When you think “craft beer capital,” your mind might jump to the Pacific Northwest or New England — but don’t discount the Mid-Atlantic region. From the cobblestone streets of Alexandria to the historic charm of Baltimore and the cultural crossroads of Washington, DC, this region is quietly — and confidently — becoming a destination for beer lovers.
The Mid-Atlantic region is fast becoming a destination for beer lovers. (Photo Credit: Teo Do Rio)
The DC-Baltimore beer scene is brimming with bold brews and boundary-pushing flavor. (Photo Credit: Harrison Mitchell)
Treat yourself after a day of exploring the nation’s capital. (Photo Credit: Harrison Mitchell)
Here, you’ll find breweries pouring bold, boundary-pushing flavors alongside tried-and-true classics. Some tap rooms double as community gathering spots, pairing their pours with trivia nights, yoga sessions, or vinyl-only DJ sets. Others lean into the culinary, with food menus and beer flights that rival some of the city’s best restaurants.
Whether you’re a hophead on the hunt for the next great double IPA or someone who simply appreciates a crisp lager after a day of museum-hopping, the beer scene in and around DC offers something special — and surprising.
Washington, DC Breweries
If you want a beloved local DC brew, try DC Brau
DC Brau opened in 2011 as DC’s first US-packaged brewery since 1956 to much fanfare, and is now one of the fastest growing breweries in the States. Brewed and canned in Northeast DC, DC Brau is served in tons of restaurants and bars around the city either on tap or by can. Try the seasonal Penn Quarter Porter — part porter and part stout, this hearty brew touts a chocolatey undertone with a dry, roasted finish.
DC’s beer scene is serving up flavor with a strong sense of place. (Photo Credit: @monacodc)
Make Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC your home base. (Photo Credit: @ljprada)
Take your taste buds on a tour of the city. (Photo Credit: @monacodc)
If you want a brew with a light carbon footprint, try Hellbender Brewing and Atlas Brew Works
Hellbender crafts saisons and IPAs through a unique and highly efficient mash filter brewing process which significantly reduces their impact on the natural resources necessary to brew their beers.
At Atlas Brew Works, their handcrafted, small-batch beers are made in a 100% solar-powered brewery, and packaged in 100% recyclable aluminum cans. Their flagship beers are the District Common (a common-style lager), Rowdy (a hop-forward rye ale), and Ponzi (an American IPA).
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, DC, Kimpton Banneker Hotel, or Kimpton George Hotel
Alexandria, Virginia Breweries
If you like craft beer with a side of physical activity, try Port City Brewing
Port City Brewing features styles of craft beers ranging from robust porters to crisp and citrusy Belgian White ales. To burn a few calories as you consume, check out one of the brewery’s events, including BeerYoga on Tuesday nights, the Joggers and Lagers running group on Monday nights, and a Pedals ‘N’ Pints monthly bike ride.
In Alexandria, level up your homebrew hobby — submit your recipe, get expert tips, and maybe even see your beer on tap. (Photo Credit: Thais Barros)
If you like to brew your own beer and want to take it to the next level, try Portner Brewhouse
Get inspired by the pre-Prohibition era recipes for Hofbrau Pilsner and Vienna Cabinet Lager at Portner Brewhouse, and consider joining their Craft Beer Test Kitchen program. Under the direction of their head brewer and tasting panel, you can submit your beer recipe and samples for evaluation, then host a launch party when your beer is placed on tap!
Baltimore, Maryland Breweries
If you like beers with quirky flavors, try Union Craft Brewing
If you’re more of a traditionalist, Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore features classic flavors like the Anthem golden ale and their original, hoppy Duckpin pale ale, but try going outside of your comfort zone with their creative flavors. Fraggle Rock is a kettle sour ale infused with strawberry and rhubarb, or there’s Snow Pants, a winter seasonal oatmeal stout rich and creamy with the flavors of chocolate and dark malt.
Can’t narrow down your brewery options in Baltimore? No problem. (Photo Credit: @elevate)
If you like the option of trying a range of Baltimore-based breweries, try City Brew Tours
If you can’t narrow down all of the breweries you want to try in the Baltimore area, book a trip on the Original Baltimore Brew Tour with City Brew Tours. The five-hour tour visits four of Baltimore’s best breweries including Heavy Seas and Waverly Brewing Co., stopping to sample up to 16 different beer styles. You’ll also enjoy a light lunch with a beer pairing.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore
