Best Places To Buy Beer In Dc

If you're looking to buy beer in Washington, DC, you're in luck! The district has a wide variety of options, from breweries and taprooms to bars, stores, and restaurants. DC's unique liquor laws mean that bars and restaurants can purchase alcohol directly from breweries and distilleries, so you'll find a great selection of local beers. You can also buy beer at grocery and liquor stores every day of the week, including Sundays, from 9 am to 10 pm. If you're not sure where to start, check out some of the popular spots like Schneider's of Capitol Hill, Craft Beer Cellar DC, or Whole Foods Market. For craft beer lovers, DC offers many local breweries that distribute their beers directly to stores, restaurants, and bars. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll have no trouble finding a cold one in the nation's capital!

Beer, wine and spirits shops in DC

Washington, DC, has a wide variety of shops where you can buy beer, wine, and spirits. Because DC is not a state, it has some unique liquor laws that allow bars and restaurants to purchase alcohol directly from breweries and distilleries, resulting in a diverse selection of local beers.

Logan Circle

• Barrel House Liquors: Located in Logan Circle, this shop offers a wide range of beer, wine, and liquor options.
• Whole Foods Market P Street Logan Circle: This Whole Foods location offers an ever-changing selection of beer and wine, with knowledgeable staff to assist you.

Dupont Circle

• Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquors: Located in Dupont Circle, this shop offers a great selection, including some beers unavailable in most places in DC.
• 1 West Dupont Circle Wine And Liquor: A great place to find specialty scotch and other liquors.

Capitol Hill

Schneider’s Of Capitol Hill: A well-known liquor store in the Capitol Hill area, offering a range of options, including bourbon.

H Street Corridor/Atlas District/Near Northeast

Craft Beer Cellar DC: A popular spot for beer lovers, Craft Beer Cellar DC often hosts beer tastings and offers a diverse selection.

Georgetown

Potomac Wines and Spirits: A go-to spot for locals and visitors looking for a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits.

Alexandria

Grape + Bean–Rosemont: Located in Alexandria, they offer a weekly beer email newsletter to keep you updated on what's on tap and new releases.

Other Notable Mentions:

• D’Vines Columbia Heights: Known for its great growler prices and a wide variety of beers on tap, including some unique options.
• Rodman’s Friendship Heights: This shop offers a great selection of international beers at competitive prices, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
• Gilly’s Craft Beer & Fine Wine: A place to enjoy a freshly made sandwich with a beer on tap or shop for a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits.
• Total Wine & More: Often compared to a Costco for beer and wine, this store offers a vast selection at competitive prices.

Local breweries and distilleries

Washington, D.C. is home to a thriving craft beer and spirits scene, with local breweries and distilleries offering unique experiences and a wide range of beverage options.

Local Breweries

Washington, D.C.'s local breweries offer a diverse selection of craft beers, from IPAs and lagers to stouts and ales. Here are some notable breweries in the area:

