This pub has a variety of beers both draft and bottled. The draft beers are proudly served in imperial pints and include lagers, ales, cider, cream ales and stouts. Drink specials vary by day, aside from the $1 off bar drinks available everyday from 2-7PM.

The Ventnor Sports Café doesn’t stand out among the many bars and restaurants along 18th St. in Adams Morgan. But it measures up fine, filling the prerequisites of a decent sports bar: beer, food, and lots of TVs. As in so many sports bars, the beer selection will not amaze. But if you go at the right time, a $12 pitcher of Yuengling is nothing to sneeze at. This seems to be a happy hour special, but the specials change regularly, and some nights happy “hour” goes until closing time. Though it might be tough to plan around, the good news is there is almost always a special on food, drink, or both.

With locations in over a dozen states, Gordon Biersch is striking a balance between local flavor and corporate consistency. So, while it may be “wrong” to rate a brew-pub that is part of a national chain, if the beer is brewed on the premises, the establishment is worthy of consideration.

Piratz Tavern fulfills Silver Spring’s need for a dive-y bar/restaurant, but takes it a giant step further. It takes its Pirate theme seriously – from the décor to the servers’ attire to the menu. The drinks also adhere to the theme, which is good news for the rum-fan, bad news for the beer-drinker. While the Grog is a devastating but delicious ginger-laced concoction, the beer selection is primarily from the bottle.

Nellie’s is a unique institution in Washington: a gay sports bar. It is neither one exclusively – you can go if you’re straight, and you can go if you don’t care about sports. But if you hate sports, don’t go during a big game, and if you’re straight, bring an open mind.

In Manhattan’s McSorley’s Old Ale House, a newspaper clipping printed on the back of every menu describes the saloon as “an ancient landmark, a relic of one phase of American life that has passed.” It goes on to praise the then-60 year old bar as a stoic establishment where philosophers can assemble their thoughts over a humble mug of ale and enjoy the sense of permanence in an atmosphere impervious to the rapid changes brought on in the early 20th century. Did I mention that this article was written 96 years ago?

Walking into Mary Carroll’s in this weather feels like walking into a big, cozy ski lodge after a long day of soaking up the snow. With its huge stone fireplace and comfortable couch-lined lounges, Mary Carroll’s easily becomes a perfect spot to warm up and chill out.

Down an unassuming street on the west side of DuPont Circle you’ll find Brickskeller, a homey basement bar that happens to boast the “Guinness Book of World Records” certificate for world’s largest selection of commercially available beers.