Biking & Brews Along the Metropolitan Beer Trail

If life is all about balance, then a bike‑and‑brew adventure on the Metropolitan Beer Trail is a great way to enjoy a day out in DC.  This was what we did with a group of friends on Father’s Day, and the mix of some active recreation and a little indulgence was perfect for celebrating the honorees.

The ride is actually along the Metropolitan Branch Trail that stretches from Fort Totten to Takoma Park.  A section of it, from NoMa through Eckington to Brookland, has been dubbed the “beer trail” thanks to the many bars and breweries easily accessible from the path.  That name has become more official since the NoMa BID created a mobile passport with a collection of 12 locations on the route. Using the app, you can check in to the places you visit to earn discounts at them.

It wasn’t our first time doing this brewery tour.  Our first experience was back in the fall, and we had a blast, so Levi was quite keen on the idea when I suggested it as a Father’s Day option.  We planned to go with friends and all of our oldest kids home for the summer from college (all of our younger kids were away on school trip, working, or out of town).  It’s a family-friendly outing — all ages are welcome at just about all of the stops on the route,  some with features just for kids  (and the kid in us adults).

While the “official” Metropolitan Beer Trail (ie, according to the NoMa BID map) runs from Union Station to Brookland, we started from where we live on Capitol Hill and hopped on the path by the REI at 2nd & L, then biked a couple of miles to our first stop.  If you don’t want to ride your own bike or maybe want the flexibility of getting home another way, you can rent a bike from Capital Bikeshare, Lime, or Veo — available all over the city.

We knew we couldn’t make it to all of the places, so we decided on the three at the end — City-State Brewing Co., Right Proper, and Dew Drop Inn.  We locked up our bikes at racks right off the trail below City‑State Brewing Co. and ended up leaving them there when we visited the other spots.  This was a small error on our part since we could have ridden further down the trail, but the phone map directed us a different way.  It was less than a 10-minute walk, though, and the other two places were very close to each other as well.

City-State was a great place to start — it has a long patio with several picnic-style tables that overlooks the trail, and inside is spacious, colorful, and lively. The beer menu is listed on wooden slats on the wall right behind the counter, arcade games line one wall, and long tables fill up the space between.  It’s very laid back, family-friendly, and generally has a nice vibe. The beer drinkers in our bunch all said their selections were tasty.  They have craft cocktails and a couple of slushy drinks, too.  And food trucks provide bites, a different one  each day of the week.

 

Right Proper Brewery and Taproom is at one end of the route, so it could be the start of the beer ride, which would work out well on weekends since it opens at noon. Inside, the tasting room is cozy with plenty of charm.  Along with some high top tables near the bar, there are cool murals and other fun stuff on the walls, a small seating nook, plus a bathroom with a piano in it that you can play if you want (just be sure to wash hands first!). Outside, there are two covered areas with tables.  One right next to the taproom is scattered with toys, and several little ones were playing while parents hung out.  There is another “streatery” area built along the curb.  There is no kitchen at this location, but outside food is welcome, and there is takeout available right around the corner.  The “kids” in our crew picked up tacos and quesadillas while the ‘rents enjoyed drinks. 

 

Our third and last stop was Dew Drop Inn, an expansive two-story tavern with big patios, including a deck on one side and a converted parking lot with covered seating. Last time we were here, it was evening, and there was a crowd inside with a live DJ and dancing (so fun!).  This time, we were there earlier, and it was much more mellow.  We grabbed one of the outdoor tables, drinks (boozy and soft), and a couple of pizzas from Lazy Bones, which has an oven set up right on the premises. Food trucks also pull up and offer food.

We ended our day after that — we were out for a good few hours —  but with nine other stops on the way, it easily could have been a much longer outing.  We lingered at each place, some of us getting food at a couple of them, and just hung out talking and enjoying the nice, cool weather that day.  Those more ambitious about making it to more stops should plan for a long day and budget their time at each.  However, I recommend just going with the flow.

I should note that we have been to some of the other breweries and bars, just not via bike ride, on the beer trail.
* Wunder Garten is a super fun German-style beer garden, really big with lots of long communal tables, plus cozier tent and cabana areas, seasonal fire pits, and good food available. Dog and kid-friendly, too.
* Red Bear Brewing Co. is located right next to the REI with outdoor patios on both 3rd Street and L Street along and a spacious indoors with long tables, lots of board games available, and a pretty extensive menu.
* metrobar is located in an actual old Metro car right across from The Alamo movie theater at Bryant Street. Along with seating inside the railcar, there is a large outdoor patio with a lot of tables, both covered and open. They often have fun events, many of them kid-friendly.

When I make it to other places on the beer trail, I’ll add some insight about them. For now, see the whole list of them.

Finally, I have to note that you don’t have to be a big beer enthusiast to enjoy this two–wheel tour. I prefer other drinks over beer and still love the whole adventure… ’cause the company and good times shared are what count most. 🙂

 

Have you done the Metropolitan Beer Trail?  If so, any good insight to add?