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Today, the craft brewery scene in Washington DC is thriving, and many fantastic and one-of-a-kind breweries are open to the public. Though not surprising, the city is perfect for businesses to pop up as it has a diverse culture and history.
Washington DC is now home to several refined and top-notch craft breweries specializing in their signature styles and flavor profiles. Although some breweries are permanently and temporarily closed, the city is still packed with fully-operating breweries that will satisfy your inner beer-enthusiast soul. So whether you are residing in the town or a tourist looking for a great beer tour, Washington DC will surely entertain you. Hop on and enjoy this guide to the best breweries in the city!
1. Other Half Brewing
What began as a modest, hop-obsessed business has grown into a Brooklyn craft beer hotbed. By working with breweries nationwide and expanding locally, Other Half has gained a loyal fan base of over 200 thousand followers on their Instagram account. Throughout the journey, the founders have been creating new brews and brainstorming ideas to keep the business evolving.
Today, Other Half Brewing has seven branches all over the USA, with its headquarters located in Brooklyn. Their DC taproom is a good spot for hangouts. It is an excellent place that offers occasional fun events to entertain its customers. The beer selection in this brewpub is also great, mainly consisting of hopped IPAs. Still, if you are not fond of this type of beer, they have other varieties you can try.
- Crowd Favorite: Double Dry Hopped All Citra Everything. Double dry hopped IPA with 8.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Green City
- Hop-py note: Covered outdoor seating. Garage and bicycle parking. Food popups.
- Fun Fact: One dedicated hophead stood in line overnight to get the first pour of the newly opened Other Half DC taproom, waiting 11 hours to get in.
Hours: Open Sun-Tue 12pm–8pm, Wed & Thur 12pm–9pm, Fri 12pm–10pm, Sat 10am-10pm.
Address: 1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Contact: (202) 747-0050 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Aslin Beer Company
Aslin Beer Company is a top-rated regional brewery with several branches in different cities. In July 2022, the company opened its new taproom at Logan Circle, Washington DC. The brewery offers a wide selection of handcraft sours, ales, and DIPAs. Their DC branch also features an outdoor beer garden and a full coffee bar on site.
Aslin DC hosts fun fitness events that you can check on their Instagram. If you are interested, you can register online via their website.
- Crowd Favorite: Double Orange Starfish. Double Dry Hopped IPA with 8.3% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Master of Karate
- Hop-py note: Food truck on site. Dog-friendly beer garden. Street parking.
- Fun Fact: The brewery’s name came from the “Aslin Family,” which connected the founders, Andrew and Kai. Both of them each married a daughter from the Aslin clan.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am–12pm, Fri & Sat 11am–12pm.
Address: 1740 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: (202) 290-1516 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Bluejacket Brewing Company
Bluejacket Brewing Company is a top-of-the-line brewery in Washington DC. Also, it features the extra convenience of a full restaurant on site. This brewery is not afraid to experiment, as shown by the wide range of flavors and styles that can be found in its craft beers. The selection at Bluejacket’s brewpub is constantly changing; there are usually twenty different craft beers and five cask ales available.
The place is also perfect for hosting weddings and private dinner parties as they have unique private spaces available for many types of events. The microbrewery features a three-story building and offers tours to its spacious brewery room.
- Crowd Favorite: Lost Weekend. A double dry-hopped hazy IPA with 7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Mexican Radio
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Good for kids. Street and private parking.
- Fun Fact: The brewery got its name from the term “Bluejacket,” coined by the United States Navy to designate someone currently serving the navy.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am–10:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm.
Address: 300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: (202) 524-4862 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. DC Brau
DC Brau, which opened its doors in 2009, is the place to go if you’re seeking a modern variety of beer. As soon as word got out about DC Brau Brewing Co.’s hoppy ales, the company gained much popularity. And the brewery also earned over a hundred awards. Some of the biggest competitions where they gained gold and silver medals are:
- U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship (2020-2021)
- Australian International Beer Awards (2013-2021)
- US Open Beer Championship (2013-2017)
- AllTech Commonwealth Cup (2016-2018)
You can taste some of DC Brau’s award-winning craft beer and hard seltzers on tap at their brewpub.
- Crowd Favorite: The Corruption. A mild IPA with a hint of malt and hop flavors, finished by pine sap and burnt spruce aromas. Contains 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: The Public
- Hop-py note: Indoor and outdoor seating. Private lot parking. Food trucks on site. Dog-friendly beer garden.
- Fun Fact: DC Brau was the pioneer in producing packaged beverages.
Hours: Open Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-6pm, Mon-Thur Closed.
