Metro area

Best breweries in Washington, District of Columbia

Within 13 miles of Washington we track 35 breweries. 1 rates Exceptional and 2 rate Great. Other Half Brewing Co. in Washington leads the list at 4.63 (Exceptional).

The scale

Exceptional
A short list of extraordinary breweries worth planning a trip around.
Great
Consistently produce world-class beer.
Fine
Make genuinely good beer, if not the pint you will still be talking about next year.
Poor
Not bad beer so much as unremarkable beer.
Limited
Most craft beer drinkers pass these by.

1
Other Half Brewing Co.
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
In 2014, Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan and Andrew Burman founded Other Half Brewing Company, a local brewery in New York City with a simple mission: to create beers that they wanted to drink from a company that they wanted to be a part of. Their vision was to build a passionate team that brewed great beers in the state of New York—done so with effort and thoughtfulness—to represent the “Other Half” of the industry. Today, Other Half craft beers in their Brooklyn brewery and are dedicated to collaborating with breweries both in New York as well as across the world in an effort to constantly move the industry forward while elevating the craft. The Other Half team believes that local breweries play an important role in their communities which is why they partner with these other likeminded brewers and brands in local nabes across the country and the world—but always return to their home state of New York and their Brooklyn taproom.
Rating
4.63Exceptional
Popularity
One of the most-rated breweries anywhere
2
Lost Generation Brewing Company
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Beer drives us. It unites us. We painstakingly choose the best hop lots to make IPA that inspires, take time and care with our lagers to make sure they will amaze, and hand pick our aging program barrels to ensure that what comes out will always impress. We believe that if you’re going to do it, do it right and do it well. And that’s because we make beer for people we love: family, friends, neighbors, and even those who are just goddamned thirsty. In here we believe that each pour is an invitation to be one of us. As Gertrude Stein once said, “You are all a Lost Generation.” In here we hold that to be true. We are all one and the same, so let’s raise a glass and have a beer together.
Rating
4.32Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
3
Third Hill Brewing Co.
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Third Hill Brewing Co. is a place to get away, unwind, connect with friends- and make some new ones- all while enjoying some delicious craft beer. All are welcome! We value the diversity of our community that makes our home truly amazing. Come by and let’s “make some memories.”
Rating
4.21Great
Popularity
Lightly rated
4
Mieza Blendery
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Mieza Blendery produce's good quality beer and has a limited variety of different ones to choose from. They are most well known for "Moon Driven Sea", which is a Fruited Sour and "Keeper of the Dance", which is a Fruited Sour. Their primary focus is brewing Sours and Wild Ales.
Rating
3.97Fine
Popularity
Barely rated
5
Bluejacket
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Bluejacket was built to be a brewery without boundaries, allowing Beer Director Greg Engert and Director of Brewery Operations Ro Guenzel to create beers across the broadest range of styles and flavors possible. At Bluejacket, understanding of and respect for the traditions and techniques of classic brewing coexist with a spirit of constant experimentation, innovation, and collaboration, leading to delicious beers that showcase seasonality, culinary inspiration, and historic interpretation. Expect beers that range from intensely flavored to subtly nuanced; that offer something distinctive and satisfying for every palate and every plate; and that reflect equally the past, present, and future of genuine craft brewing. Soon, the brewery will begin shipping to carefully selected restaurants, bars, and retail outlets throughout the region.
Rating
3.95Fine
Popularity
Widely rated
6
Silver Branch Brewing Company
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Silver Branch Brewing Company is a multi-state production brewery founded in March 2019 by Christian Layke and Brett A. Robison. With taprooms in Maryland — including Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten in Silver Spring and Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks — the brewery draws inspiration from the four major brewing cultures, blending European tradition with American innovation. Silver Branch’s Virginia location in Warrenton was lost to a fire in 2024, and plans are underway to reopen. Across every location, the focus remains the same: brewing multi-dimensional beers designed so the last sip of your last beer is just as enjoyable as the first sip of your first— all in the spirit of Gemütlichkeit, where great beer is meant to be shared in good company.
Rating
3.94Fine
Popularity
Well rated
7
BabyCat Brewery
Kensington, Maryland, United States
Born from a love of nature, pets, family and beer, BabyCat brewery will forever be dedicated to crafting excellent craft beverages and ensuring you, your family and your friends feel right at home every time you visit us.
Rating
3.87Fine
Popularity
Lightly rated
8
Port City Brewing
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Since 2011, Port City Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning craft beer. We are a reliable and innovative brewery of delicious, well-balanced beers which are true to style and celebrate their raw ingredients.
Rating
3.86Fine
Popularity
Widely rated
9
Solace Outpost
Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Rating
3.86Fine
Popularity
Modestly rated
10
Right Proper Brewing Company