• Right Proper Brewing Company: Located in the historic Shaw neighborhood, Right Proper offers a cozy brewpub experience with a rotating selection of in-house taps and a menu of coveted, affordable eats. Their Brookland Production House & Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Sunday and allows patrons to bring their own food.
• Red Bear Brewing Co.: As the District's only 100% gay-owned brewery, Red Bear Brewing Co. brings a Pacific Northwest vibe to the city. They offer a range of hoppy West Coast IPAs, creative ales, and other brews in a 7,000-square-foot industrial-chic space adorned with Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood. The family-friendly brewery also features board games, live music, and drag shows.
• Solace Brewing Company: With taps throughout the city and multiple locations in Sterling, Falls Church, and DC's Navy Yard, Solace Brewing has become a DC-area favorite. Popular brews include the Lucy Juicy double IPA, Partly Cloudy IPA, and 2 Legit 2 Wit Belgian Wit.
• Lost Generation Brewing Company: This husband-and-wife-owned brewery, located in the Eckington neighborhood, offers a diverse selection of ales, lagers, and seasonal brews. They are easily accessible from the Metropolitan Branch Trail and frequently host food trucks.
• City-State Brewing Co.: Located off the popular Metropolitan Branch Trail, City-State Brewing is an ambitious beer startup with a 13,000-square-foot microbrewery and taproom. They offer D.C.-themed brews such as the Equal Marriage hefeweizen and District Juice hazy IPA.
• Hellbender Brewing Company: Hellbender focuses on environmentally friendly practices and offers flagship beers like the German-style Bare Bones Kolsch, the citrusy Ignite IPA, and the floral Red Line Ale. They host food trucks and various events, including open mic nights and trivia.
• Atlas Brew Works: With locations in Ivy City and Half Street, Atlas Brew Works offers a range of popular beers, including the Ponzi IPA, Blood Orange gose, and Dance of Days pale ale. Their taproom is open for tours on Saturdays, and they have a vending machine with local snacks and frequent food trucks.
• DC Brau Brewing Company: DC's first packaging brewery since 1956, DC Brau is known for its hoppy brews like The Public American Pale Ale, The Corruption IPA, and The Citizen Belgian Ale. Their 50,000-square-foot facility features a taproom and outdoor beer garden open on weekends.
• Bluejacket: With over 20 beers and five cask brews, Bluejacket offers an expansive range of lagers and ales in a 5,600-square-foot space. Their innovative and full-flavored offerings buck the macrobrew trend and sometimes result from collaborations with brewers from across the country.
• Port City Brewing Company: Located just outside DC in Alexandria, Virginia, Port City was the first production brewery to open in the area. They offer a range of well-made, straightforward beers, including the Optimal Wit, Integral IPA, and Port City Porter. Their tasting room is open daily, and they frequently host food trucks.

Local Distilleries

In addition to breweries, Washington, D.C. is also home to several notable distilleries offering unique spirits, tours, and tasting experiences:

• Founding Spirits at Farmers & Distillers: This distillery and restaurant near Chinatown specialize in small-batch vodka, whiskey, and amaro. Their in-house spirits are incorporated into an extensive cocktail list, paired with a menu covering a wide range of cuisines.
• Cotton & Reed Distillery: Founded by former NASA colleagues, Cotton & Reed offers tours, cocktails, tastings, and bottle sales every day of the week. They specialize in rum and have a shared passion for spirits.
• George Washington's Mount Vernon Distillery: A functioning distillery and gristmill, this attraction offers a glimpse into the first President's successful whiskey business. It is located near Mount Vernon and is typically open on weekends from early spring through the end of October.
• Republic Restoratives: The largest crowd-funded distillery in the world, Republic Restoratives is 100% women-owned and LGBTQ+-owned. They offer a range of spirits, including Purpose Rye, Civic Vodka, and Madam, a commemorative whiskey honoring Vice President Kamala Harris. While tours are currently paused, they offer bottle sales for local delivery, pick-up, and nationwide shipping.
• Don Ciccio & Figli Spirits: Reviving family traditions from Italy's Amalfi coast, this Ivy City distillery creates Italian spirits such as limoncello, amaro, and aperitifs using handed-down recipes. They offer free tastings on Saturdays and serve specialty cocktails at Bar Sirenis on Saturdays.

Buying beer online

If you're looking to buy beer in Washington, DC, there are plenty of options, including buying online. Here is a guide to buying beer online in DC:

With the recent legalisation of ordering alcohol online in Washington DC, you can now get beer delivered straight to your door. Drizly offers same-day delivery of beer, wine, and liquor, so you can enjoy your favourite drinks without even leaving your home. This is a convenient option for those who want a hassle-free way to purchase alcohol.

Variety of Online Retailers

When buying beer online in DC, you have a variety of retailers to choose from. In addition to Drizly, you can also order from local breweries and distilleries, many of which offer online sales and delivery. This means you can support local businesses while enjoying the convenience of online shopping.

Eligibility and Requirements

There are some important things to keep in mind when ordering beer online in DC. Firstly, alcohol delivery is restricted to DC residences only. Additionally, the minimum age to purchase alcohol in DC is 21, and delivery personnel are required to verify the age and identity of the recipient. Make sure to have a valid government-issued photo ID ready when receiving your beer delivery.

