First Look: Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church
By DCist Contributor Aaron Morrissey
Dogfish Head Alehouse, the third (and we assume not the last) in a planned series of eateries that serve lovers of the venerable Delaware-based brewery with the American basics, is now open in Falls Church, and DCist popped by to survey the scene in advance of Tuesday night's official Grand Opening party.
There’s nothing outstanding about the place upon entering. The immediate thought was the episode of The Simpsons in which Moe promises “a whole bunch of crazy crap on the walls” at Uncle Moe’s Family Feedbag. The televisions on the wall project Sunday football games (but are volume controlled) and the restrooms sign is branded to the wall in a pale red neon glow. You’ll have a hard time differentiating the space from other chain restaurants, which is unfortunate since the Alehouse offers menu items that you’ll never find in Chili’s. (Hint: they don’t offer Miller Lite. Or disgusting onion...things.)
Beer connoisseurs can attest that Dogfish Head’s 60 and 90 Minute IPAs are among the most notable and well-crafted microbrews on the East Coast, but they might not realize that DFH produces some other fantastic beers, ten of which are on tap at the Alehouse. For starters, try the Shelter Pale Ale: a malty, bittersweet ale that perfectly matches crisp days of falling leaves and cardigans. Or try the Raison D’Etre, the winner of the 2000 American Beer of the Year title, as awarded by Malt Advocate.
The menu isn't much help in finding the right beer and food pairings, but they are some good ones to be had. The aforementioned Shelter Pale is great with the Cajon Andouille Egg Rolls, a confluence of peppers and sausage, with just the right amount of Cajun kick. Also try pairing the Chicory Stout (a dark, dry porter made from Mexican coffee and licorice root) with the gigantic Alehouse BBQ Burger, a behemoth slab topped with cheddar, bacon, and seasoned onion rings. The burger, made of two four-ounce patties and cooked perfectly, was bar food at it’s best –- how you’d hope kitchens on your Friday night bar crawl would cook.
Is it worth the trip? An unspectacular drive — and no Metro accessibility by foot — means probably not. The prices are reasonable enough, though, to make it a solid destination for Virginians and anyone with other business in Seven Corners.
Dogfish Head Alehouse
6363 Leesburg Pike
Seven Corners Shopping Center
Falls Church, VA 22044
703-534-3342
Happy Hour is 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with $1.50 off drafts and $1 off other drinks.