WASHIGNTON, D.C. — After visiting New Columbia Distillery, my friends and I took the several block journey to Atlas Brew Works on West Virginia Ave. Many of the same people we saw at the distillery had also made their way to Atlas.
Atlas was established in 2013. The 2502 West Virginia Ave. NE location is a warehouse that has been converted to a brewery and bar, opposite Mt. Olivet Cemetary. Entering from the loading dock area, we were greeted by a D.C. Slices food truck, a welcome sign. After acquiring pizza and tater tots, we went inside and most of us ordered flight of four beers: La Saison des Fêtes, Rowdy Rye, District Common and Home Rule IPA. As it was crowded on that chilly March Saturday, the picnic tables were all spoken for, so we stood by the end of the bar. I found all of the beers to be agreeable, even the Rowdy Rye as the rye wasn’t overpowering. The Common was smooth, had a nice color. The Saison proved to be my favorite and when it was time to drink my half-pint I selected it, though I would have been happy with the common or the stout. An informal poll showed the Saison was the most popular. We skipped the tour, though with all the kettles right there, it’s easy to see how the beer is brewed.
Atlas is now making its way into stores in cans — I’ve seen it at the NoMa Harris Teeter. They also brew a Nationals Park only beer called 1500 South Capitol which I have had this and last season.
Atlas is open 5-8 p.m. on Fridays and 1-8 on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s served by bus routes D3, D4, E2 and I recommend that or some other form of designated driver. It’s just a short walk from our first destination, New Columbia Distillery.