On December 29, 2022, I made a trip into Washington DC and took the opportunity to visit the Other Half Brewing DC taproom. Matt Monahan is one of three co-founders and I've talked with him at a few festivals and tastings. From the few times we’ve chatted I've learned he is very knowledgable about making great beer and open with his knowledge. I mentioned to him that I was going to stop by the brewery and he opened the doors to me and his GM. I got there a bit late so missed the GM but did get to talk with Alex, the beer-tender that evening who was very helpful and affable. But then all the staff I met with were great, but Alex did stand out, addressing me by name, offering industry discounts, suggesting beer selections, bringing our take out food to our table.
If you have experienced Other Half beers you know they are some of the best IPAs in the business. These guys know their hops. On tap this particular evening were sours, a milk stout, a BBA stout, and apple cider.
Food & Parking
Ivy City BBQ is just around the corner. Their prices are good and the pizza better as was the salmon burger. Recommended!
Parking was not an issue, but I see that it could be on some occasions. But hey, this it the big city.
The taproom is bright and open. The outside tables were heated and covered.
The Top 10 Craft Breweries With the Most 5-Star Check-Ins of 2022
In an Untappd blog post titled The Top 10 Craft Breweries With the Most 5-Star Check-Ins of 2022 Other Half Brewing was ranked #4, ahead of such well knowns as Toppling Goliath and The Alchemist. Topping the list were Russian River, Bell’s Brewery, and Tree House Brewing.
Their beer fridge is loaded with take outs so that your beer fridge will be happy.
“Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan, and Andrew Burman founded Other Half Brewing Company in Brooklyn, NY in 2014 with a simple mission: to create beer that they wanted to drink from a company that they wanted to be a part of. Their vision was to push the boundaries of beer and the culture that surrounds it by representing the “Other Half” of the industry.”
“Since opening our first taproom in 2014, we’ve been dedicated to building the evolution of the local brewery, and have since grown to add spaces in New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, the Finger Lakes, and Buffalo. We invest in each of our local communities with limited-edition beer, merchandise, and experiences. We create spaces for real-world relationships to grow, and always leave room for innovation to take us in new directions.”
Final Thoughts
I normally write about Maryland beer but the Other Half, originating in Brooklyn NY now as seven locations and the closest in DC, just about 2.5 miles from the Maryland state line. There beer is exceptional and within an easy drive for any Maryland beer geek — a road trip well worth the time.
GETTING THERE
1401 Okie St NE
Washington, DC
