Hop to it: Head to Lyon Hall in Arlington for a pint—or three.
Lyon Hall
Beer director David McGregor curates the selection at this brasserie in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood, drawing from both domestic and international breweries. Take note of the bar’s large format category, which features a wide selection of oversize bottles, including San Diego’s Green Flash Imperial IPA and brews from Belgian La Chouffe. 3100 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-741-7636
Mad Fox Brewing Company
Patrons can choose to sample four 4 oz. pours of their choosing or order a growler for a full-size taste of the local brewery’s distinct fermentations. Seasoned beermaker Bill Madden holds a degree from the Master Brewers Program at the University of California-Davis. 444 West Broad St., Falls Church, VA, 703-942-6840
Regional Food and Drink Washington
With more than 300 bottles of beer available and a rotating selection of 30 brews on tap, this bar attracts the most serious hops hounds. The international beer list includes rare finds like Xingu from Brazil, Almaza from Lebanon, and Chang Thai lager. The back-room bar is perfect for private events and accommodates up to 150 guests. 810 Seventh St. NW, 202-289- 2030
Smith Commons
Exposed brick, handsome upholstery, and plenty of outdoor seating sets the scene at this three-level bistro located in the H Street Corridor, also known as the Atlas Arts District. The bistro menu features dishes such as chickpea ravioli, parsley-crusted grouper, and even turducken. 1245 H St. NE, 202-396-0038
The Big Hunt
One of the District’s oldest bars, The Big Hunt comprises three floors that are regularly full of happy imbibers taking advantage of the 27 beers on tap. Tasty Mexican fare is available at Tomatillo Taqueria at The Big Hunt, an eatery conveniently located next door, to satisfy beer-whetted appetites. 1345 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-785-2333
Dr. Granville Moore’s
Beverage director Matt LeBarron has a love for all things Flemish. He offers more than 50 Belgian beers by the bottle on his menu, as well as Belgian-style American and local craft brews. Of note is the diverse selection of Trappist beers, which are produced or supervised by monastic communities. 1238 H St. NE, 202-399-2546
The Black Squirrel
At The Black Squirrel, customers will encounter 57 tap lines and more than 50 kinds of bottles on its beer list that changes almost daily. The Black Squirrel focuses on American craft beers and interesting imports. Live bands perform in the basement taproom several nights a week and on weekends. 2427 18th St. NW, 202-232-1011
Capitol City Brewing Company
With seven or eight locally crafted beers on tap at any time, Capitol City Brewing Company has been brewing English-, German-, and Belgian-style brews for Washingtonians since it was established in 1992. Sample the mildly sweet Capital Kolsch ale or the chocolatey Prohibition Porter. 1100 New York Ave. NW, 202-628-2222
Magnolias at the Mill
Located in an old mill in Purcellville, Virginia, Magnolias at the Mill considers beer as an “artisan creation that should be enjoyed for its complexity,” according to managing partner Shawn Malone. Magnolias offers a rotating seasonal beer list with 30 beers on tap and even more in bottles. 198 N. 21st St., Purcellville, VA, 540-338-9800