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Right Proper is a responsible, community focused brewing company creating soulful, intentional, balanced beers, presented with brilliant hospitality and a touch of whimsy. Right Proper has two brewing locations: 1) Right Proper Shaw Brewpub & Kitchen is located at 7th & T Street, NW in the historic Shaw neighborhood of D.C. The smaller brewhouse & adjacent barrel room means the beer menu rotates frequently with many options available exclusively at the brewpub. The kitchen cooks up casual American fare with a nod to Southern comfort. 2) Right Proper Brookland Production House & Tasting Room is located at 10th and Girard Street, NE in the historic Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC. This is our packaging brewery. Here we focus on the production and distribution of our core beers. The tasting room offers a view of the brewery while sampling our latest offerings. Tours of the brewery are offered regularly on the weekends.
Rating
3.84Fine
Popularity
Well rated
11
Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza
Arlington, Virginia, United States
Arlington's newest brewery conveniently located in Pentagon Row, Nighthawk is an independent craft brewery and pizzeria inspired by 90's nostalgia. A collaborative effort between Michelin star Chef Johnny Spero, the owners of Aslin Beer Co. Andrew Kelley and Kai Leszkowicz, and Arlington entrepreneur Scott Parker, Nighthawk is a fun, casual experience for craft beer lovers, corporate events, and family outings alike.
Rating
3.83Fine
Popularity
Lightly rated
12
Streetcar 82 Brewing Co.
Hyattsville, Maryland, United States
Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. produce's fine quality beer and are usually experimenting brewing new ones. They are most well known for "Fancy Nancy", which is a New England IPA and "Livin' the HyLife", which is a Coffee Stout. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
3.83Fine
Popularity
Lightly rated
13
Caboose Brewing Company
Vienna, Virginia, United States
Caboose Brewing Company was created in 2014, and opened in Vienna, VA in 2015. We now have two locations in which we brew our beer, and serve farm-to-table food. Our tap rooms are located in Vienna, VA (Caboose Tavern) and Fairfax, VA (Caboose Commons). Learn more on our website: www.caboosebrewing.com
Rating
3.81Fine
Popularity
Well rated
14
DC Brau Brewing Company
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
When co-founders Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock opened the doors to their brewery in 2011, DC Brau Brewing Company became the first packaging brewery inside the District of Columbia since 1956. DC Brau’s signature brews include: The Public (Pale Ale), The Corruption (IPA), The Citizen (Belgian-style Ale), Brau Pils (German-style Pilsner), and Penn Quarter Porter (Robust Porter), with seasonal and special brews available throughout the year including the award-winning On the Wings of Armageddon (Double IPA). For more information on DC Brau, visit http://www.dcbrau.com, and follow on social media @dcbrau.
Rating
3.79Fine
Popularity
Widely rated
15
Georgetown Trading Co.
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Producers of fine whiskey and ale. James E. Pepper "1776" Ale is aged in freshly dumped Rye Whiskey Barrels that previously held our award-winning James E. Pepper "1776" Rye Whiskey. Made in a partnership with the Beltway Brewing Co. craft brewery in Sterling, VA.
Rating
3.79Fine
Popularity
Modestly rated
16
Denizens Brewing Co.
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Denizens Brewing Co. is a craft brewery in Riverdale Park, MD (Production House & Taproom). Location offers outdoor seating, pickup, and Denizens also delivers. With 5 flagship brands and an expansive sour and barrel-aging program, Denizens has made over 100 beers since opening, and there are no plans of slowing down. Owned and founded by Emily Bruno, Jeff Ramirez, and Julie Verratti, Denizens is the only majority women- and minority- owned and operated brewery in Maryland and a proud member of the Riverdale Park, MD community.
Rating
3.78Fine
Popularity
Well rated
17
Red Bear Brewing Company
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Red Bear’s story is steeped in Legend and Wonder! It begins with 3 fearless pioneers setting off from the emerald city of Seattle, on their greatest adventure yet. They set off to create a place of community in our nation’s capital of Washington. The city calls out, yearning for craft beer and an inviting place to chill. A brewery of the highest quality is what the city needs, where the determined focus of the east coast meets the open casual style of the west coast! Red Bear Brewing is an independent craft brewery that fights the mediocre industrial beer giants and strives to win over the hearts of the community. Our conscientious nature shines through with our commitment to our diverse team members, neighbors, and the planet we all share. We quest with the parched people of the district. We ensure that their thirst will be vanquished! Lives will be changed!! The people of the district will cheer!! Huzzah!!!!
Rating
3.76Fine
Popularity
Modestly rated
18
Sankofa Beer Company
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Sankofa Beer Company, is a Washington, DC based producer and distributor of premium craft beer, inspired by the founders' connection to West Africa. We are on a mission to expand the conventions of craft beer by creating a space where culture meets craft.
Rating
3.76Fine
Popularity
Barely rated
19
City-State Brewing
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Rating
3.75Fine
Popularity
Modestly rated
20
Hops-n-Shine
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Rating
3.75Fine
Popularity
Barely rated
21
Atlas Brew Works
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Located in D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood, we create balanced, great-tasting ales and lagers in a 100% solar-powered facility. Tap Room open for pints, flights, and growler fills Monday-Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 11-11pm, and Sunday 11-10pm.
Rating
3.59Poor
Popularity
Widely rated
22
Atlas Brew Works
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Located in D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood, we create balanced, great-tasting ales and lagers in a 100% solar-powered facility. Tap Room open for pints, flights, and growler fills Monday-Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 11-11pm, and Sunday 11-10pm.
