Apologies if the has been covered but I did not see a recent post....heading to DC later this Summer. What breweries are convenient to the Metro? We plan to get a day pass to explore the scene.
Right Proper Edit: That's about it that's Metro acessible and worth visiting. You're way better off checking out our great bar scene (CK, Sov, Pints) where you can try the best stuff from the region.
Thanks for the tips. Did some looking over the weekend and it's definitely thin pickings for breweries around Metro stops. Anyone have feedback on Hellbender? And if you just had time for 1 beer centric bar which would it be between Sovereign, Churchkey and Meridian Pint? Churchkey is the one I have heard the most mention about in the past.
Agreed with the above. Unfortunately there just isn’t an overwhelming amount by the DC metro. However, if you do Bluejacket (5 min walk from metro) you can also hit up Salt line next to nats Park. They’ve had some other half, ocelot and right proper on recently. It’s a nice spot right on the water. If I could only do one bar, I would pick churchkey. About a 10-15 min walk from Farragut North. They’ll consistently have the best list. Although all 3 places you mentioned are good options. Also, all 3 will update their websites pretty regularly so you you always see which one has something you’d like to try and make a last minute decision.
I've also always been a fan of Eatbar on barracks row. Eastern Market metro is right there, and usually have a killer tap list (owned by NRG Group, same as Sovereign, Churckey). I was in there this week and they had Aslin, Ocelot, Burley Oak and The Veil on. Never really all that crowded.
Bluejacket is in the plan since it's closeby. Speaking of the area near the stadium what is this Bardo Brewing I see pop up on GoogleMaps in the shadows of the ballpark. I looked up a few pics and it definitely looks quite interesting. An outdoor brewery? Is their beer any good?
I haven't been to Bardo in a while but when I visited their beer was... not great. Their new location looks cool but I'd recommend Salt Line and the Aslin Beer Garden (only open on certain days - check their Instagram ahead of time) for your outdoor drinking fun in Navy Yard. All within a 5 minute walk or so from Bluejacket. Salt Line's food was pretty amazing as well, imo
Avoid Bardo at all costs. There now is an Aslin pop-up beer garden even closer to the BlueJacket side of the park that is open game days.
I'm sorry to hear the negative reviews about the new Bardo. I have fond memories of taking the dog to drink at the Arlington Bardo. It was like drinking in my friend's basement back in high school.
I see there are two Right Proper locations. One a short walk from Red line stop and the other pretty much right next to a Green/Yellow stop. We will most likely be convenient to both at some point. Is there a preference / difference of one over the other?
The one in Shaw Green/Yellow is their brewpub, Red line is the brewhouse. I think their food is pretty great at the brewpub, they don't do reservations and it can get pretty packed.
Def the Shaw location. Their food is top notch, but as @Colbyamoss mentioned it can get pretty crowded. If you go close to open or late night, you should be fine though. Get the cheese plate.
Different vibe. I've only been to the tasting room (red line) on a SAturday afternoon. Laid back neighborhood-y vibe with a food truck and lots of people with babies. Also a short walk to Brookland Pint where you'll likely be able to drink some Aslin. The brewpub (green/yellow line) I've only been to at night, much more bustling and more of a hipster vibe. I like them both, but for different reasons.
Also less than 10 min walk down the street is Anxo and Pintxos which usually has a great list of mostly all local stuff. Shaw tavern is another alternative for a drink, it's been a while, so I can't verify if they still stock interesting stuff.
When it first opened a few years ago, Hellbender's stuff was pretty meh. From what I've tried in the last 6 months, it's definitely improved, particularly on the hoppy side. Not sure I'd go out of the way, but if you happen to be near Ft. Totten could be worth a stop. Churchkey will have the most variety, Sovereign will have a ton of rare Belgian drafts you won't find anywhere else (but no traditional IPAs), and MP (or Smoke & Barrel, or Brookland Pint - same ownership group) would have a pretty well-rounded selection of largely local options. If you want pizza and beer, both Pizzeria Paradisos (Georgetown and Dupont) are good bets - their draft lists aren't massive but usually have some good stuff.
