Best 11 Breweries in Washington DC WA: A Comprehensive Guide

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Washington DC is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the city, exploring the best breweries in Washington DC is a must-do activity. From traditional styles to experimental blends, there’s something for every beer lover to enjoy.

One of the newest additions to the city’s craft beer scene is Red Bear Brewing Co. This 100% gay-owned brewery offers a range of homebrewed suds in a massive 7,000-square-foot space in NoMa. Another top contender is Other Half Brewing DC, which has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout options, it’s easy to enjoy their top-rated brews in any setting.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a pint or a lively atmosphere to socialize, the best breweries in Washington DC have it all. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a new favorite brew and discover the unique flavors of the city’s craft beer scene.

Understanding Craft Beer

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with Washington DC being home to some of the best craft breweries in the country. But what exactly is craft beer?

Craft beer is a type of beer that is brewed in small batches using traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. It is often brewed by independent breweries that are owned and operated by beer enthusiasts who are passionate about their craft.

One of the defining characteristics of craft beer is its diversity. Craft brewers are known for experimenting with different styles, flavors, and ingredients to create unique and interesting beers. This means that there is a craft beer out there for everyone, whether you prefer a light and refreshing pilsner or a rich and complex imperial stout.

Craft beer is also known for its focus on quality over quantity. Craft brewers are dedicated to producing high-quality beers that are free from preservatives and artificial additives. This means that craft beer is often fresher and more flavorful than mass-produced beers.

Craft beer has also had a significant impact on the local economy. Independent craft breweries create jobs and support local farmers and suppliers by using locally sourced ingredients. They also contribute to the local community by hosting events and fundraisers.

Top Breweries in Washington DC

Washington DC is home to a thriving craft brewery scene, with a diverse range of breweries that offer unique and delicious beers. Here are some of the top breweries in Washington DC:

Bluejacket

Located in the Navy Yard neighborhood, Bluejacket is a large-scale brewery that offers a wide variety of beers. They have a spacious taproom and an outdoor beer garden, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink with friends. Some of their popular beers include Forbidden Planet, Lost Weekend, and Full Bloom.

Website: https://bluejacketdc.com/

Address: 300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States

Right Proper Brewing Company

Right Proper Brewing Company is a brewpub located in the Shaw neighborhood. They specialize in Belgian-style beers, and their head brewer Nathan Zeender is known for experimenting with house blends and fermentation processes. Some of their popular beers include Baron Corvo and Kick.Kick.Snare.

Website: https://www.rightproperbrewing.com/

Address: 624 T Street NW Washington, DC 20001

DC Brau Brewing Co

DC Brau Brewing Co. is a production brewery located in the Brookland neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, The Corruption. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: https://dcbrau.com/

Address: 3178-B Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018, United States

Hellbender Brewing Company

Hellbender Brewing Company is a production brewery located in the Riggs Park neighborhood. They specialize in brewing hop-forward beers, and their popular beers include Ignite IPA and Southern Torrent Saison. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy live music.

Website: http://www.hellbenderbeer.com/

Address: 5788 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20011, United States

Atlas Brew Works

Atlas Brew Works is a production brewery located in the Ivy City neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, District Common. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: http://www.atlasbrewworks.com/

Address: 2052 West Virginia Ave NE #102, Washington, DC 20002, United States

Red Bear Brewing

Red Bear Brewing is a gay-owned brewery located in the NoMa neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, the Red Bear Lager. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: http://www.redbear.beer/

Address: 209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

City-State Brewing Co

City-State Brewing Co. is a production brewery located in the Brightwood Park neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, the State of the Union IPA. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: http://citystatebrewing.com/

Address: 705 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017, United States

Port City Brewing Company

Port City Brewing Company is a production brewery located in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, Optimal Wit. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: https://www.portcitybrewing.com/

Address: 3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States

Aslin Beer Company

Aslin Beer Company is a brewery located in the Navy Yard neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, Orange Starfish. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: https://www.aslinbeer.com/dc

Address: 1740 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

Settle Down Easy Brewing

Settle Down Easy Brewing is a taproom located in Falls Church, Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, the Settle Down Easy IPA. They also have a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy food from local food trucks.

Website: https://settledowneasybrewing.com/

Address: 2822 Fallfax Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042, United States

Capitol City Brewing Company

Capitol City Brewing Company is a brewpub located in the Downtown neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular flagship beer, the Capitol Kolsch. They also have a full-service restaurant where visitors can enjoy food and drinks.

Website: https://capcitybrew.com/

Address: 1100 New York Ave NW #710W, Washington, DC 20005, United States

Washington DC is a great destination for beer lovers, with a wide variety of breweries to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a large-scale facility or a cozy brewpub, there’s something for everyone in the nation’s capital.

