The domain for Washington DC beer lovers is vast. Some Washingtonians refer to the recent craze as a ‘beer renaissance’ of sorts, with local microbreweries and outdoor beer gardens dramatically changing the local nightlife blueprint.
Washington’s 2am clubbing scene may be sparse, but party-seeking locals hit up DC beer gardens and warehouse halls like the future of beer depends on it.
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Beer Gardens
Beer gardens are the Washingtonian equivalent to British Pubs. Outdoor seating, flowing beer taps, and friendly food compels sports fans, large families, and dog owners alike to join in the fun.
The Midlands Beer Garden
- Address: 3333 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Colorful decor, premier league Saturdays, and epic happy hour deals create a ‘buzz’ for Columbia Heights residents. The Midlands boasts indoor and outdoor seating, free darts and fourteen television screens.
Wunder Garten
- Address: 1101 First St NE, Washington, DC
A lush city oasis in bustling NoMa, Wunder Garten features a vast selection of seating options including a Bier Pavilion, Cabanas, and a Marquee tent. Food partners supply yummy bites for eager beer enthusiasts.
The Brig
- Address: 1007 8th St SE, Washington, DC
The Brig is a Capitol Hill haunch, serving German beers, craft beers, and bratwurst. The massive pretzels are tempting enough on their own.
Bardo
- Address: 25 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC
Bardo’s expansive grass lawn parallels the Potomac River to the south with staggering brewing tank views to the north. Keep an ear out for cheering crowds on baseball game-day.
Dacha
- Two locations: Shaw & Navy Yard
Dacha’s two locations (Navy Yard and Shaw) offer German, Belgian, and American craft beers and a food menu with farm-to-table flare. Spot the groovy Elizabeth Taylor (Shaw) and Jackie Kennedy (Navy Yard) murals in-between beer orders.
Garden District
- Address: 1801 14th St NW, Washington, DC
In the heart of 14th street, Garden District adjoins beer garden energy with the crowded DC hustle. Slide through the street-side entrance into a German and American craft beer paradise.
Biergarten Haus
- Address: 1355 H St NE, Washington, DC
Biergarten Haus hosts the largest outdoor space on H Street and they fill it with a roof deck, back patio, and of course, German beers and fan fare.
Sauf Haus Bier Hall
- Address: 1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC
Modern day banquet beer hall best describes this Bavaria hotspot in Dupont Circle. Traditional bier, brats, and live music dawn the garden with a full range of entertainment. A retractable roof keeps beer lovers happy rain or shine.
TAKODA
- Address: 715 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC
The anticipation builds as you walk upstairs to Shaw’s only ‘green’ beer garden rooftop retreat. Once you reach the top, you’ll spot frozen cocktail machines, yummy sliders, and a balcony that overlooks Florida Avenue.
Micro Breweries
The micro brewery profile is wide, merging both beer garden and pub tendencies with one very particular dedication to artfully-crafted small-scale local beer. One of the best parts? Pick up a growler at any of these microbreweries for a supply that lasts the entire weekend. Refills are always encouraged.
Red Bear Brewing Company
- Address: 209 M St NE, Washington, DC
Red Bear takes special pride in a scientific approach to brewing beer. Temperature controlled at every step, Red Bear’s draft beers strike a balance between comfort and invention. A considerable board game inventory keeps diners entertained twice over.
Bluejacket
- Address: 300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC
Tall ceilings and massive metal beer tanks play backdrop to Bluejacket’s long industrial bar. The outdoor patio features relaxing hangout space to sample craft brews and cask ale, with prime location that’s walking distance to the Navy Yard waterfront.
Right Proper
- Address: 624 T St NW, Washington, DC
Neighbor to Shaw’s historic Howard Theatre, Right Proper Brewpub & Kitchen serves up house-brewed beers, decadent gastropub food, and very friendly service. The cheese counter is an added dairy bonus. NOTE: The Brookland Production House is open for pours and tours on weekends only.
Atlas Brew Works Taproom
- Address: 2052 West Virginia Ave NE #102, Washington, DC
Atlas Brew Works dispatches one of DC’s most popular beer cans. Although fans can buy Atlas beer at nearly every beer purveyor across the city, the Ivy City production brewery has weekend hours for brewery tours and patio taproom sipping space.
Other Half Brewing
- Address: 1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC
Other Half Brewing was born in Brooklyn, New York where a passionate team still brews all of Other Half’s craft beers. The Washington DC branch features a large roof deck and patio for Ivy City hangouts.
