Explore the Metropolitan Beer Trail
The Metropolitan Beer Trail is part of the Metropolitan Branch Trail which stretches from Union Market to Silver Spring. The trail links 11 popular Washington, DC breweries between NoMa and Brookland including Dew Drop Inn, Metrobar, Wunder Garten, and more. This is by no means an all-inclusive list of the breweries in DC but if you are looking for a taste of DC on a walkable trail, look no further.
Explore the trail with the Metropolitan Beer Trail 2023 Pass. Sign up and download the web app to your phone so you can check in to breweries as you visit them now through December 31. One check-in is worth 100 points. You can check into each brewery once every 12 hours. Points can be redeemed for prizes including a koozie, hat, and t-shirt.
Getting There
The Metropolitan Beer Trail is accessible from several metro stops on the red line including NoMa, Rhode Island, and Brookland. Personally, I normally use the Rhode Island stop to start my beer trail adventure and it drops you in the center of the trail. Capital Bikeshare is also available right outside each metro stop.
Breweries are listed in order from south to north.
Wunder Garten
Wunder Garten started as a pop-up in 2015 and grew to a beloved fixture of the neighborhood. Enjoy an adorable outdoor setting with a large beer, cocktail, and liquor selection. Burgers, tacos, and seasonal food items are also avalaible. This spot is especially fun for special events including Oktoberfest, Winterfest, St Patrick’s Day, and more. While Wunder Garten provides a festive atmosphere for seasonal events, it can get crowded. If you want to enjoy a more low key vibe, go earlier in the evening or on a non-event night.
Red Bear Brewing Co.
Enjoy some outdoor mountain beer vibes without leaving the city at Red Bear Brewing Co. This brewery offers a causal, outdoorsy setting with beer, cider, board games, and bar food. Special events include trivia, drag brunch, and comedy. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Andy’s Pizza and Beer Hall
What is better than pizza and beer? Get your fill of this classic duo at Andy’s Pizza and Beer Hall. Andy’s Pizza has multiple locations in the city but you can find the Metropolitan Beer Trail location in the back of Streets Market NOMA. The restaurant features a large indoor seating space and a patio.
Crooked Run Fermentation
Crooked Run Fermentation began in 2013 in Leesburg, Virginia and expanded to two more locations in Sterling and Washington, DC. At their location along the Metropolitan Beer Trail, enjoy their large indoor space and dog-friendly patio. You’ll find beer, wine, seltzer, and more. Plus, you can try sandwiches and pizza from Pizza Serata.
The Eleanor
The Eleanor is a fun bowling lounge and a great place to start the Metropolitan Beer Trail if you want to start with a full meal or have a group with a few dietary restrictions. The lunch and dinner menu can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests. Built a meal with hearty appetizers or check-out burgers, salads, pasta, and more. You can also join them for weekend brunch, $1 oyster Wednesday, NFL game day deals on Thursdays and Sundays, plus trivia and half-price arcade games on Sundays. Make a reservation for the bar, dining room, or bowling lane ($10 per person for an hour).
Lost Generation Brewing Company
Lost Generation is a husband and wife team who fulfilled their dream of opening a brewery after a few years of working for big breweries in California. You’ll find them in a 120-year-old Nabisco Factory Check which ties the “1920’s meet 2020’s” theme together nicely. Enjoy their year-round and seasonal beers with food from a rotating schedule of food trucks. Outside food and dogs are also welcome.
metrobar
Metrobar is arguably one of the best options for a diverse crowd. Kids (before 8 pm) and dogs are welcome plus there are plenty of drink options including beer, cocktails, and mocktails. With all of the metro-themed decor, invite your out-of-town friends to enjoy a fun DC vibe away from some of the more popular landmarks. Metrobar features regular special events like all-day happy hour on Wednesdays, trivia nights, movie nights, jazz and DJ nights, and more. Plus look out for seasonal events for Pride, Halloween, the winter holidays, and more. Outside food is welcome plus there is a rotating schedule of food trucks.
The Highbinder
Highbinder is located near the Almo Drafthouse Cinema. The spot offers an airy indoor space and a patio with local beers, spy-themed cocktails, and a rotating food menu. Stop in for a drink before or after a movie or make it a stop on your beer trail adventure.
City-State Brewing Co.
City-State Brewing offers a covered drinking space so it is a perfect spot on a chilly or rainy day. Enjoy stand-up comedy every Wednesday with $5 beers starting at 8 PM. Kids and dogs are allowed (Kids are asked to leave by 3 pm on Saturdays.) You’ll also find other special event nights like trivia and adoption days. A rotating schedule of food trucks can be found on their website. Outside food is also allowed.
Dew Drop Inn
Dew Drop Inn is one of my favorite no-fuss casual bars that also feels like it has something for everyone. You’ll find a variety of beers, cocktails, crushes, frozen drinks, and well-stock liquor shelves. The kitchen also offers pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, cornbread, and nachos. Outside food from home or take-out is welcome. Follow them on Instagram for special event nights like live music, DJ nights, and trivia.
Right Proper Brewing
Right Proper Brewing has two locations: Shaw and Brookland. The Brookland location along the Metropolitan Beer Trail offers its flagship and seasonal beers in a flight, pint, growler, or to-go can. There is a small amount of indoor seating but the best time to go is on a nice day to enjoy their covered patio or street seating. Check them out on Instagram to see the food truck schedule. If you’d like to enjoy Right Proper beers with a more robust menu, check out their location in Shaw.