Address: 3178-B Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
Contact: (202) 621-8890 | facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Right Proper Brewing
Right Proper Brewing is one of the most excellent breweries in Washington DC for people who enjoy drinking beers with sour profiles. Their production and tasting room is in Brookland. Their brews are available on draft across the city at several locations. They also have regular weekend tours so visitors can fully view their production process.
If you want to try out their Right Proper Shaw Brewpub & Kitchen, the only thing you need to do is make your way to Shaw. They serve delicious food that perfectly pairs with your craft beer. You will feel compelled to pay this brewery more than one visit because they offer a wide variety of beers that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Crowd Favorite: Raised By Wolves. A dry-hopped juicy pale ale with 5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne
- Hop-py note: Bicycle parking is available. Indoor and outdoor seating. Live music. Dog-friendly patio.
- Happy Hour: Every Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm.
- Fun Fact: Right Proper Brewing’s brewpub features a cheese counter. The area where you can get various cheese options because the company believes they are perfect with craft beers.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 12pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm.
Address: 624 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: (202) 607-2337 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Atlas Brew Works
Although temporarily closed, we cannot miss mentioning this brewery as it is one of the most famous breweries in Washington DC. Atlas Brew Works is a microbrewery in the neighborhood with a 100% solar-powered facility specializing in producing craft beers unavailable elsewhere in the city. The brewery can be found at West Virginia Avenue NE. It is open on some days during the week and continuously on the weekends.
If you’re on the go, you can take a growler with you or stay and sample one of their signature beers like Blood Orange Goose, Home Rule, NSFW, or Silent Neighbor. You will indeed find something that satisfies your cravings here.
- Crowd Favorite: Rowdy. A malty and hoppy rye beer with 6.2% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Ponzi
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly. Outdoor seating. Bicycle parking. Free Wi-Fi. Kid-friendly.
- Fun Fact: The brewery closed temporarily for a summer refresh, and the management promised it would return with a new, fresh, exciting project for its customers.
Hours: Open Sun-Wed 11am – 11pm, Thur 11am – 12am, Fri & Sat 11am – 2am.
Address: 2052 West Virginia Ave NE #102, Washington, DC 20002
Contact: (202) 832-0420 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Hellbender Brewing
Everyone in the area knows and adores the Hellbender since it is a laid-back hangout location. You may be in DC for a visit and looking for a brewery within the city where you can relax and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere – Hellbender is that perfect place.
Additionally, Hellbender has an environmentally friendly brewing process, which utilizes a mash press filter and cuts down on the amount of water, grain, and energy used.
- Crowd Favorite: Ignite IPA. A hoppy IPA with resin and citrus notes. Contains 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Bare Bones
- Hop-py note: Street parking. Good for kids. Offers Military Discount.
- Fun Fact: The company’s founder named their place after the Eastern Hellbender, the biggest salamander in North America.
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 5pm–9pm, Sat & Sun 1pm–7pm, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 5788 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20011
Contact: (202) 827-8768 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Capitol City Brewing Company
Capitol City Brewing was the first brewery to serve beer in Washington DC after prohibition ended in 1993. The company’s goal is to teach everyone, including the residents and the tourists, the fine art of brewing and give them a fantastic meal and an unforgettable beer experience.
Capitol City Brewing features a wide range of handcraft beers and delightful dishes. You can also book the place and have your wedding reception here. They also accept booking for other kinds of corporate events, as well as for birthday parties.
- Crowd Favorite: Amber Waves Ale. An American amber ale with 5.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Capitol Kölsch
- Hop-py note: Kid-friendly. Vegan options are available.
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 12pm–10pm, Sun 12pm–8pm.
Address: 1100 New York Ave NW #710W, Washington, DC 20005
Contact: (202) 628-2222 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Red Bear Brewing Company
Red Bear is a fun, engaging, and not-so-normal brewery. It is the first brewpub in the area owned and operated exclusively by LGBT people. The establishment uses its public presence to demonstrate its commitment to addressing social issues. Additionally, they are incredibly well recognized for their origins in Washington DC and the superior craft beers they produce. Because their establishment is kid- and pet-friendly, whole families frequently visit the modern industrial space that Red Bear Brewing Company calls home.
And the brewpub also offers gluten-free cider and meads for customers looking for such drinks.
- Crowd Favorite: Mystic Storm. A strong, juicy, and hoppy American IPA with 7.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: 51st State
- Hop-py note: Covered and heated outdoor seating. Dog-friendly. Kid-friendly. Street parking.
- Happy Hour: Every Monday to Thursday from 12 pm to 6 pm.
- Fun Fact: The brewery got its name from the animal “bear” because it reflects the three founder’s love for the outdoors and adventure.
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 11:30am–11pm, Fri 11:30am–1am, Sat 11am–1am, Sun 11am–10pm.