Rating
3.58Poor
Popularity
Widely rated
23
Settle Down Easy Brewing Co.
Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. produce's fine quality beer and are usually experimenting brewing new ones. They are most well known for "2 Cloud 9", which is a New England IPA and "Hop-Wah Phonic IPA", which is an American IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Ales.
Rating
3.57Poor
Popularity
Modestly rated
24
Audacious Aleworks
Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Audacious Aleworks produce's generally unappealing beer and are usually experimenting brewing new ones. They are most well known for "Thirsty Work", which is a New England IPA and "Conviction", which is an American IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
3.54Poor
Popularity
Modestly rated
25
7 Locks Brewing
Rockville, Maryland, United States
Welcome to 7 Locks of Rockville MD. We are a production brewery located in an industrial section of town with a tap room that is open to the public. We opened in late 2015 and are available in bars, restaurants, and packaged goods stores in the suburban DC area.
Rating
3.52Poor
Popularity
Modestly rated
26
Franklins Brewery
Hyattsville, Maryland, United States
Located in the heart of historic Hyattsville MD, Franklins is Prince George’s County’s first microbrewery, and the only combination restaurant, brewery, and toy store in the world. In 1992, Mike and Debra Franklin purchased the former Hyattsville Hardware Co, a local institution located on a dying strip of Route 1. The couple opened Franklins General Store & Deli to recapture the spirit of bustling community activity. The deli soon became a popular lunch spot and eventually outgrew its limited space. In 2002, Franklins closed the deli portion of the store to open a 200 seat brewpub and double the size of the general store.
Rating
3.50Poor
Popularity
Modestly rated
27
Sweetwater Tavern (VA Brewpub)
Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Three brewpubs serving hand-crafted brews, western-inspired food, and fun, exciting environment. Serving northern Virginia since 1996, we're proud of our history of brewing excellence, having won 25 medals at the two most prestigious brewing competitions in the world (World Beer Cup, GABF). Sweetwater Tavern is part of Great American Restaurants and is NOT affiliated with the brewery of similar name in GA. Cheers!
Rating
3.50Poor
Popularity
Modestly rated
28
Valor Brewpub
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
The mission of Valor is to create a premiere veteran-focused brewpub crafting superior ales, lagers, and food while hiring as many veterans as possible, supporting veteran owned businesses, and donating to veteran charities.
Rating
3.48Poor
Popularity
Barely rated
29
The Public Option
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
The Public Option produce's unproven beer and is ranked #11 in Washington DC. They are most well known for "Cream Ale", which is a Cream Ale and "IPA #7", which is an American IPA. Their primary focus is brewing Pale Ales and IPAs.
Rating
3.46Poor
Popularity
Barely rated
30
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery produce's okay quality beer and always has a new beer for you to try. They are most well known for "India Pale Ale", which is an American IPA and "Red Rocks Red Ale", which is an American Red Ale. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Amber Ales.
Rating
3.45Poor
Popularity
Very widely rated
31
Pulaski True American
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
We wanted to make beer for all of DC that is of the highest quality ingredients, with a singular vision that delicious doesn't have to be complicated. Pulaski Park, also known as Freedom Plaza, is a hub and home of DC idealism and social awareness . While everyone knows that park and the huge impact Reverend Martin Luther King made there with his "I have a dream..." speech, the statue there of Casimir Pulaski and who he was remains largely unknown. General Pulaski, for whom the park is named, was a Polish Commander who emigrated to North America to help in the cause of the American Revolutionary War. Pulaski became a general in the Continental Army and even was shot taking a bullet for George Washington. He was so revered for his heroism, that places across the United States still bear his name: Pulaski Halls, Pulaski Parks, Pulaski Highways, and even cities -- all in his memory. Pulaski True American is named after him because no matter where you're from: a great drinking American beer is a little bit of "Any-town, USA" right here in Washington, DC.
Rating
3.42Poor
Popularity
Barely rated
32
888 Lucky Beer
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Rating
2.98Poor
Popularity
Barely rated
33
Urban Garden Brewing
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Urban Garden Brewhouse was born from a fascination with the ancient art of fermentation and a belief that craft beer should be deeply connected to culture and community. What started as a homebrewing project evolved into one of Washington, D.C.’s pioneering Black-owned craft beer brands. Today, Urban Garden Brewhouse is more than a brewery—it’s a gathering place where craft beverages, soulful food, art, and culture come together under one roof. Every pint we pour is crafted with intention, honoring the traditions that inspired us while creating something new for the community we serve.
Rating
2.92Limited
Popularity
Barely rated
34
Soul Mega
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Soul Mega is an award-winning craft beer brand based in Washington, DC, creating high-quality, approachable beers rooted in culture, creativity, and community. From our flagship Worldwide Pale Ale to our Metropolis IPA, we’re building more than a beverage—we’re creating experiences that bring people together. Available across DC, Maryland, and Delaware. Tap in. Embody Greatness.
Rating
2.90Limited
Popularity
Barely rated
35
Dad Strength Brewing
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Rating
2.78Limited
Popularity
Barely rated