It's time to start getting 'Real'

How well did the "Real World" cast get to know D.C.? Find out at Wednesday's viewing parties. (MTV)

You muttered about the cast of MTV's "Real World" taking over your favorite bar. You combed blogs and Twitter feeds to find out about the latest sightings. Now you can see the results when the first episode of "The Real World: D.C." hits TV screens at 10 p.m. on Wednesday. And you don't have to watch from your couch, either. A number of the bars the cast visited this summer are hosting viewing parties so you can laugh and groan along with a crowd -- and some cast members, too.

A party at BlackFinn, sponsored by Metromix, is hosted by four members of the cast, and features guest appearance by Chris Wiggins of @RealWorldDCNewz, the Twitter feed that offered real-time updates on the show's filming locations, and Beth Ploger (a k a Elizabethany), the blogger who chased the cast to numerous D.C. bars and nightspots -- so much so, reported our colleague Dan Zak, that the cast tried to avoid her at all costs. Drink specials throughout the night include $3 Coors Light bottles and $5 house wine. Doors open at 8.

During filming, cast member Josh Colon's band Wicked Liquid played gigs around town, including one show at the Rock and Roll Hotel. (You can listen to some sample songs on the group's MySpace page.) A meet-and-greet with Wicked Liquid is the highlight of Tattoo Bar's season premiere party. Pay $20 to get into the VIP reception, which includes an open bar from 8 to 9 and a chance to listen to the band's new album, or just drop $5 to get into the bar at 9 with the rest of the hoi polloi. There are $5 drink specials all night. After the show airs, a DJ spins dance music until 2 a.m. Advance tickets are on sale on the D.C. Power Players Web site.

Halo's two-for-one happy hour runs all night at its "Real World" party, which features cast member Mike Manning as host and a late-night appearance by more of his housemates. Doors open at 5 p.m., and there's no cover.

The cast members were spotted at Nellie's Sports Bar multiple times during filming, so it's only natural that the bar will be hosting weekly viewing parties and waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Multiple flatscreen TVs, including a large projection screen, should make viewing easier. I recommend arriving in time to play Smart Ass, one of the best bar trivia nights in D.C. Games start at 8 and 9 p.m.

-- Fritz Hahn