Curbside Delivery

Another option for buying beer online is to take advantage of curbside delivery. Many establishments in DC offer this as a convenient and safe way to pick up your beer order. Curbside delivery must be provided to individuals who are 21 or older, and drivers should be careful not to block the road or bicycle lanes.

Third-Party Vendors

It's worth noting that licensed establishments in DC are allowed to partner with third-party vendors to deliver alcoholic beverages. This means you may receive your beer order from a different vendor than the one you originally placed it with. However, the same age verification and identification requirements apply to these deliveries as well.

Online Ordering from Stores

In addition to dedicated online retailers, many physical stores in DC also offer the option to purchase beer online. For example, Whole Foods Market, which has several locations in DC, allows customers to place orders for beer and other alcoholic beverages through their website for pickup or delivery. This gives you even more options when it comes to buying beer online in the District.

Beer, wine and spirits delivery services

If you're looking to get beer, wine, and spirits delivered to your door in Washington, DC, there are several options available to you. Here is a detailed guide to help you out:

Drizly

Drizly is a popular option for same-day delivery of beer, wine, and liquor in DC. With Drizly, you can get your favourite alcoholic beverages delivered right to your doorstep. The best part is that it offers a wide range of options, from well-known brands to local specials. You can place your order online or through their app, and it will be delivered in as little as 30-60 minutes.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery is another excellent choice for alcohol delivery in DC. They partner with local stores to bring you a wide selection of wine, beer, liquor, and even mixers. You can browse through their extensive offerings and place your order conveniently. Minibar Delivery is known for its fast delivery times, often bringing your order within 30 to 60 minutes as well. They also offer a convenient tipping feature during checkout or as a cash tip for your delivery driver.

Ace Beverage Fine Wines and Spirits

Ace Beverage is a long-standing, family-owned business in Washington, DC, offering fine wines and spirits since 1934. They provide top-notch beverage curating services for weddings and events, working closely with local caterers and venues. Ace Beverage offers same-day delivery and curbside pickup options, ensuring your beverages are taken care of from the first toast to the final pickup. They also have a $40 minimum purchase requirement for DC deliveries.

Local Stores

In addition to dedicated delivery services, many local stores in DC also offer delivery options. Here are some notable mentions:

• Imperial Wine and Spirits: Located in Downtown DC, this shop offers a well-curated selection of beer, wine, and liquor.
• Schneider's of Capitol Hill: A go-to spot for Capitol Hill residents, offering a range of beer, wine, and spirits.
• Craft Beer Cellar DC: As the name suggests, this spot in the H Street Corridor/Atlas District/Near Northeast area is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts.
• Washington Wine & Liquor: The place to go if you're staying at the Herrington Hotel.
• Barrel House Liquors: Found in Logan Circle, they offer a great selection of wine, beer, and liquor.
• 1 West Dupont Circle Wine and Liquor: Dupont Circle residents love this spot for its specialty scotch and whisky selection.
• Potomac Wines and Spirits: A Georgetown favourite for all your beer, wine, and spirits needs.
• Gilly's Craft Beer & Fine Wine: Offering a unique experience with fresh sandwiches and a variety of beers on tap.
• Total Wine & More: With a vast selection that rivals Costco, you're sure to find great deals on beer, wine, and spirits here.

DC liquor laws

DC's liquor laws are surprisingly relaxed compared to other states. Firstly, there are no restrictions on Sunday sales, unlike many other states. Alcohol can be purchased every day, including Sundays, from 9 am to 10 pm in grocery and liquor stores. In licensed bars and restaurants, alcohol can be purchased from 10 am to 2 am.

DC is unique in that bars and restaurants can purchase alcohol directly from breweries and distilleries, whereas other states mandate the use of a wholesaler. This means that local beers are widely available, distributed directly by small breweries to stores, restaurants, and bars.

Spirits are available at packaged liquor stores, and craft beers and spirits can be purchased directly from local breweries and distilleries for on- and off-premise consumption from 7 am to midnight every day. Off-premise purchases must be in sealed containers.

The drinking age in DC is 21, and a valid ID must be produced to purchase alcohol. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed in public places that are not part of an Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)-licensed establishment.

Frequently asked questions