Sip your suds in the sunshine and take in the vibes at these brew-centric beer gardens in and around the District.
DC’s booming food and drinks scene has helped to propel a buzzworthy beer community. Check out these open-air beer gardens in and around Washington, DC offering suds, snacks and convivial settings for downing a cold one alfresco.
01
Hoist a stein at Dacha Beer Garden
This dog-friendly brewtopia has two locations in the District – you can sip suds at the original Shaw beer garden underneath a glamorous mural of sultry movie star Elizabeth Taylor or visit the Capitol Riverfront location, which is home to a full-service restaurant and spacious beer garden – offering German, Belgian and American suds served in boot mugs. Chow down from a food menu peddling modern takes on beer garden classics like monster pretzels with stout beer cheese and bratwurst with pickled slaw and paprika ketchup.
02
Sip from sunup to sundown at Aslin Beer Company
This 14th Street hot spot features 21 original beers on draft, as well as two rotating guest taps, and its own coffee bar. Aslin Coffee serves up homemade syrups, chai and unique caffeinated combos to kick off the day before diving into the brews. The spacious outdoor area boasts picnic tables and offers onsite delivery from nearby doi moi and Chicken + Whiskey.
03
Savor suds at NoMa’s Wunder Garten
Wunder Garten brings an outdoor brew patio with pop-up vibes to the NoMa ‘hood. The beer menu sports local brews as well as German and Austrian flavors, and you can also order up wine, cider, cocktails and bites from CaliBurger. The mod plaza is dotted with turf, potted trees and rough-hewn wooden tables, along with a fire pit that features a make-your-own-s’mores station in the colder months. All tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but cabanas are available to rent for up to 10 people.
04
Spend the day at Hook Hall
It’s one big party at Hook Hall, a 13,000-square-foot space near Petworth where you could spend all day eating, drinking and playing games. Outside you’ll find a turf-lined beer garden with an extensive selection of draft beers and ample seating for relaxing and private cabanas available for rent. Make sure to check the events calendar for the latest happenings at this unique space.
05
Get a brew and some ‘cue on happening 14th Street
When the weather's nice head to the snug cement patio at Garden District for German and American beers on draft, barbecue and a hopping social scene — especially on weekends, when 14th Street bustles with brunchers. Besides its trademark pulled pork and brisket, the spot also serves up fried sides including pickle spears, buttermilk onion rings and addictive hush puppies.
06
Get your kicks at a rooftop biergarten
At the two-level German Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden in Dupont Circle, you can get your rooftop fix while also immersing yourself in beer garden heaven. A young, boisterous crowd shows up for brews on tap or in bottles, Bavarian fare like enormous pretzels and TVs tuned to big games. The party is set with long, communal tables and exposed brick accents.
07
Make it a marvelous evening at The Midlands
Located in Park View, The Midlands is outfitted with a host of picnic tables for you to settle in and bond over brews. The draft list features German and local beer, with rare bottles also available. Wine and cocktail lovers can also rejoice, as choices are plentiful. Appetizers, half-smokes and brats are offered, but you can order in your own food, too! The indoor portion also includes TVs and projection screens, for those wanting to check on a game.
08
Bring the crew to The Brig
Located on Barracks Row, The Brig goes all out, as a beer garden should. From its selection of 20-plus taps (including German and craft brews) to its giant mugs to its spacious environment to its 25-foot projector screen (great for watching can't-miss sporting events), you will be left wanting for nothing when you visit this outdoor haven. Pets are welcome, so gather up the troops for a big night out.
09
Chill out at Right Proper Brewing Company's Shaw Brewpub and Kitchen
The Shaw neighborhood is a hotbed for DC dining, so it’s fitting that Right Proper Brewing Company hosts its brewpub and kitchen there, with an outdoor patio that will let you get more acquainted with the scenery. The neighborhood abode offers a regularly rotating selection of house-made brews and a Southern-tinged menu featuring hot wings, a shrimp po' boy and beer battered cheese curds.
10
Clear some time to congregate at Spider Kelly’s in Clarendon
A quick trip to Clarendon in Virginia can get you to the seasonal beer garden at Spider Kelly’s, a large patio with picnic tables, benches, bar stools and a fire pit in the fall. Grab a bucket of imported, canned beers or sip on specialty cocktails and wine by the glass.
11
Wash away your worries at Westover
This beer garden is a favorite in Arlington, Va., a quick commute from DC proper. Six draft lines are situated outside, and you can also order delicious hot sandwiches made from the butcher shop inside. Westover also frequently hosts tap takeovers and beer tastings.
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