Beer gardens first popped up in 19th century Bavaria and more specifically in Munich, where brewers would plant gardens above their underground beer cellars (German: Bierkeller) to keep them at a cool temperature while the beer fermented.
Made up of long tables and benches set up among trees that would offer shade, beer gardens also offered food and even live music during special festivities.
Today, beer gardens are outdoor spaces where local food and craft beer are served. Particularly in D.C., they serve rustic and malty draft beer and a selection of delicious food, ranging from American-style bar food to German beer garden staples, like gooey soft pretzels and delicious pork knuckle.
We’re sure that our list of beer gardens in D.C. will satisfy all your beer needs, so let’s hop to it!
1. Hook Hall
This dog-friendly bar doubles as a farmer’s market on Sundays.
Their large, organized, and extremely elaborate drink menu featuring over 32 brews on tap and more, has all the alcohol you can think of, guaranteed to have something for everyone.
Hook Hall is known for hosting a range of events, from live sports screenings to baby showers and weddings.
🍻 3400 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
2. Denizens Brewing Company
Located in Riverdale Park, Maryland, Denizens is a family-owned brewery that has been “brewing craft beer for every palate since 2014”.
They have a variety of award-winning beers in over 150 styles and they serve delicious cocktails too. If you want to branch out and experiment with new beers, choose a hoppy IPA or a crisp lager and pair it with an appetizer or a main course that matches perfectly with your tasty drinks.
🍻 4550 Van Buren St. Riverdale Park, MD 20737
3. Garden District
Get the D.C. experience by enjoying a pint of draft or craft beer, or cider and all-American food in the heart of Washington, D.C. Garden District is a legendary barbeque and draft beer spot.
Combine fried pickles, or a pulled pork sandwich with an Offshoot ‘Drifting’ Pale Ale or a classic Hofbräu for an incredible meal you won’t soon forget.
Best of all, you can enjoy the beer garden even during the cold winter months thanks to their handy butane cylinders.
🍻 1801 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
4. Shaw Brewpub and Kitchen
What started as a small neighborhood brewpub next to The Howard Theatre in the Shaw neighborhood, is now the go-to spot for groups of friends to share appetizers and a few laughs.
Shaw Brewpub and Kitchen by Right Proper Brewing Company has a lovely rotating selection of house-made brews seven days a week varying from floral weissbier to dry-hopped pale ale.
And once you’ve had a few cold beers, make sure to order the Beer-Battered Fish Tacos or the Plymouth Black Truffle cheese plate.
🍻 624 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
See more: 10 of the best hot chocolates in D.C. to keep cozy this winter
5. Wunder Garten DC
This North of Massachusetts beer garden is ‘pitcher’ perfect.
Wunder Garten is inspired by the beer gardens in the south of Germany and annually hosts Oktoberfest and other signature events like Frühlingsfest and Winterfest to enhance the whole experience.
Try a light lager at the tented Bier Pavilion, enjoy a hard seltzer in a cabana, or warm up next to the seasonal fire pits with a cocktail in hand.
🍻 1101 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
6. Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten
Sauf Haus claims to be “the largest and most authentic German Biergarten” in D.C. and it’s definitely up there.
This Dupont Circle beer garden features two levels of long communal tables, exposed brick details, and a cool ambiance.
The overall atmosphere depends on which day of the week you choose to visit – Monday to Wednesday, the mood is more relaxed, although it’s good to note that on Mondays happy hour lasts all day long!
If you’re in a party mood, starting Thursday DJs are mixing some major hits to create an incredible fun atmosphere.
🍻 1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
7. The Midlands
Another pup-friendly beer garden, The Midlands is the sportsman’s idea of heaven.
I mean, picture watching your favorite game in an electric setting as you sip down your favorite brews. Happy hour happens every day on the weekend at this local bar, with $5 off all bottles of wine, and $5 off all beer flights.
They have 26 draft beers and a selection of wines and cocktails that pair perfectly with their many bar snacks such as their giant 10oz soft pretzel, nachos, and sandwiches.
🍻 3333 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
8. The Brig
The Brig is a laid-back and pet-friendly bar/beer garden, situated between Barracks Row and the Navy Yard.
They have been offering a wide selection of beers and cocktails since 2016, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and bar snacks to keep the munchies at bay. There’s Trivia Night every Tuesday at 8:00 pm, but also, keep an eye on their socials for regular updates on events.
🍻 1007 8th St SE #1, Washington, DC 20003
9. Westover Market Beer Garden
At Westover Market Beer Garden you can choose from six rotating draft lines, including Ayinger Celebrator, Hofbräu Original, and Pipeline Pilsner.
Only a short drive from D.C., they are open every day of the year starting at 11:30 am, except Sundays (10:00 am). Savor the delicious fresh and organic food from the market and order the yummy sandwiches from the market’s butcher shop.
🍻 5863 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205