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.

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.

Entering Kelly’s involves waking through a small outdoor area and into a massive indoor hangar. The walls are famously decorated with a vast array of signs and slogans and badges from various service agencies, and, depending on when you go, the rest of Kelly’s is no less busy.

There is a need for real Pub atmosphere near our nation’s domed Capitol, and the Dubliner fills it. It is as close as one needs to get to a genuine Irish Pub, despite Capitol Hill prices.

When you step inside, you might not expect one of the best beer experiences DC has to offer. RFD has a restaurant feel, especially if you head in around dinner time, and especially if it’s the time of year when it’s still light out at that hour. The place is almost too well-lit for a pub, and has too much space, and not enough seats at the bar.