Drink local
Raise a toast to Arlington’s breweries and beer-centric restaurants and bars, which make the county a go-to-spot for great beer.
With Virginia ranking 11th in the nation for total number of craft breweries in 2021, Arlington holds its own for local breweries and beer-centric restaurants and bars. Indeed, you won’t lack for a place to hoist an iced-cold one in a congenial setting. The county is quickly becoming recognized as a go-to spot for great beer.
A few local brewers really know their suds. Beer aficionados gravitate to the New District Brewing Company, Arlington’s first production brewery since 1916, in Shirlington. Sample beers like the popular Belgian-style saison 1821 or a seasonal selection in this brewery and tasting room with a warehouse vibe.
Another place known for great brews is Clarendon’s The Board Room, winner of a 2020 First Place Award and a 2021 Third Place Award in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. Grab a pitcher of local IPA and settle in for a fun evening of great food, big-screen sports watching and old-school board games with friends.
You won’t lack for choice when it comes to restaurants and bars with good beer selections. Ballston has more than its share. They include Rustico, which serves hundreds of draft and bottled beers along with hearth-driven food. Wet your whistle from the 50 craft beers on tap and more than 250 bottled craft beers and ciders at Crafthouse, which also has tasty craft fare. The World of Beer offers almost 300 craft beers from around the world, while Bronson Bierhall specializes in Germany. Its authentic German-American food and delicious beer is served at long communal tables, traditional German beer-hall style.
In Clarendon, Lyon Hall is a bustling European brasserie that serves some of the world’s most notable beers, including 20 on tap.
Although Rebellion on the Pike in Columbia Pike is known for its wide selection of whiskey and bourbon, it also delivers a variety of craft brews.
Raise a pint to Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza in Pentagon City, which specializes in thin and crispy pies to enjoy with their extensive list of beers brewed in partnership with Virginia-based Aslin Beer Company. Another pizzeria is Fire Works in the Courthouse neighborhood, which serves wood-fired pizzas and a full menu of craft beer, wine and cocktails.
Also in Courthouse are three more neighborhood hangouts: Courthouse Social is a popular beer garden and sports bar serving 24 beers on tap — from IPAs and ales to pilsners and lagers — and American-style cuisine. Go for craft brews, handcrafted cocktails and acoustic music at Ragtime. Join sports fans to watch the game, hoist a draft beer or a signature cocktail, and enjoy special game-day food and drinks at Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill.
Sample 40 drafts while enjoying trivia and karaoke at the hip Highline RxR in Crystal City.
The Continental Beer Garden in the Rosslyn neighborhood is great for an after-work toast with craft beer and outdoor seating in season.
Arlington even has a Great Wall of Beer, a Who’s Who of more than 1,000 — count ‘em —domestics, imports and microbrews at the Westover Market & Beer Garden. Cheers!