Nightlife: Beer
NIGHTLIFE: BEER
By Katie Greenan and Dena Levitz / Photography by Erick Gibson
SPACEBAR
Rustico
4075 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 571-384-1820 and 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria; 703-224-5051; rusticorestaurant.com
With 400 beers and nearly 40 on tap year round, Rustico is a mecca for ales, lagers, ciders and stouts. Check out its website for seasonal ales and weekly and monthly events like block parties and beer tastings.
Lost Rhino Brewing Company
21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn; 571-291-2083; lostrhino.com
Craft brewing is alive and well in Northern Virginia and Lost Rhino’s brewers boast some of the tastiest pilsners and ales in the area. Whether you are a beer enthusiast or a novice, tasting your way through Rhino’s beverages will provide you with an “awesome” adventure.
(Check out how Lost Rhino is teaming up with a Janelia Farm scientist on one of their new brews, Farmwell Wheat, in our Relish section.)
Spacebar
709 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-992-0777; spcbr.com
This small bar will make you feel like you’re in a different world with space art on the walls and star-light fixtures. But the real focal point is the 24 beers on tap. Pair your favorite beverage with a grilled cheese Panini.
Port City Brewing Company
3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria; 703-797-2739; portcitybrewing.com
Off the beaten path in Alexandria is home to an innovator and leader in the craft breweries industry. Tap into a tour and enjoy the taste of seasonal and classic beers and pick the brains of some of the most talented brewers around.
Mad Fox
444 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-942-6840; madfoxbrewing.com
Nestled in Falls Church sits this ever-so busy brewery where the beer is always fresh and the friendly bartenders are quick to pour you a sample and listen to your queries. Local has never been better. Order the sampler.
Dogfish Head Ale House
Leesburg Pike, Seven Corners Shopping Center, Falls Church; 703-534-3342 and 13041 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, 703-961-1140; dogfishalehouse.com
It has been called, “A mecca for beer geeks.” It’s the modern-day Cheers where friends and strangers share stories around the bar over beers. Check out live music every weekend, and don’t leave without sampling its seasonal, Aprihop.
TUSCARORA MILL (PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN TIMMES)
Tuscarora Mill
203 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg; 703-771-9300; tuskies.com
You will find people of all ages flocking to the cozy bar at “Tuskies” for a world-wide beer selection, a great dinner and to share stories with friends. Arrive early on the weekends since it is tough to get a seat.
MacDowell’s Brew Kitchen
202 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg; 703-777-2739; macdowellsbrewkitchen.com
Across from Tuskies in historic Leesburg is this unique indoor/outdoor bar that features area bands year round and fire pits where you can meet new people or take a big group of friends. Head inside for a quieter, more intimate experience in what used to be a kitchen showroom.
| If you like | Try this | Try it at | |
| RusticoWhile most of the beers on tap are seasonal, ‘Tupper’ is a constant. If you prefer wheat beer, sample ‘Pretty in Pink’ or ‘Love.’ | |||
| Lost RhinoFor Pilsner lovers who prefer golden, creamy ale, taste the Rhino Chaser Pilsner. | |||
| Port CityYou’ll prefer the refreshing taste of the Essential Pale Ale or the hoppier, bitterer Monumental Pale Ale. | |||
| Mad FoxThe Two Hemispheres IPA, uses wet hops from strains of Australian Galaxy and American Citra. | |||
| Vintage 50In the words of the bartender, “Try the Catoctin Kolsch; it’s as if a Miller Light and a Corona had a baby.” |
(March 2013)
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