Signature Beers

Washington DC is home to some of the best breweries in the country, each with its own unique signature beer. Here are some of the most popular signature beers that you can find in the city:

  • Ignite IPA from 3 Stars Brewing Company is a bold and hoppy American IPA with a citrusy aroma and a bitter finish. It’s a favorite among hopheads and beer enthusiasts alike.
  • The Corruption from DC Brau Brewing Company is a classic American IPA that features a blend of five different hops. It has a piney aroma and a crisp, bitter finish that makes it a popular choice among IPA lovers.
  • Mexican Radio from Bluejacket is a Mexican chocolate stout that is brewed with cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and vanilla beans. It has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of spice that makes it a perfect beer for the winter months.
  • Trainspotter from Union Craft Brewing is a green bullet pub ale that is brewed with a blend of English and American hops. It has a floral aroma and a malty flavor with a bitter finish that makes it a great beer for any occasion.
  • Joint Resolution from Right Proper Brewing Company is a juicy IPA that is brewed with a blend of hops and fruit. It has a tropical aroma and a sweet, fruity flavor that makes it a refreshing beer for the summer months.
  • Full Transparency from DC Brau Brewing Company is a delicate saison that is brewed with a blend of hops and spices. It has a light, refreshing flavor with a hint of spice that makes it a great beer for any occasion.
  • Ghost IPA from Bluejacket is a hazy IPA that is brewed with a blend of hops and fruit. It has a fruity aroma and a sweet, juicy flavor that makes it a popular choice among IPA lovers.
  • Green City from DC Brau Brewing Company is a juicy IPA that is brewed with a blend of hops and fruit. It has a tropical aroma and a sweet, fruity flavor that makes it a refreshing beer for the summer months.
  • Juicy IPA from 3 Stars Brewing Company is a hazy IPA that is brewed with a blend of hops and fruit. It has a fruity aroma and a sweet, juicy flavor that makes it a popular choice among IPA lovers.
  • Dance of Days Pale Ale from DC Brau Brewing Company is a classic American pale ale that features a blend of hops and malt. It has a citrusy aroma and a crisp, refreshing flavor that makes it a great beer for any occasion.
  • Amber Waves Ale from 3 Stars Brewing Company is an amber ale that is brewed with a blend of hops and malt. It has a malty aroma and a sweet, caramel flavor that makes it a great beer for any occasion.
  • Capitol Kolsch from DC Brau Brewing Company is a classic German-style kolsch that features a blend of hops and malt. It has a light, refreshing flavor with a crisp, clean finish that makes it a great beer for any occasion.
  • Blood Orange Gose from Bluejacket is a sour ale that is brewed with blood orange and sea salt. It has a tart, citrusy flavor with a salty finish that makes it a refreshing beer for the summer months.
  • Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne from Bluejacket is a Belgian-style tripel that is brewed with champagne yeast. It has a fruity aroma and a sweet, boozy flavor that makes it a great beer for special occasions.
  • Warming Porter from 3 Stars Brewing Company is a robust porter that is brewed with a blend of dark malts. It has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of coffee that makes it a perfect beer for the winter months.

Unique Experiences

Washington DC is home to a diverse range of breweries that offer unique experiences. From outdoor seating to local food trucks, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best breweries in Washington DC that offer unique experiences:

1. Right Proper Brewing Company

Right Proper Brewing Company is known for its sour beers and is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. The brewery has two locations in Shaw and Brookland. The Shaw location is a brewpub that offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The Brookland location is a production facility that offers tours and tastings.

2. Bluejacket

Bluejacket is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood and offers a unique experience with its outdoor beer garden. The beer garden is a great spot to enjoy a cold beer on a sunny day. The brewery also offers a rotating selection of food trucks that serve up delicious local cuisine.

3. Port City Brewing Company

Port City Brewing Company is located in Alexandria, Virginia, just a short drive from Washington DC. The brewery offers tours and tastings and has a cozy taproom with indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery also hosts events such as comedy nights and story hours.

4. DC Brau Brewing Company

DC Brau Brewing Company is one of the first breweries to open in Washington DC and is known for its hoppy ales. The brewery offers tours and tastings and has a taproom with indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery also hosts events such as live music and trivia nights.

5. Atlas Brew Works

Atlas Brew Works is located in the Ivy City neighborhood and offers a unique experience with its outdoor beer garden. The brewery also hosts events such as yoga and beer and beer and cheese pairings.

Overall, Washington DC has a vibrant brewery scene that offers unique experiences for beer enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for outdoor seating, local food trucks, or events such as comedy nights and story hours, there is something for everyone.