The 13 best breweries in DC

Bluejacket is known for its diverse and always rotating lineup of 20 draft beers. Located near Nationals Park and open since 2013, the brewpub—with attached restaurant The Arsenal—has been a key part of the redevelopment of Navy Yard. The space is a showstopper and an attraction in and of itself, which you can check out on an official tour on the weekend. Try one of the core brews, such as Lost Weekend or Forbidden Planet, before venturing into one of the cask ales or any of the latest offerings. You won't find the beers in any stores, so you'll need to get your fix at the brewery, with a limited selection of take home bottles for sale on-site.

Right Proper has built upon its early success, adding a Brookland tap room and production house in addition to its original Shaw brewpub. The spirit remains the same, but the beers may differ. At the brewpub, with its five-barrel brewing rig, expect a near constantly changing lineup. At the production house and its larger 15-barrel system, you can tour the facility and try a selection of a dozen of draft beers, including classics such as Raised by Wolves or Haxan and a selection of seasonal and limited releases. Tasting sizes, pints and growlers are available at both locations—and expect to see some of the brewery’s offerings at bars around the city.

Back in 2009, DC Brau was the first production brewery (therefore not just a brewpub) to open within the city in over 50 years. Classic offerings here include the Corruption, the Public and the Citizen—all available on draft around the area as well as down at the beer store by the pack. DC Brau’s national presence has been increasing as well, so beer fans around the country are now familiar with the name.

Port City opened in Alexandria, Virginia in 2011 and has become one of the area's most well known breweries. Lineup classics include the Optimal Wit, Essential Pale Ale and Monumental IPA, but the limited edition stouts are what are mostly always on high-demand. Can’t make it all the way to the brewery? Worry not: Your local beer store likely stocks their offerings.