Churchkey, Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C.’s ever-growing craft beer scene shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. A pioneer in this burgeoning subculture is a second-floor establishment called Churchkey. This 14th Street spot opened back in 2009 and paved the way for the gastronomic explosion that has taken over D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood.

Sitting atop Birch and Barley — a restaurant under the same management — Churchkey is named after the antiquated slang term for a bottle opener. After climbing the stairs to the dark but spacious secondfloor row house, chandeliers, velvet seating and industrial floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 14th Street emit a modern speakeasy feel.

Churchkey’s two-sided beer menu divides quaffs into categories of flavor, from sweet and sour to hoppy and fruity. Each selection is served in a vessel specific to the beer’s flavor profile and origin. The rotating menu changes with the seasons but maintains a few favorites.

A succinct yet satisfying — and also rotating — food menu features flatbreads, disco fries (think poutine), cheese and meat boards and a truffle grilled cheese sandwich with tomato salsa dip. Large-screen televisions behind the bar show sporting events, but the volume is kept to a minimum to maintain the luxurious feel of a refined gastro pub.

Churchkey brings together the world’s best international craft beer to curious D.C. brew connoisseurs.

Churchkey

1337 14^th St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20005

202 567 2576