Washington D.C trip

A few great bars I have been to...RFD in Chinatown and The Bier Baron. Others prob know of other places just as good. Not sure about bottle shops other than the many Total Wines in the surrounding area.

 

Its been a few years since I've been to DC, but I'll 2nd RFD for plenty of options. Big Hunt in Dupont Circle (if memory serves) was also solid.

 

for beer bars: ChurchKey

 

Churchkey always has something great on tap:
http://churchkeydc.com/

I enjoy Bier Baron, too. Totally different vibes.

 

For beer bars I would definitely recommend Churchkey as well. Also if you're into sours, Sovereign is a really good spot.

 

I don't think many living in DC would put RFD or Bier Baron on a DC top 10 craft beer bar list.

What would they put on it?

Churchkey
Sovereign
Smoke and Barrel
Meridian Pint
Brookland Pint
Pizza Paradiso Dupont
Pizza Paradiso Georgetown
City Tap House
Black Squirrel
Right Proper
Bluejacket

Or if you're willing to venture outside of DC into VA

Rustico Ballston
Rustico Alexandria
Pizza Paradiso Alexandria

 

No love for the old Brickskeller? Where's your sense of history?

 

They are history...

 

Have you been to the Bier Baron? Similar at all? I wasn't really a beer nerd back when I hit the Brickskeller and it was only a couple times.

I think Bier Baron is cool enough, especially at off hours, but they definitely don't have the hot, highly sought-after sheet that big tickers are looking for.

 

As mentioned above, try Churckey first. Can't beat the quality and quantity on tap.

That said, Meridian Pint is most often my choice when in DC. Great food, nice place with a laid back atmosphere, and a solid tap list that usually has some quality local brews.

 

No I have never been there, maybe I should try it.

 

I'm going this weekend does Sovereign get as busy as Churchkey?

 

Seldom, and even Churchkey isn't usually bad during the daytime on weekends.

 

I like Churchkey a lot. While you're there, head down a block and hit up Kingfisher. Such a cool little spot I enjoy visiting. And also mentioned already, but I really like Meridian Pint, too.

 

Great list. I would add a couple and re-arrange a little:

Churchkey
Sovereign
Smoke and Barrel
Meridian Pint
Bluejacket
Right Proper
Brookland Pint
The Partisan
Red Apron Burger Bar? (opened today)
Red Apron (Union Mkt)
RFD
Pizza Paradiso Georgetown
Black Squirrel
Scion
Pizza Paradiso Dupont
City Tap House
Mad Fox Glover Pk
Jack Rose
3 Stars

 

If you wanted to hit three of those in a row head to Adams Morgan, start at Smoke & Barrel, walk down to Black Squirrel, then on to Jack Rose. All three on the same side of the st. and within minutes walk of each other.

 

Bier Baron was extremely disappointing when I visited earlier this year - tiny draught list, very few interesting bottles.

And totally agree that ChurchKey is #1 + @dhartogs recommendation is excellent.

 

I wouldn't go out of your way, but if you're in DuPont Circle anyhow, it's worth a shot. It's got a sort of dingy, outdated, basement vibe. The selection is something that would have seemed great 20 years ago, but isn't going to impress tickers in 2017. If you want an upscale, super trendy tap list I'd go to (and do go to) Churchkey first. Bier Baron is fun if you're in a more nostalgic mood.

 

Brickskeller was one of the first bars I ever regularly frequented after turning 21 so Bier Baron really just kind of depresses me.