DC and VA craft beer stores

http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/city/19

 

NOVA Bottleshops: The like 7 total wines (Alexandria and Springfield are the two closest to Reagan), Norm's, Arrowine, Whole Foods (best one is out in Fair Lakes but that's a jaunt, second best is Vienna (also far, but not as far), the one in Arlington is alright, the one in Alexandria is pretty meh.

DC Bottleshops: My favorites are: D'Vines (great growler fills too), D'Vinos, Whole Foods P Street, Schneiders, Connecticut Ave Wine and Liquor (over priced but puts some out of market stuff up there.)

NOVA Bars: Rustico (I prefer the one in Alexandria), World of Beer, Pizzeria Paradisio, Galaxy Hut, Lost Dog Cafe (Probably in around that order for quality). There are also Dogfish Head Alehouses if you're into DFH (nothing crazy on tap atm, like 9 dollars for a 90 minute, meh), Rock Bottom Brewpub (Not bad, 1.50 drafts Wednesdays get's a big crowd), and Mad Fox Brewing (I really like the food here, the beer is also good, probably a step up from Rock Bottom.)

DC Bars: Churchkey (cannot plug this place enough. go. now.), Meridian Pint, Golden Brown Delicious, RFD, Big Hunt, Pizzeria Paradisio, Smoke and Barrel, Jack Rose (Also the biggest whiskey bar on the east coast if that's your thing as well).

Have fun out here, Churchkey is the only absolute must but we have a great scene here. If you are here over a weekend, get out to DC Brau on Saturday try the beer and do the tour. Port City also does a pretty decent tour on like Wednesday through Sunday.

 

Ricks Wine and Gourmet!!!

 

To add to the Churchkey plug- Get a reservation at Birch and Barley (their restuarant located below the bar) for dinner one night, easily one of the best meals I've ever eaten. I rank the food their on the same level of many NYC tasting restaurants that may charge $100+ a plate, but all the plates at B&B are in the $20-35 range. Just make sure you make your reservation like yesterday, it can be tough to get a table.

 

Dear Chris,
Quit. Making. Me. Sad.
Love,
Preston

 

Don't forget to drop by the Red Porch at Nats stadium and grab yourself some brew while watching a game.

 

I'm heading up to DC on Thursday for a very quick trip and will be staying in Alexandria. I'll be pretty busy while I am there (friend reunion w kids in tow) but I want to make sure to bring some cool stuff back to SC with me. Is the Whole Foods in Alexandria my only option? FWIW, I am staying slightly north of the center of Alexandria, towards Crystal City a little. Pardon my geography, I haven't been to DC since I visited colleges there a long time ago.

 

WF Alexandria kinda sucks. You're better off going to the WF in Clarendon. Your best bet for a big bottle shop would be to go to the Total Wine in Alexandria or Springfield. Arrowine is also a great small bottle shop in Arlington.

 

+1 to Mad Fox. (+10 if orange whip is on)

 

All day this. They really should just bottle or can Orange Whip.

 

I agree with everything he said. However, Big Hunt can get jerky service sometimes, and Churchkey is great but not great enough to fight the crowds if it is full. Meridian Pint can get very full with very pleased with themselves people as well. RFD gets crazy loud when full.

 

The Big Hunt could also stand to clean their draft lines sometimes too.