by Lauren Sloat - 260 Reviews - 86 List
Washington, D.C., has some excellent spots to grab a beer--but you can't beat a D.C. beer garden for a relaxing place to unwind with a pint. Whether it's a Bavarian-themed spot fit for 300 or a more intimate bar bedecked in string lights, the district has a great collection of beer gardens for the next time you want to sling some back outdoors.
Updated: August 09, 2010
Washingtonians from all corners of the district anticipated the opening of this H Street bar, and for good reason: The 300-person beer garden brings Bavaria to life with frothy liters of German drafts, authentically dressed accordion players and multiple views of the big game--all from the comfort of a shaded picnic bench.
From the outdoor bathtub to the purple string lights and gold gurgling fountain, there's no shortage of eye candy at this H Street bar, but it's the beer garden out back that we're drawn to. It's a quiet spot to escape the DJ and enjoy something from the bar's bottled and canned beer collection. Just get there early--it closes at midnight.
Busy every night of the week, this U Street restaurant and lounge boasts a rooftop beer garden with more than 30 Belgian ales and blondes. A limited bar menu is available, but save the dining for downstairs: The rooftop is all about enjoying a cold brew in the breeze.
This Columbia Heights hipster hangout is as popular for its sweaty upstairs dance floor as it is for its bohemian beer garden; an impressive selection of brews on tap (and more available by the bottle) makes it a draw for a low-key night outside.
Enjoy one of D.C.'s best Belgian beer selections from Brasserie Beck's large outdoor patio, open April through October. The McPherson square spot boasts nine draft brews and more than 100 bottles.
