ALERT

Food options for fans at NCAA tourney

Photographer: Anthony Mirones
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Posted: 03/16/2011

By: Anthony Mirones, Anthony.Mirones@wcpo.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - If you are heading to the nation's Capitol to watch the University of Cincinnati mens basketball team play in the NCAA tournament, there are hundreds of dining options within walking distance of the Verizon Center.

The basketball games will be played in the heart of Washington D.C.'s Chinatown. Starbucks and Subway are just around the block from the arena. Walk in any direction from those and you can grab Thai, Chinese, freshly made noodles, just about any type of burger, and of course an American favorite, pizza.

starbucks

If you would like try out Chinatown's famous vintage pizza bistro, visit Matchbox. The restaurant started eight years ago and could only host a mere 35 guests. Now they can seat more than 200 visitors.

The name was derived from the owners prized collection of matchboxes. Every table in the eatery has at least one set sealed in the center.

"The only way you can get to them is if you have a chisel or something like that," said server Alberto Duran.

The collection consists of Star Wars, Coca Cola, Major League Baseball and many more.

Pizzas are baked in authentic brick ovens that reach 500 to 750 degrees.

"It's kind of hilarious," said manager Garth Hamilton. "People aren't used to eating a pizza like this. Often don't know what to think when their fingers get dirty."

One of the regular customers explained why he returns time and time again.

"There is no ambiguity to it," said Al Molinar. "You could eat here every day, have something completely different, and every meal that you eat is good."

fudruckers

Of course if you would rather not challenge your sensory, you can always eat at the national chains like Fudruckers, Ruby Tuesday's and Legal Seafood among others.