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Silver Spring, Maryland, is a Washington, DC, suburb within easy reach of the Metro. Unlike some suburbs, it’s not completely dead. Downtown Silver Spring surrounds the Metro stop & has plenty of bars and restaurants and The Fillmore Silver Spring, a popular concert venue. Whether you’re visiting for a show, in town for work, or living in the area, there are a few great places for craft beer in Bethesda, including a craft beer bar I especially love and a couple of breweries.
Plus, there’s also this great mural of commuting penguins. That doesn’t really have anything to do with beer, but I love the mural & wanted to share it.
The Best Craft Beer Bars in Silver Spring
Quarry House Tavern
Quarry House Tavern is everything I look for in a craft beer bar. A basement dive bar (underneath a Popeye’s, no less)? Check. Fantastic music? Check. A place that’s clearly welcoming to everyone? Check. A graffitied bathroom? Check. An excellent beer selection? Check.
Much of Silver Spring is populated by chain bars and restaurants. Quarry House Tavern is about as far away from a chain atmosphere as you can get. As soon as I got to the bottom of the stairs for the first time, I knew I would love it.
Let’s start with the beer. In addition to 10 taps, Quarry House Tavern has a bible of hundreds of craft beer cans and bottles, including rare selections. Whether you’re looking to drink local beers, beers from other top craft breweries, or imports, you’ll find something great from every style.
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They also have a massive whiskey list. On Wednesdays, whiskey is 20% off. Other cocktails are also available.
What goes better with beer than great bar food? I enjoyed a burger from their expansive list of creative options and tater tots.
The bar also serves wings, sandwiches, and other bar favorites. If you’re looking for something sweet, you can also get a stout brownie or a beer float made with any beer.
Happy hour specials are available for both food & drink seven days a week from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.
Quarry House Tavern hosts live music performances, but there’s still excellent music when there’s no band playing. Between the stereo and the free old-school jukebox (none of that digital crap here), I enjoyed everything playing in the bar. Highlights included R.E.M., Jimi Hendrix, Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, Queen, Joy Division, Duran Duran, AC/DC, Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, and more.
Every town should have a local bar like Quarry House Tavern. It’s the sort of place I hope remains around in Silver Spring forever.
Address: 8401 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (map)
Website
DogHaus Biergarten Silver spring
There is an outpost of the DogHaus chain in the pedestrianized area of downtown Silver Spring.
In addition to a rotating list focused on local craft beers, DogHaus also serves hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and breakfast, with vegetarian options available.
Address: 933 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (map)
Website
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Silver Spring/Bethesda area, check out these hotels. I recommend the AC Hotel by Marriott Bethesda Downtown. It’s convenient, quiet, and well-appointed.
The Best Breweries in Silver Spring
Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten
Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten, which opened in 2019, has a nice outside patio and a bright, spacious indoor bar & restaurant.
A combination of local flags and flags from major beer-making countries & states such as California, Colorado, Oregon, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Scotland, & Wales decorate the bar, along with beer signs and art.
The beers lean towards classic styles, particularly German (as you may have guessed from the name). They have 18 or so taps and casks. All of the varieties I have tried are well done. The flights of 6 are served in generous pours on a barrel stave.
A few TVs are scattered around the bar, but most of the space is best for conversation with friends. On a Saturday afternoon, the music playlist was a chill mix of female-fronted indie music such as Haim, Tegan & Sara, Kate Bush, & Taylor Swift. There are also board games available. Ordering through a QR code resulted in prompt service every time.
The food menu includes some German favorites like pretzels and semi-dried sausages, as well as sandwiches, nachos, quesadillas, sandwiches, and more.
In the Fall of 2023, Silver Branch opened a second location in Warrenton, Virginia.
Address: 8401 Colesville Rd #150, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (map)
Website
Third Hill Brewing Company
Third Hill Brewing Company is the newest brewery in Silver Spring. Owners Jason and Danielle Sliter took over the former Astro Lab Brewing space almost immediately after it was vacated, ensuring the 16 taps would keep flowing.
In addition to the quality beer, they also serve slushies and hard seltzer. Flights are available in 4 oz pours. You can order as few or as many as you’d like.
There is a food menu with typical bar snacks and sandwiches. On a hot day, I particularly recommend the ice cream sandwiches from Scoop & Paddle, especially paired with a stout.
The airy indoor space has TVs for sports, as well as board games, Big Buck Hunter, and pinball.
Address: 8216 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (map)
Website
The beer scene in Silver Spring has recently seen some changes. As mentioned above, Third Hill Brewing opened in a space that was formerly the home of Astro Lab Brewing. Additionally, Denizens Brewing closed its Silver Spring taproom in 2023. They still have a brewery in Riverdale Park.
The Best Bottle Shops in Silver Spring
Fenwick Beer & Wine
Fenwick Beer & Wine is a boutique wine and craft beer shop located near the Silver Spring Metro.
The bottle shop has over 700 cans & bottles available, specializing in craft & Belgian selections. They also host beer tastings on Saturday afternoons and wine tastings on Friday evenings.
Address: 1327 Fenwick Ln, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (map)
Website
For more nearby craft beer, read my recommendations for craft beer in Bethesda.
Here are some great Washington DC tours & activities & other things to see & do in Silver Spring.
Do you love craft beer? Check out more of my recommendations for the best craft beer around the world!
