DC/MD/NoVA Beer Updates (2024)

Fire Works Pizza and Galaxy Hut are still going, but neither has an extensive menu like some of the closed up shops offered.

 

There is a Bronson Bierhall two blocks away from the Rustico location (going in the general direction of the Ballston Metro on Fairfax Blvd.). Also, on Glebe road (three blocks away) there is Mussel Bar & Grill, which serves a good selection of Belgian beers.

 

Saw a post about Tired Hands coming to Maryland in the "Maryland Beer Drinkers" Facebook group. Any info on whether its a new location or just distribution? Either one would be pretty neat

 

I'm pretty sure it's just distro but also fuck Tired Hands

 

This article is a little too soft on TH imo, considering how Jean seems to be back running things, but good to know about the other breweries and why TH is likely looking to MD:

https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2024/03/16/tired-hands-philly-beer-scene/

 

Very nice article. I guess I had forgotten or not realized the extent of the allegations against them.

 

Not much in the article about expanding into Maryland except this generalized little blurb:

"Broillet says Tired Hands is doing as well as ever. The taprooms — there are six across the city and ’burbs — are busy. He keeps opening more, expanding into a mostly suburban empire. But the formerly cool-conscious brewery is now sending its beer to places previously unthinkable, whether that’s the shelves of Lehigh Valley wholesale barn Shangy’s, or a tap next to Miller Lite at a suburban New Jersey grill. Beer writer Nurin notes that even if drinkers are happy to order Tired Hands, it’s unlikely they’ll do so in Philly outside Broillet’s own taprooms."

But it did provide a lot of information about other noteworthy spots in Philly. Would probably be useful in the 'Philadelphia Recommendations' in the Mid-Atlantic Forum

 

I just don’t understand this. So many small local breweries that get terrible ratings on Untappd and just seem to be packed all the time, or at least lots of check ins. I’ve been a big fan of New Anthem from day one and pretty much everything I’ve had from them has been excellent. Sad news

 

I haven’t had Tired Hands beers in a few years (thought their NEIPAs were quite solid…except the lactose one). Are they making good beers these days? I’m assuming if they start to distribute across Maryland, they’ll be the $18-$24 4 packs, I’m generally not buying those these days, unless I know for certain it’s super fresh and from a very well respected brewer.

 

Yeah I’m very bummed to hear about this. I vacation every summer down at Kure Beach just outside Wilmington, and I thought NA was a stand out amongst many other breweries and beers in the area. I always muled some back to MD as well.

 

An new DC brewery opening later this year on H Street. The co-founder / head brewer used to have the same position with Skipping Rock Beer in Staunton, Va which closed a couple years ago as a result of COVID. Won a GABF Gold in 2022 for his Belgian Dubbel, 2020 GABF Gold for his Amber Lager as well as 2020 GABF Bronze for Baltic Porter. Prior to Skipping Rock he was head brewer at Elm City Brewery in New Hampshire which took home a 2018 World Beer Cup Gold for his Dubbel which was the recipe his Skipping Rock version was based off of.

https://www.henceforthdc.com/

 

I tried an internet search on what you just said, please explain

 

I have a trip to DC and Baltimore in June. Are there any good spots in Baltimore and what part of the city should I stay? I have never been to the city before so any recommendations would be appreciated!

And will be driving from DC to Baltimore. Are there any spots to hit on the way?

 

I would recommend staying at the Courtyard in Mchenry Row. You can walk to Diamondback Brewery, Wiley Gunther's which has 17 rotating taps and decent food, and LP Steamers if you are in the mood for seafood. You can water taxi or Uber to Canton for Hudson Street Stackhouse, Mahaffey's, or Lees Pint and Shell, all within a couple of blocks from each other. Sapwood Cellars and Cushwa are in the Columbia area which is in between Baltimore and DC.
I used to always recommend Maxs in Fells Point as a must stop bar, but sadly since the pandemic and staff turnover it is just a shell of its old self.

 

Friends, I'll be making a trip to DC from NYC on Thursday. I'll have two days to myself and staying in the West End. Is there anyplace holding any events or are local must trys?

I won't be stopping by Other Half DC since it's in my backyard but I have Churchkey on the list (depending on their draft list) but just may make a stop since Grand Delancy closed. The last time I was in DC was when it still had pandas in the zoo and I remember trying Atlas and DC Brau. Not sure how much the scene has changed since.

Cheers!

 

Churchkey is arguably the number one spot in the whole area. I haven't been in a few years, but the Salt Line on the water by Nationals Park usually has a good tap list and always had very good food in the past. In Northern Virginia, should you end up there, Dominion Wine and Beer in Falls Church is my favorite after Churchkey. Have fun and let us know how it goes!