Yesterday was Earth Day. I celebrated by “ecycling” an old computer monitor I had lying about that wasn’t really working. Down in Washington, DC, the EPA was accepting pretty much anything that has to do with a personal computer. I drove up, someone got the monitor out of the car for me, and off we went to a chorus of “Happy Earth Day!”
My wife’s brother and his family were also visiting from Florida. Since they’ve not spent a lot of time in DC, we decided to make a day of it. After dropping off the monitor we found a place to park not too far from the National Mall (no mean feat), and headed over to the Lincoln Memorial. After that we meandered past the Washington Monument (which my girls call the “magic, giant pencil”) and then decided it was time for lunch. I noticed on the tourist map we had that the Downtown DC location of the Capitol City Brewing Company was scant blocks from the Mall. After a bit of mostly good-natured ribbing and a longer walk than we thought, we got there.
Capitol City has four locations in and around DC, and I hadn’t been to any of them. The New York Avenue location has a couple of levels and a nice, large, oval bar. It has large windows on two sides, allowing you to watch the foot and vehicular traffic and enjoy the local architecture. The crowd was light, but then it was 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
I didn’t get a chance to really study the menu, what with a six-year-old, a four-year-old, and a six-month-old all clamoring for attention. I did notice that the children’s menu was limited to four items. I ended up having the crab cake sandwich which was rather good. Everyone else selected the fish and chips.
I was disappointed to find out that they were out of their Amber Waves Ale, a California ale which won the silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Considering the temperature outside (well into the 80s) I opted instead for the Kölsch. It was okay, but my wife opted for the Pale Rider Ale, an English-style Pale Ale and man, but that was good. I made that my second selection.
After we enjoyed our meals, I opted to have a Prohibition Porter for dessert. They claim it’s one of their favorites, and I can see why. Pleasantly smooth, with a nice malt sweetness and excellent roasted character. And, here’s good news for Ron: no smoky overtones. To be honest, it may have been the best porter I’ve ever had.
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. The prices were quite reasonable for being so close to the center of DC. The wait staff was attentive, the food was good, and the atmosphere was pleasant. I look forward to visiting again.
Capitol City Brewing Company, at the corner of 11th and H Streets in Northwest Washington. It is just across the street from the Convention Center and one block north of Metro Center.
