A Beer Lover's Guide to DC, Maryland & Virginia

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Top 10 DMV Breweries 


The DMV is one of the East Coast's craft beer capitals. From a 100% solar-powered brewery to one of only two Guinness experimental taprooms in the world — here are 10 breweries across DC, Maryland, and Virginia you need to visit.

1. Port City Brewing — Alexandria, VA

Alexandria's first craft brewery since Prohibition. Named Small Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in 2015, Port City combines award-winning beers with sustainable brewing practices. Expect a solid year-round lineup plus seasonal and limited releases — and don't leave without trying the malty Monumental IPA. Brewery tours available.

2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House — Halethorpe, MD

One of only two Guinness experimental taprooms in the world. This 10-barrel Maryland brewery pours barrel-aged beers, perfectly poured milk stouts, and Guinness Blonde, the outpost's flagship. Book a tour and tasting to explore the brand's heritage — reservations recommended.

3. Atlas Brew Works — Washington, DC

A 100-percent-solar-powered DC brewery with an ever-changing tap list of flagship and seasonal brews — from the District Common lager to the Blood Orange Gose. A must-visit if you care about how your beer is made as much as how it tastes.

4. Right Proper Brewing Company — Washington, DC

Named Washington's Best Local Brewery four years running by the Washingtonian. Two locations: the Brookland Production House & Tasting Room in Northeast DC, and the Shaw Brewpub & Kitchen in historic Shaw. Known for IPAs, stouts, and sours — plus elevated pub fare served seven days a week. Dog-friendly, too.

5. Denizens Brewing Co. — Riverdale Park, MD

The first production brewery in Montgomery County and a family-owned operation. Beyond craft beer, they serve hard seltzers, wine, and cocktails, with comfort food like pretzel bread and wings on the menu. Kids and dogs welcome — the easygoing entry point for first-time brewery visitors.

6. Aslin Beer Co. — Herndon, VA

A Northern Virginia standout, featured in the Snallygaster 2025 brewery lineup. Built a national following on juicy NEIPAs and pastry stouts — expect lines on limited-release days.

7. Ocelot Brewing Co. — Northern Virginia

A core member of the Northern Virginia craft scene, regularly featured alongside the region's best. Hop-forward IPA lineup is the strength — a consistent favorite among beer enthusiasts.

8. Monument City Brewing — Baltimore, MD

A respected name in Maryland's craft beer scene since 2014. Best known for its 51 Rye IPA — a flagship brewed with more than half rye grain for earthy, spicy notes balanced by bright citrus hops — plus the session IPA Speed Wobbles and the crisp Penchant Pils pilsner. The welcoming taproom lets you taste the full range in one visit.

9. Checkerspot Brewing Company — Baltimore, MD

A small-batch brewery known for gluten-reduced beers that don't compromise on flavor. Standouts include Juniperus IPA (7.4%, infused with juniper berries), Fancy Pants NE-style IPA, and Bird Is the Word, a 5.5% honey Kölsch made with local honey. Good news for gluten-sensitive beer lovers.

10. Adroit Theory Brewing Co. — Purcellville, VA

Northern Virginia's most distinctive personality. Heavy-metal-inspired labels and bold imperial stouts and triple IPAs. If you like your beer dark and intense, this is your destination.

Brewery Tour Checklist

  •  Plan transportation: check DC Metro access ahead of time.
  •  Confirm taproom hours: smaller breweries vary by day.
  •  Book tours in advance: Guinness Open Gate and others require reservations.
  •  Order a flight: taster sets are the best way to compare styles.
  •  Check food truck schedules: many host trucks on weekends — check social media.

Conclusion

The DMV's brewery appeal is its variety. One day you're at a Guinness experimental taproom — one of only two in the world — the next you're drinking on a family farm, and the day after you're raising a glass at a solar-powered brewery. Why not conquer one every weekend? 

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