Address: 209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Contact: (202) 849-6130 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
10. District Chophouse
District Chophouse is another must-visit place you should try in Washington DC. The site is a sophisticated brewery and restaurant that serves freshly cut steaks paired with house-brewed craft beers. To give you a complete view of their venue, check out their website and take a virtual tour of their place. You’ll see 3D pictures featuring their restaurant, especially the dining areas.
Another great feature of District Chophouse is that customers can book them for weddings, parties, and other private gathering events.
- Crowd Favorite: IPA. A dry hopped, copper-colored ale with 6.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Nut Brown Ale
- Hop-py note: Gift cards available. Outdoor dining. Street parking. Occasional events.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am–10pm, Fri & Sat 11am–11pm.
Address: 509 7th St NW Ste 1, Washington, DC 20004
Contact: (202) 347-3434 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
11. City-State Brewing
City-State Brewing is a new artistic brewery that opened its doors last June 2021, located at 705 Edgewood Street NE, Washington DC. The brewery is owned by James Warner, a former U.S. congressional aide. The 13,000-square-foot building consists of two separate yet connected spaces. One is a twenty-barrel system for brewing bigger batches; the other is a smaller brewhouse for brewing experimental beers and a spacious taproom.
The taproom can host live music and shows, functioning as a location for weddings and providing catering services. This brewery is an excellent place to hang out with your family and friends, for they have freshly brewed beers and rotating food trucks where you can grab a bite.
- Crowd Favorite: Equal Marriage.Dark wheat with chocolate, coffee, and banana notes with 5.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: 8 Wards Independent Pale Ale
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly patio. Kid-friendly.
- Fun Fact: From planning and recipe creation to raising funds, it took James almost 6 years to build City-State brewing
Hours: Open Tue 5pm–10pm, Wed-Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 12pm–8pm, Mon Closed.
Address: 705 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. The Public Option
The Public Option is a neighborhood brewery that has a friendly vibe and is an excellent place to hang out with your friends. Although the brewery temporarily closed down due to the pandemic in 2020, it reopened in June 2021 with a more improved service. They provide a variety of draft beers, all brewed on the premises, and keep one or two guest beers on tap. In addition, they stock both premium and standard beer in cans, in addition to several different wines and drink options.
The Public Option will surely give you a blast because of its frequent events and live music. And the brewpub is also open for hosting events such as weddings and birthday parties.
- Crowd Favorite: Cream Ale. A pale and lightly hopped ale with 6.6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: IPA #7
- Hop-py note: Street Parking. Bike Parking. Live music. Dog-friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Happy Hour: Dog-friendly. Live music. Free Wi-Fi. Bicycle parking. Good for groups. Outdoor seating.
Hours: Open Wed 6pm–12am, Thur & Fri 6pm–2am, Sat 3pm–2am, Sun 3pm–12am, Mon & Tue Closed.
Address: 1601 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018
Contact: (202)-636-3795 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
13. Valor Brewpub
Valor Brewpub will interest you whether you are a veteran or not. Valor is committed to employing Veterans and supporting Veteran causes, such as donating to a Veteran group or non-profit organization that conducts an event at the facility.
Valor Brewpub’s brewmaster, Greg Maddrey, created four core beers representing all military branches and a Coast Guard beer. The brewpub’s primary goal is to honor the men and women in uniform that protect their country. They think the best way to give back to these honorable veterans is with employment, support, and serving them a cold craft beer. Just as Maddrey said, “taking care of them off the battlefield, with a different kind of medicine.”
- Crowd Favorite: Deep Dive North West IPA. A well-balanced hoppy and malty Pacific Northwest style IPA with 6.7% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Commandant’s Kölsch
- Hop-py note: Dog-friendly outdoor patio. Wheelchair accessible. Street parking.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 11am–11pm, Fri & Sat 11am–12am .
Address: 723 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: (202)-547-8459 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
14. Brookland Pint
Brookland Pint vows to be an environmentally-friendly brewpub that cares about the local community. They make sure that their business functions the way it can help maintain locally based revenue streams. And, they reduce their use of bottles and cans by mostly serving draft beers.
Brookland Pint is solely a brewpub serving food and a selection of beers on tap. However, they do not brew their own beer. They order from various top-rated breweries, purchasing only the best-selling crafts they can get. Brookland Pint has 19 quality beers on tap and several cans.
- Crowd Favorite: Milk Stout Nitro. A dark and delicious milk stout with 6% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Lot No. 6 Double IPA
- Hop-py note: Near Cornerstone Public Parking. Good for kids. Outdoor seating.
- Fun Fact: Brookland Pint’s website has a Virtual Tour tab where you can virtually roam around and outside their brewpub.
Hours: Open Mon & Tue 5pm–12am, Wed-Sun 11am–12am.
Address: 716 Monroe St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Contact: (202)-758-2757 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
