. There’s much more to learn, from dream interpretation and beekeeping, to how tariffs influence the identity and ingredients of popular cocktails. By joining their newsletter, you access +150 recorded lectures that may become a future at-home date.
My plus one and I are deep in conversation as we head into the evening. When I listen to his perspective on the talk, I gain valuable insight into who he is and how he thinks. This meeting of the minds lets me meet a hidden part of him, and that’s worth the enrollment.
The Planning
No need to figure out all the logistics. We did it for you.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year-round |
| Typical Hours | Events may vary slightly but typically occur Mon, Tues, Thurs: 6-8:30pm, Sun: 3-5:30 |
| Duration | Usually 1.5 hours plus a 15 minute Q&A |
| Cost | Typically $16.50/person (includes ticket and fees). $17 at the door and $15 at the door with a student ID. |
| Website | |
| Address | Mon & Tuesday shows: Penn Social (801 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004); Thurs shows: Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003); Sun shows: Crooked Run Fermentation (Located in the Sterling Park Business Center - 22455 Davis Dr #120, Sterling, VA 20164) |
| Transportation | Penn Social: Parking may be limited, recommend rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) or metro. The nearest stations are Metro Center (11 min walk), Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (3 min walk), or Gallery Place (4 min walk). Hill Center: Parking may be limited, recommend rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) or metro. The closest station is Eastern Market (3 min walk). Crooked Run: Accessible by car, parking available on site. |
| Attire | No dress code. Wear whatever you'd like. |
| Contact Information | profsandpints@hotmail.com |
| Try This Date In Other Cities | Richmond, Baltimore, and Annapolis are just some of the other cities hosting these events. Check here for the full list. |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
Is your story not quite over? Instead of ending the date, let’s keep it going! If you need it, here’s a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. The map shows the Profs and Pints location (purple) and post-date options (green) in one place, just for you. Before you go, though, always double check opening times in case something’s changed.
Penn Social
- China Chilcano by José Andrés (2 min walk): Chinese Japanese and Peruvian cuisines collide at this fascinating fusion restaurant. You’ll love exploring all the new flavors amidst a stunning backdrop. Open Sun – Thurs: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm.
- Five Iron (3 min walk): Play a round at this golf simulator bar. Both the drinks and your swing are bound to be an enormous hit. Open Mon-Thurs: 6am – 11pm, Fri: 6am – 12:30am, Sat: 9am – 12:30am, Sun 9am – 11pm.
- Jackpot (7 min walk): This basement speakeasy bar offers an extensive drink collection, including a rotating list of +20 beers. Come for the selection, stay for the chill atmosphere. Open Sun-Thurs: 4pm – 2am, Fri & Sat: 4pm – 3am.
- Free State (8 min walk): Embrace the endless flavors of this casual Mid-Atlantic-inspired basement bar. Open daily from 4pm – 2am.
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital
- Ted’s Bulletin Capitol Hill (3 min walk): This American classic is named after a World War II Navy sailor whose post-war garden inspired his delicious recipes. From the famous grilled cheese to the Bison burger, there’s plenty of home cooking to love. Open Sun-Thurs: 7am – 10pm, Fri & Sat: 7am – 11pm.
- Ambar Capitol Hill (4 min walk): Enjoy traditional Balkan drinks and decadent desserts at this unique restaurant. Open till 10:00 pm Sun – Thurs, 11:00 pm Fri & Sat.
- Barrel (6 min walk): Home to Capitol Hill’s largest and best whiskey selection, this place offers exceptional drinks alongside Southern comfort food. Come back for their famous brunch. Dinner open Mon-Thurs: 4pm – 12am, Fri: 4pm – 1am, Sat: 4:30pm – 1am, Sun: 4:30pm – 9pm. Note: closing times may be 30-60 minutes earlier depending on demand.
- Ugly Mug (6 min walk): This down-to-earth joint has a hip atmosphere and all the American classics from wings and pizza, to burgers and great beer. Consider joining Tuesdays for karaoke. Open Mon-Thurs: 4pm – 2am, Fri: 4pm – 3am, Sat 12pm – 3am, Sun: 12pm – 2am.
Crooked Run Fermentation
- Wicked Door Pub (12 min drive): Whether you’re indoors or on the patio, you’ll enjoy this American fair made fresh each day by the team. Open Mon-Fri: 10am – 9pm, Sat & Sun: 8:30am – 9pm.
- Aslin Beer Company – Herndon (15 min drive): Both founders married a daughter of the Aslin family and after discovering their mutual love of beers, never looked back. This modern taproom is exploding with flavor and color. Grab some pizza, sit out on the rooftop, and relax. Open Sun-Thurs: 11am – 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am – 11pm.
- Russia House Restaurant – Herndon (15 min drive): Named one of Northern Virginia’s best restaurants year after year, you’ll delight in the unique mix of traditional Russian and French cuisine. Family antiques amidst a warm, elegant setting create an even more enticing atmosphere. Open Sun-Thurs: 5:30 – 8:30pm, Fri & Sat: 5:30 – 9pm.
- North Italia Reston (16 min drive): This savory nod to Italian tradition is lovingly handmade each day for your indulgence. Open Sun-Thurs: 11am – 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm.