Sunshine and Suds
As thermometers creep closer to seasonal averages, District residents have begun burrowing out of hibernation looking to add a little color to their cheeks and excitement to their weekends. One of the first places I always look when emerging from winter’s blanket is one of D.C.’s first-rate outdoor drinking spots. Though the beer garden maybe of Germanic origin, the concept came tailor made for D.C. springtime. Check out these alfresco watering-holes for tall ones, tannins and tan lines.
Garden District on 14th Street NW is a great place to begin your warm weather evening (Photo: Garden District)
Garden District
Formerly Standard, Garden District has been providing the 14th Street NW scene with open-air libations for three years. Last time I was there they were churning out homemade donuts at an alarming rate. Their menu has only expanded since, now including a variety of the smoked, grilled and fried, all fine food to eat under an umbrella with a stein in hand.
Elizabeth Taylor eyeing guests at Dacha Beer Garden. (Photo: Dacha Beer Garden)
Dacha Beer Garden
The Shaw beer garden on 7th Street NW has reopened for the season, enticing imbibers with German styled bock and a giant mural of Elizabeth Taylor. Unfortunately, the beer garden will not be serving food this year because of planning delays, but patrons are invited to bring their own food and eat at the garden’s picnic tables.
H Street Beer Garden
This list would be remiss without mention of the H Street Beer Garden, more formally known as Biergartenhaus. An H Street staple, the beer garden is a slice of Boviera with a minimalist bratskellar interior, an outdoor beer garden patio and second floor beer balcony. The bock comes tall and dark in liter mugs and half of the menu ends in either kraut or nitzel. A great place to watch a game or relax with freunde (friends).
Arlington’s Trolley Pub transports bar hoppers by their own locomotion (Photo: Trolley Pub)
Trolley Pub
Arlington’s latest attraction, Trolley Pub, takes the pleasures of a beer garden and puts them on a group bike. Participants hop aboard a pedal trolley to meander their way from bar to bar while enjoying sunshine and earning their next drink.
Richard is a freelance writer who enjoys building a healthy appetite with long runs around the city. When not logging the miles, he can be spotted training the palate at brunches, happy hours and food trucks.
