Every day is a long day in our Nation’s Capitol. Whether you’re trying to thwart your Congressman’s attempts to sabotage his career with inappropriate Tinder selfies, babysitting sassy teen duo Sasha and Malia Obama, or lobbying Congress against the evils of SeaWorld, this city can be a tiring place. So what does every good Washingtonian really need after an exhausting day of trying to teach their boss what Twitter is? The answer is: A nice, cold beer. Luckily, DC’s craft beer game is on point, and this city has some fantastic options for the true beer lover seeking a crafty companion.
BLUEJACKET
The Neighborhood Restaurant Group – the power players who brought us such treats as ChurchKey and Birch and Barley – now have their very own brewery. Located in the up and coming Navy Yard, Bluejacket’s whole industrial farmhouse vibe will make you feel very D-Chic. While the clientele looks like a bus just dropped off a group of extras from House of Cards, the beer here is no joke. Bluejacket turns out a new set of beers every season, inspired by daring flavors like espresso, hot chili peppers, and even red wine. While the menu – like all things DC – is ever changing, the signature “Mexican Radio” is always available and always delectable. Think chocolate, mole sauce, and cinnamon. Trust me, a beer like this is worth the Metro fare.
Location: Navy Yard
Cost of Visit: $6-$9 per beer
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 11 to 1 am; Fri-Sat 11 am to 2 am
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Photo credit: Megan Bailey, Neighborhood Restaurant Group
IRON GATE
Iron Gate is an oldie that’s now a newbie. Once DC’s oldest restaurant, the space has a long history, starting its life as stables for Civil War General Nelson Miles. While it was closed for many years, the restaurant has re-opened and made quite the impression. Iron Gate sits inconspicuously among the sleepy row houses of N Street. While it doesn’t look like much on the outside, the bar inside provides an elegant atmosphere and a huge craft beer selection. Pages upon pages of beers from far and wide are available to Iron Gate patrons, with prices ranging from moderate locals like DC Brau to the very expensive, rare finds like Anchorage Brewing’s Deal with the Devil.
Location: DuPont Circle
Cost of Visit: $6-$60 per beer
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm; Sunday 5:30-9pm
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Photo credit: www.washingtonpost.com
GRANVILLE MOORE’S
In the words of Zoolander’s Mugatu, H Street is “so hot right now.” If you need a date spot on H Street that’s romantic but won’t disappoint on the beer selection, try Granville Moore’s. This cozy Belgian gastropub features moules-frites and a great beer menu. The best part? Lots of Trappist beers imported from monasteries in the mountains of Europe and made with the finest attention to detail. Try the LaTrappe Rocheforte 10. It’s truly a holy experience.
Location: H Street NE
Cost of Visit: $6 and up
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-12 am; Fri-Sat 11:30am-3am; Sun 11am-12am
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Photo credit: www.granvillemoores.com
CHURCHKEY
I know, I know. It’s a cliché. Yes, 14th Street’s Churchkey is a well-known beertopia, and the word is out around town that this is a hot spot. However, there’s a reason for that: It’s damn good. The menu is arranged by tastes, so whether you prefer smoky, fruity, malted, or even tart and funky brews, Churchkey has a variety of exceptional options for you to try. A 4-ounce taste is reasonably priced at around $2-4, so go ahead and try it all!
Location: 14th Street NW
Cost of Visit: $6 and up
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-close, Sat 12 pm-close, Sun 11:30am-close
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Photo credit: www.audreycrewe.com
RFD
RFD calls its beer list a “monster,” and once you take a look, you’ll know why. Offering beers on draft, in bottles, and also cask ales, RFD offers both a domestic and international selection. If you’re a homesick DC diplomat, look no further to find all the comforts of your local bar. The international menu is mammoth, featuring beers from Ireland all the way to Lebanon, Poland, and Thailand. If you want to expand your horizons, this is an excellent spot for a happy hour pint of something different.
Location: Chinatown
Cost of Visit: $5 and up
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 11am- 2am; Fri-Sat 11 am to 3 am; Sunday 11 am to 12 am
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Photo credit: www.lygodc.com
