I'm going to be in the DC area for awhile and I'm looking for some good beer. I grew up in the area but haven't lived there for almost 10 years, so I'm looking for new(ish) breweries, beer stores, and beer bars. I plan on going to ChurchKey and I'm familiar with the beer in the Fredrick area. I'm mostly looking for spots in MoCo (down 270), Tysons, and St Marys, but any place around the beltway would be good, even a ways down 66. I can get Flying Dog and Stillwater, so I'm going to try to get/taste all the other beers from the region. I'm going to try to get some Heady (yea it is even hard to get for locals) to bring down and maybe a growler or two of Hill Farmstead, so if you are interested in a trade let me know. Especially if you live/work in the Tysons corner area.
You are working in Tysons? Ger Friendly with Norm's in Vienna, very close, great bottle shop, you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter so when they get stuff in you can try to skip out work and pick up the hot releases before they sell out. Also the Whole Foods in Vienna has high quality growler fills. This past Friday they had Bitches Brew from Dogfish Head. If you have time try to check out Heavy Seas, they are closer to Baltimore but if you can catch one of their events on a Saturday it is well worth it. You'll make a lot friends bringing Heady down here.
This is perfect, thanks. I had forgotten about the Whole Foods down 123. Anyone know if that BBQ place on 123 is still there? It was a little hole in the wall place next to an Ice Cream shop (I think) in a strip mall type place.
That is in the same shopping center as Norm's. Not sure if they are still open or not. The bakery there, Cenan's has good sandwiches.
Churchkey is a must hit in DC. As are Meridian Pint, Pizzeria Paradiso, and Smoke and Barrel (I may be biased on the last one as I tend bar there) If you stop in Churchkey, make sure to swing by the P Street Whole Foods, a block away. Maybe the best overall selection in DC. Also Connecticut Avenue if you're looking for some hard to find stuff. As far as Montgomery County, I'd recommend hitting up Wine Harvest. Wine focused, but they have some beer gems as well. Recently bought a year old Black Ops and a ton of BA Gonzo from there among other things. In Bethesda, Mussel Bar has a terrific selection of mostly belgian stuff. Gilly's in Rockville has a very nice, if very overpriced selection and also 20+ taps. Let me know when you make it in town. I'd love to set up a trade. Jace
For St. Mary's make sure you visit Ruddy Duck in Solomon's Island. Great beer and a great place. In fact it's worth the trip for other DC folks. For down 270, stop by Growler's in Old Town Gaithersburg. The brewer has a special experimental brew setup in addition to the main facilities and is producing some interesting sounding stuff.
I'll add Mad Fox and Franklins to the list. Both good food and some great beers. And don't be scared to hit up Baltimore either. Can easily make a day of it. Stop in Columbia and shop the Perfect Pour, drink at Frisco Grill, then head downtown to Pratt St. Ale House, Brewers Art, Love and Regret, Max's, etc.,etc. Just so many options between the DC/Baltimore beltway's. Cheers!
Thanks all, for the suggestions. As a native St Mary-ian (?), I'm shocked there is a brewery in Solomons. I bet they still serve Bud Light in 10oz cans tho...
I still have some space to bring a bit more beer down. If you will be in the Tysons area on Oct 1st, PM me if you want to setup a trade or whatever.
