Beer in Alexandria:

Old and New Places to Enjoy a Brew

Aslin Beer Co.

847 S. Pickett Street

Herndon-based craft brewery Aslin Beer Co. is moving its headquarters to 847 S. Pickett Street in the West End. The 25,000 square foot space will include production space, a tasting room, and space for private events. Check out Aslin’s lineup of beers here.

Augie’s Mussel House

1106 King Street
We love this Old Town staple! The garage-style doors create a perfect indoor/outdoor flow, making Augie’s one of the best places to drink or dine outdoors in town. It’s also a great place to catch a game as Augie’s has several TVs outside on their patio as well, a rare find in Old Town. Augie’s offers an excellent array of domestic and Belgian beers, in bottles, cans and on draft. Insider tip: Be sure to try the Frites & Dips !

The Garden

1503 Mount Vernon Avenue
The Garden is the perfect outdoor oasis in Del Ray. The Garden offers beer, wine, and cocktails, a menu of Mexican cuisine, small plates, and charcuterie in the perfect outdoor setting. They also have a great breakfast menu including Beignets. We also love how The Garden is dog friendly and has a bunch of games to enjoy as well including corn hole, Jenga, and Connect Four!

Hops ‘n Shine

3410 Mount Vernon Avenue
Just north of Del Ray, Hops ‘n Shine offers an amazing selection of beer – 54 drafts in all! The beers are organized into categories such as Dark & Malty, hoppy, and even gluten-free. Visit hungry and be sure to try the artisan spiral hot dogs with tater tots or one of Hops ‘n Shine’s signature grilled cheese specialties, such as the “Let’s Shroom,” with muenster cheese, portobellos, arugula, and a balsamic reduction.

The Brig

1007 8th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Calling itself DC’s “secret beer garden,” this German-style beer garden is located on Capitol Hill near both Nats Park and Audi Field. The Brig serves a variety of German and American craft beers from 20 taps, plus bottled and canned craft beers and ciders, including many local brews. The beer offerings change seasonally and of course, there’s wine and cocktails too. Enjoy traditional German fare at The Brig, including Bavarian soft pretzels with spicy mustard and beer cheese, brats, German potato salad, and the “Debreziner,” which is smoked pork, beef, garlic, and red peppers in lamb casing. Bring the whole family – The Brig prides itself on being kid- and dog-friendly.

The Midlands Beer Garden

3333 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010
This Parkview craft beer joint features a cozy outdoor space to enjoy your beer, complete with picnic tables and fire pits. Midlands Beer Garden offers 22 draft beers inside and additional taps outside (plus wines by the bottle and some spirits). Beers are served in 10,16, 25, or 34-ounce sizes. Its five HDTVs and two 100″ HD projector screens carry Direct TV and the Big 10 Network. Midlands serves up the usual bar food with some German classics, like a bratwurst and kraut dish and large soft pretzels. Midland’s happy hour takes place every Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Other draws – Midlands offers free pool, live music, and is dog-friendly! Check out its special events like Saturday morning yoga – the $15 ticket includes a yoga class and a DogfishHead Namaste Wit-bier.

Dacha Beer Garden

1600 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

79 Potomac Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20003
Located in the Shaw neighborhood, this classic Bavarian beer garden features German, Belgian, and American craft beers along with wines, meads, ciders and other. Bring your dog and enjoy your brew at one of the picnic tables below its giant mural of Elizabeth Taylor. Dacha serves classic beer garden fare such as fried pickles, currywurst, brats, and those giant soft pretzels! Stop by for Happy Hour every Monday through Thursday from 4 – 7 pm. Dacha celebrates many special events like Springfest, Sour Liz Week, DC Beer Week, Cider Liz Week and Oktoberfest. Join the Dacha Beer Club, which meets every Wednesday from March to November, to check out new, special, or seasonal releases from one of Dacha’s favorite breweries.

Westover Beer Garden

5863 Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22205
Part neighborhood market, part beer garden, Westover Beer Garden offers an astounding variety of domestic, import, and microbrews on 10 draft lines inside and six more in its leafy beer garden. Also recognized as one of the Northern Virginia’s best butcher shops, Westover’s meaty menu items such as burgers with house-cured bacon, brisket, pulled pork, house-made roast beef and corned beef, do not disappoint. While you’re there, be sure to check out the market’s “Great Wall of Beer,” with over 1,000 beers! Check the events site for occasional live music.

The Bottom Line

There you have it! The best places to enjoy beer in Alexandria and around town this month – or anytime!

Did we miss your favorite spot for a beer in Alexandria or elsewhere in DC? Please let us know so we can check it out.

For more local insight, sign on for our newsletters below.