Brewpub near Reagan International Airport?

[Chao]

Hello, hopefully this is not a redundant post (I checked for answers before posting, and wan't able to find a relevant thread). I'm meeting a friend from grad school tomorrow in the DC area... he's staying in Arlington, fairly close to the airport. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good brewpub nearby (within a 5-10 miledrive)? We're really just looking for a place with good beer/burgers and not so loud that we can't hear each other. Thanks!

[Chao]

Just to update, we ended up going to the Capitol City Brewery in Shirlington. We ordered the hummus for starters, which was great, then I had the grilled salmon, my friend had the ribs. No complaints about the food, and the beer (Sour Puss for me, Amber Waves for my friend) was really good. The only issue occured about halfway through the meal. We were seated in a booth towards the back, across the walkway form the bathrooms.My friend, who was facing towards the bathrooms, noticed that a waiter was sitting on a stool by the entrance with a can of air freshener that he would spray around every 3-4 minutes. This ended up really annoying us, so we decided to leave. I got up to use the bathroom before we moved on, and ended up getting almost tackled by two waiters as I made my way to the Ladies room. Apparantly, their bathrooms were "closed" and I was asked to use the facilities at the restaurant "down the street" instead (it was 9pm and frigid outside, btw.). We left, and, as we passed the hostess stand, we asked the hostess what was going on. Apparently, something catastrophic had happened with their plumbing ... "it's a feces thing" said the hostess with aplomb. I think they had to evacuate the restaurant; when we walked by on the way back from the restaurant down the street (Bistro Bistro - excellent bartender and nice selection of single malts), the place was empty and signs were posted saying the place was closed due to plumbing.
I don't blame Cap City for a plumbing accident ,of course,and we had a great time there before the "accident." Just thought I'd relate the anecdote and say thanks again for all the recommendations.

[blanchedubois]

I'd recommend sticking to the burgers or the hummus at Cap City. Beer is good there (natch) but I've found most of the menu really disappointing.

[Bill4242]

Agreed. Like I said, decent bar food, nothing more (and generally too pricey for what it is). I go there for the beer. (The seasonals are usually the most interesting).

The Cuban tacos aren't bad, however, and those soft pretzels with the horseradish mustard are outstanding.

[round hound]

Not exactly a brew pub, but a place that specializes in beer and also features a cask of conditioned real ale every night. And, it's only 10 minutes/3.5 miles from the airport.
Rustico Restaurant and Bar on Slater's Lane in Alexandria. Really good pizzas too.
http://www.rusticorestaurant.com/

[Bill4242]

I love Rustico's beer selection, but the food may be a bit fancy/expensive for what he's looking for. Although the pizzas are yummy.

The atmosphere's a little upscale/yuppie for grabbing a beer and a burger with a buddy, however. I guess it depends on them and their taste...

[Chao]

Thanks for the link... I think we're probably going to go with Capitol City for tonight, but I appreciate the tip on where to find real ale... may have to make a side-trip to pick up a six-pack to go (as mentioned on the website) or a quick pint, esp since I see they have Lefthand Milk Stout on tap!

[Bill4242]

Brewpubs within 5-10 miles of National:

1. Capitol City in Arlington (Shirlington)
2. Rock Bottom in Arlington (Ballston)
3. Cap City in DC (downtown and near Union Station)
4. Gordon Biersch in DC (Chinatown)
5. District Chophouse in DC (Chinatown)

Farther out there's a GB in Tyson's, a Sweetwater in Merrifield and the Old Dominion brewpub way out by Dulles.

Since you'll be in Arlington, I'd recommend Cap City. Decent beers and bar food, including burgers. Its in Shirlington, just off 395. Here's their website: http://www.capcitybrew.com/locations....

[Chao]

Looks good, just printed out directions. Do you know if parking will be an issue? Thanks!

[jpschust]

Probably not in shirlington, probably so in DC.

[Bill4242]

There are several free parking garages in the area.

[dinwiddie]

BTW, that is Regan National Airport, not International

[Bill4242]

Actually, its "Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport."

But I still just refer to it as "National."

[Dennis S]

I refer to it still in the same way.

In addition to Cap City in Shirlington, I'll add Bungalow also in Shirlington, especially if there's any desire for wings - I consider theirs the best hot wings in the area. (there are better other wings elsewhere, but that's another post).

[Chao]

Oop. Sorry. In my defense, I posted before drinking my coffee (silly, just silly).

[Chao]

Cool, thanks for the recs. The Lebanese place sounds great, although I'm not sure my friend will go for it. If not, I'll give it a try some other time (love Mediterannean food!)

[jpschust]

It's not e brewpub, though Sine in Crystal City has acceptable burgers and beer. In that same center is Lebanese Taverna with great mediterranian food. You aren't too far from Ruth's Chris & Morton's, probably too upscale for what you're talking about. Crystal City- close to Reagan- is kind of big box store hell, but if you look closely there's some decent stuff. Also, Crystal City Sports Bar is ok. Stay away from Bailey's at all costs though.