By DCist contributor Victoria Finkle

Rather than revisiting the same old bar scene Saturday, why not check out one — or maybe five — of the city’s craft breweries? DC Brew Tours, for example, now offers all-inclusive expeditions to some of the most popular spots around town for $85 a person.

Still, the old-fashioned do-it-yourself option is also available to those feeling a little more adventurous. This writer and some friends organized own brewery bike tour through Northeast D.C., hitting all the spots listed below. You’ll ride through 13 miles of hilly terrain, which arguably makes the beer taste all the more refreshing. The route was selected to be as bike friendly as possible, though we did end up riding on the sidewalks (we know, we know) on some of the larger avenues.

Chocolate City Beer: Fair warning: this tiny brewery’s headquarters can be tough to spot thanks to a lack of prominent signage, although it is located just off the Metropolitan Branch Trail in Brookland. The interior is unpolished, with kegs hooked up to a red plastic cooler, the likes of which you’d bring to the beach. Still, the laid-back vibe is inviting, and there are free tastings as well as growlers for sale.

>>2801 8th Street NE; tastings offered Saturdays 12:30-4:30 p.m.

3 Stars Brewing Company: Next stop was 3 Stars, which offers more of a full-service experience. The brewery was one of the first to take advantage of a new law passed this summer allowing D.C. breweries to sell beer on-site beyond limited samples. In addition to the complimentary tastings, there’s now a bar serving pints ($5) and flights ($6 for four samplers), and even a food truck to refuel after one of the bike trip’s longer legs. Arepa Zone, which serves Venezuelan food, was there last Saturday. The atmosphere inside is festive; there was a DJ spinning tunes as visitors ate and drank at a number of indoor picnic tables. There were even some babies hanging out (presumably not drinking), so the place seemed pretty family friendly. Homebrewers looking to whip up their own hoppy delights will also find an array of supplies and gear.

>>6400 Chillum Place NW; tastings offered Thursdays 5-8 p.m., Fridays 4-8 p.m., Saturdays 1-5 p.m., Sundays 12-4 p.m.; tours led at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays

Hellbender Brewing Company: After 3 Stars, we took a quick detour to bike past D.C.’s newest brewery, Hellbender. It isn’t open quite yet, but evidence suggests they’re getting very close. Next time!

>>5788 2nd Street NE.

DC Brau Brewing Company: This place was doing good business when we arrived late afternoon on Saturday. The samples were generous, and there are growlers and half growlers for purchase, as well as cans. Pints are also available ($5 for standard selections). And another food truck, DC Slices, was on the scene. It turns out cheesy tater tots pair as perfectly with beer as you might expect.

>>3178 Bladensburg Road NE; tastings offered Saturdays 12-5 p.m., with tours led at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Atlas Brew Works: Like others, Atlas wasted little time putting in a bar this summer after the new law went into effect. The place was packed when we arrived early Saturday evening, with samplers (four flights plus a half pint of your favorite for $8) and pints available. Folks on a quicker schedule than our large group — and those who don’t mind mixing their alcohols — can also hit up New Columbia Distillers, makers of Green Hat Gin, located just around the block.

>>Atlas: 2052 West Virginia Avenue NE, #102; tasting room open Fridays 5-8 p.m., Saturdays 1-8 p.m., Sundays 1-8 p.m., with tours led Saturdays on the even-numbered hours.
>>New Columbia: 1832 Fenwick Street NE; tastings and tours on Saturdays 1-4 p.m.

Bardo: Our last stop of the evening was a beer garden in Trinidad, which recently began brewing its own libations. The beer is cheap ($4 pints and $11 pitchers) and the atmosphere relaxed, great for cooling off after a long day of biking and boozing. Bardo also offers its own periodic bike tours, including an upcoming zombie bike ride on Halloween with BicycleSPACE.

>>1200 Bladensburg Road NE; open Tuesday-Friday after 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays after 1 p.m.