Happy hour growing stale? Drink up at the best beer gardens D.C. has to offer.
Beer gardens tend to conjure images of lederhosen and giant steins of beer, and while that's partially true due to their German roots, they're not just for Oktoberfest! Beer gardens have us dreaming of warm spring days spent on a patio, sipping refreshing beers with our friends. D.C. has many beer gardens, and along with fantastic brews many of them offer quality ambiance and operate year-round. For your next pint, make a stop at any of these 5 beer gardens in DC.
The Midlands Beer Garden
Courtesy of The Midlands Beer Garden's Instagram
Drafts from D.C. breweries co-mingle with regional and international beers at this Park View hangout. Their food menu offers delicious entrees, from sandwiches to breakfast tacos, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. For a delicious pairing, try The Midlands Nachos with one of their refreshing lagers (Coney Island Brewery's Mermaid Pilsner is a must). They even welcome guests to bring their own food if they desire, a rarity for most watering holes. Beer lovers can also take advantage of their BOGO beer deal and $5 wine discount offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Address: 3333 Georgia Ave., NW
Dacha Beer Garden
Courtesy of Dacha Beer Garden
If you're in the Shaw neighborhood, this place is worth the visit. Patrons can enjoy an assortment of German and American craft beers in a spacious outdoor hub. Their menu boasts German pub fare like bratwursts and buttery soft pretzels, as well as American favorites like pulled pork sliders. They host events like beer clubs and meet-ups and also take reservations if you want to plan your own event. Feel free to bring the whole family and your pup, as they welcome both!
Address: 1600 7th St., NW
Wunder Garten
Courtesy of Wunder Garten's Facebook
Originally conceived as a pop-up in 2015, Wunder Garten's become a NoMa sensation for its ambiance, food, and (of course) the beer. They offer drafts, cans, and bottles of European and craft beverages, from German pilsners to American IPAs. If you're not a big beer person, they'll have you covered with a sizable menu of wine, spirits, and specialty cocktails. Their food menu contains meat entrees and their plant-based counterparts for vegetarians. The best part of all? Their state-of-the-art climate-controlled space makes them an option all year round.
Address: 1101 First St., NE
The Brig D.C.
Courtesy of The Brig's Facebook
American and German beers flow from over 20 taps at this Capital Riverfront spot, complete with an outdoor patio and heated bar for the colder months. Catch a game on one of the bar's many TVs or play a round of cornhole outside. They're also friendly to dogs and kids, making it an inclusive environment for catching up with a beer! One of their popular events is Yappy Hour, which raises money for local animal shelters.
Address: 1007 8th St., SE
Biergarten Haus
Courtesy of Biergarten Haus' Facebook
For the ultimate happy hour spot, look no further than Biergarten Haus. In addition to its 400+ capacity outdoor beer garden, they also have multiple floors of bar space and a rooftop deck for those warm summer nights sharing a pint with friends. Their happy hour specials rotate on a monthly basis (half-off appetizers and $6 wine are some of the deals) and they host popular events like Tuesday Trivia Nights. Just the beer selection alone is worth its place on our list!
Address: 1355 H St., NE
What's your favorite beer garden in D.C.? Are there any we missed? Let's hear your picks in the comments—we're always looking for the best beer!