ChurchKey: Narnia for Beer Lovers.

ChurchKey
churchkeydc.com
1137 14th St Northwest; Washington, DC 20005

There are certain people in this world that consider Miller Lite a quality beer. Those people do not belong in this bar. (By the way, the only time Miller Lite is acceptable is: at sporting events or when you’ve run out of everything else at a house party.) For beer lovers, ChurchKey is like a dream that we never dared to imagine. We flock there with empty bellies, our minds bursting with thoughts of stouts, porters, lagers and ales. We stay, we drink, we vaguely remember leaving and when we do, we can’t wait to return. They offer 500 bottled beers, 50 draft beers and 5 casks. Their beer selection represents over 100 styles and 30 countries. When you ask for the beer list, you are handed a book the size of a phonebook. To say the staff is knowledgeable would be an understatement, they are experts. Yes, it is a little pricier than a typical bar, but that is because it’s not a typical bar. It is so much better than that.

It also happens to be the perfect date spot for those lucky enough to find someone who can match their appreciation for beer. You can split an order of tator tots (which are a must) or pork enchiladas and spend the night sampling beers you never knew existed. Weekends can get a bit crazy so stick to a Wednesday or Thursday night and get there early. The place gets packed for a reason, there is nothing else quite like it in this city.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times: ChurchKey is not just a bar, it is an experience. If you live in DC and haven’t yet checked this off your bucket list, I strongly suggest that you go there immediately.

- Suzie Robb
@suzierobb

Amy says:

06/19/2012 at 2:29 pm

Agreed, Chruchkey is great for beer lover, but I fear it is trying to hard to be a “beer place,” or “experience” as you call it.

The organization of their beer menu shouts “desperation” and “trying too hard.” The jolly average beer geek/fan/drinker looks at a menu for the style, not the flavor and aroma. Unlike wine-o’s we don’t like being told how something tastes/smells, we like to determine that for ourselves.

IMO, the best beer haven is Fire Works in Court House. Great beer selection (draft & tap) that changes constantly, fun beer diners and release celebrations, awesome and educated staff that doesn’t come across and condescending, legit food, a haven for the true beer fan, and standard “matter-of-fact” menu organization.

Look, no hate towards Churchkey, but as they say, “It don’t matter how you wear your hair when you’re pretty, because you’re pretty.”

Zyvo says:

06/26/2012 at 1:41 pm

I actually helped open this place… it is part of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group http://www.neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com/ I am sure you will know a few of those places. If you don’t want to venture downtown check out Rustico. They have one in Arlington and one down in Alexandria. Not as large of a selection as Church Key but great food and still huge selection of beer.

Tim A. says:

11/28/2012 at 11:03 am

Great headline on this one. Very fitting.

Also, the staff is always pretty fantastic there. I’ve found them to have what seems like endless patience as hella beersnobs seem oblivious to the point at which their urge to taste everything has become obnoxious.

Two notes on the menu:

1) The Jerk Wings are more of a hybrid flavor than a classic jerk. Somewhere between BBQ and Jerk. More sweet than spicy or smoky. They are, IMO, very good.

2) They usually have some kind of ice cream thing for desert (a sundae, a shake, etc). And it’s usually pretty excellent.

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