City-State Brewing Co.
- Address: 705 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC
The open and airy art warehouse space at City-State Brewing Co. is perfect for weekend get-togethers and art shows alike. The energy is playful and family friendly, with a food truck rotation for hungry diners.
Franklin Brewing Company
- Address: 5123 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD
Tucked just north of the DC border in Hyattsville, Maryland, Franklin Brewing encompasses a one-of-a-kind restaurant, brewery, and toy store combination. The succulent burgers are an obvious accompaniment for draft beers.
Hellbender Beer
- Address: 5788 2nd St NE, Washington, DC
Hellbender Beer has an unparalleled brewing process that utilizes a mash filter press brewing system that subsequently uses less water, grain, and energy. Outdoor music, local oyster pick-up from partner Sapidus Farms, Euro and American style ales, and rotating food options make Hellbender Brewing an obvious Fort Totten destination. NOTE: Open Wednesday-Sunday.
3 Stars Brewing
- Address: 6400 Chillum Pl NW, Washington, DC
Hand crafted ales with distinguished flavor notes shine at 3 Star Brewing’s open beer patio and taproom. NOTE: Open Wednesday through Sunday.
DC Brau
- Address: 3178 Bladensburg Rd NE suite b, Washington, DC
DC Brau cans have swept the city, but on Fridays through Sundays, locals can stop by the DC Brau production brewery to join beer garden and tasting room festivities that feature the popular brew on draft. Bring a homemade picnic or order fried chicken from Roaming Rooster. Saturdays deliver a revolving calendar of food trucks to keep things interesting.
Denizens Brewing Co.
- Two Maryland locations: Silver Spring & Riverdale Park
Denizens Brewing Company plays neighbor to Washington DC, but their beer is worth the extra few miles to Maryland. The brew team crafts ‘beer for every palate’ with ingredients sourced from around the world. Indoor and outdoor seating is available at both the Riverdale and Silver Spring locations.
D.C. Brew Pubs and Bars
This final stop on the DC beer tour entails a pub-like experience, all with a unique style. Near British exports, groovy millennial hangouts, and friendly neighborhood bistros all subscribe to city-wide beer fervor.
Shelter at The Roost
- Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Fifty taps, two cask engines, and a temperature-controlled system merges with The Roost’s epic food hall set-up for an evening of eclectic bites and repeat beer orders.
Tin Shop DC
- Addresses: Franklin Hall, TallBoy, Church Hall, Highline RxR, Penn Social, Astro Beer Hall
This DC bar and restaurant development business reimagines the traditional bar setting with the intention of creating a very necessary ‘third space’ for locals to develop neighborhood community. Scattered throughout the District, Tin Shop DC bars use unique angles to highlight the brilliance of DC’s beer arena.
Sudhouse DC
- Address: 1340 U St NW, Washington, DC
A bar-scene with plenty of DC spirit— painted in red, white, and blue lights—sums up the energy at this U Street beer retreat. Many of the aforementioned microbreweries appear on the Sudhouse beer menu, reinforcing the DC-Strong theme.
The Commodore DC
- Address: 1636 17th St NW, Washington, DC
Dupont’s resident ‘5-star dive bar’ is the only local bar doing ‘Draft and Dram’, a combo beer and liquor booze order. Naval sailor accents and red brick walls evoke a keenness for soothing tavern sentiments.
The Dubliner
- Address: 4 F St NW, Washington, DC
A true Irish pub experience in the heart of Washington DC is a 2 minute walk from Union Station’s metro stop. Moody greens and deep woods, Guinness signs, and live Irish music truly summon the lively spirit of Ireland.
The Pub & The People
Address: 1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC
This solitary yet lively Bloomingdale spot is truly a pub for the people. Voted 2021’s ‘Best Neighborhood Bar in DC’, The Pub & The People is a verifiable hub. Beer growlers, wine, and local hot sauce are ready for the road.
Granville Moore’s
- Address: 1238 H St NE, Washington, DC
Rustic and intimate, Granville Moore’s perfected the recipe for Belgian beer, mussels, and fries…the classic ‘Frittes-Ales-Moules’ combination.
The Queen Vic
Address: 1206 H St NE, Washington, DC
The Queen Vic is the closest thing to a British pub for H street residents. The noticeable red and black exterior readies patrons for on-tap ales, fish and chips, and a once-a-week all-day ‘Sunday roast’ offering.
