Sip your suds in the sunshine and take in the vibes at these brew-centric beer gardens in and around the District.
This 14th Street hot spot features 21 original beers on draft, as well as two rotating guest taps, and its own coffee bar. Aslin Coffee serves up homemade syrups, chai and unique caffeinated combos to kick off the day before diving into the brews. The spacious outdoor area boasts picnic tables and offers onsite delivery from nearby doi moi and Chicken + Whiskey.
Wunder Garten brings an outdoor brew patio with pop-up vibes to the NoMa ‘hood. The beer menu sports local brews as well as German and Austrian flavors, and you can also order up wine, cider, cocktails and bites from CaliBurger. The mod plaza is dotted with turf, potted trees and rough-hewn wooden tables, along with a fire pit that features a make-your-own-s’mores station in the colder months. All tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but cabanas are available to rent for up to 10 people.
It’s one big party at Hook Hall, a 13,000-square-foot space near Petworth where you could spend all day eating, drinking and playing games. Outside you’ll find a turf-lined beer garden with an extensive selection of draft beers and ample seating for relaxing and private cabanas available for rent. Make sure to check the events calendar for the latest happenings at this unique space.
When the weather's nice head to the snug cement patio at Garden District for German and American beers on draft, barbecue and a hopping social scene — especially on weekends, when 14th Street bustles with brunchers. Besides its trademark pulled pork and brisket, the spot also serves up fried sides including pickle spears, buttermilk onion rings and addictive hush puppies.
At the two-level German Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden in Dupont Circle, you can get your rooftop fix while also immersing yourself in beer garden heaven. A young, boisterous crowd shows up for brews on tap or in bottles, Bavarian fare like enormous pretzels and TVs tuned to big games. The party is set with long, communal tables and exposed brick accents.
Located in Park View, The Midlands is outfitted with a host of picnic tables for you to settle in and bond over brews. The draft list features German and local beer, with rare bottles also available. Wine and cocktail lovers can also rejoice, as choices are plentiful. Appetizers, half-smokes and brats are offered, but you can order in your own food, too! The indoor portion also includes TVs and projection screens, for those wanting to check on a game.
Located on Barracks Row, The Brig goes all out, as a beer garden should. From its selection of 20-plus taps (including German and craft brews) to its giant mugs to its spacious environment to its 25-foot projector screen (great for watching can't-miss sporting events), you will be left wanting for nothing when you visit this outdoor haven. Pets are welcome, so gather up the troops for a big night out.
The Shaw neighborhood is a hotbed for DC dining, so it’s fitting that Right Proper Brewing Company hosts its brewpub and kitchen there, with an outdoor patio that will let you get more acquainted with the scenery. The neighborhood abode offers a regularly rotating selection of house-made brews and a Southern-tinged menu featuring hot wings, a shrimp po' boy and beer battered cheese curds.
A quick trip to Clarendon in Virginia can get you to the seasonal beer garden at Spider Kelly’s, a large patio with picnic tables, benches, bar stools and a fire pit in the fall. Grab a bucket of imported, canned beers or sip on specialty cocktails and wine by the glass.
This beer garden is a favorite in Arlington, Va., a quick commute from DC proper. Six draft lines are situated outside, and you can also order delicious hot sandwiches made from the butcher shop inside. Westover also frequently hosts tap takeovers and beer tastings.
