DCist reader David writes in with this important question:
Where does one get kegs in D.C.? I’ve lived here around a year, and have no idea. Online price lists are a plus, as is a NW location.
We hear you, David. Sure, we’re not in college anymore, but sometimes when you’re set to throw a really big par-tay, going with a keg can be the most cost effective and least messy (no bottles to clean up!) option to keep the fun level at “elevated” for as long as possible. We sent your question out to our staff, and came up with a few solid answers. But readers, we’re counting on you for your suggestions as well. You know where to leave ’em.
Foggy Bottom: If anyone knows something about drinking stupid amounts of alcohol on the cheap, it’s George Washington University students. So there’s a large portion of the city who swear by the service provided by Riverside Liquors, at 2123 E Street NW, the keg store of choice for GWU students, alumni, and friends of both. No online price list that we could find, but Riverside’s friendly staff will happily oblige to give you the rundown on their large selection by phone or fax. In our experience, springing for Riverside’s moderately-priced Yuengling Lager keg (last time we were there it was about $76) is always a crowd pleaser. And if you can score a free copy of the Hatchet, we hear Riverside runs coupons in there. Just be careful parking in front of the market next door when you to pick up or drop-off — they’ll yell at you for blocking their entrance. Call 202-338-4882.
Logan Circle: The only place in the neighborhood is Barrel House Liquor, at 1341 14th Street, NW. Waltz through their nifty half-barrel doorway and you’ll surely be set up quickly with the keg of your choice — just be prepared to pay a few dollars more for the convenience of the location. No Web site that we could find. Call (202) 332-5999.
Adams Morgan: The keg spot in this neighborhood is Metro Wine and Spirits, at 1726 Columbia Rd NW. A Yuengling keg runs $79, much less for other domestics. They have all the necessary buckets, taps and ice, and will let you borrow their hand truck for loading, too. Not bad, especially if you don’t want to hike all the way to G’Town. No Web site, though. (202) 265-5066.
Georgetown: There are actually several options in Georgetown, but most of the folks we’ve talked to swear by Dixie Liquors, who have an extensive Web site and some of the cheapest deals in town (down close to $45 for the cheap stuff like Bud Ice). Just make sure to call well in advance of when you’ll need your keg, as sometimes they run out of the more popular beers. That’s not to say the guys at Dixie aren’t accommodating: We’ve learned from experience that they’ll almost always return your deposit, even if you’ve let a keg sit outdoors all winter collecting moss and rat droppings. 3429 M Street NW, Call 202-337-4412.
Tenleytown: Up at AU the kids all know about Tenley Mini Market, located at 4326 Wisconsin Ave NW, right next to the Metro stop. Competitive prices, fast service and a convenient location all make it a popular destination for all denizens of upper NW. No Web site, though. Call 202-363-8683.
