I was for Iron Horse Taproom

Iron Horse Taproom is a motorcycle-themed bar tucked between the well-known District Chophouse and one of DC’s many cupcakeries. However, the unassuming exterior does not give much of a hint about the entertainment that lies within. Split between two levels, your initial steps into Iron Horse will give you a taste of the concept – race-themed mural behind the bar, a 1963 Triumph Thunderbird perched on a ledge, and a rack of tires over a Firestone sign. But walk down the stairs on the right side, and you emerge into an expansive lower level with more motorcycle décor and lots of arcade-style games to keep you busy.

Iron Horse offers a rotating selection of 20 beers on tap (check their website for the latest). Happy hour specials include $2 off draughts (most are $5-7 before the discount) and $5 rail drinks. I suggest checking out the latest seasonal offering. Or stop by on the last Wednesday of every month for the “craft beer battle” -- $1 shots of beer, $5 pints, and the winning beer stays on tap as Iron Horse’s “beer of the month.”

If you’re bored or just waiting for your friends, pull up a bar stool and gaze at the impressive collage of news clippings and pop culture art embedded in the bar. It makes for a colorful and conversation-inspiring place to rest your pint.

When you’ve got a small group, check out the skeeball machines (always a crowd pleaser), or try one of the cozy, tucked-away nooks for a quiet conversation.

The motorcycle theme is well-represented on the lower level with a wall full of mounted oil drums, motorcycle art on the walls, a Harley Davidson pinball machine, and half a dozen bikes suspended on narrow ledges overhead.

The creative theme and diverse, long list of beers make Iron Horse an excellent place for an after-work happy hour or a couple of drinks before you head to the Verizon Center to cheer on the Caps or Wizards.

Reminder: I is for Iron Horse Taproom

This Wednesday we celebrate the second consecutive week of alphabetical happy hours. Come by Iron Horse Taproom Wednesday to enjoy one of the 20 beers on tap, as well as midway games like skeeball and shuffleboard. I have to cut out early this week to go to a Caps game, but everyone is encouraged to stay and enjoy the merriment, of course. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and be sure to join us December 1 for 'J' at Jaleo.

I is for Iron Horse Taproom
507 7th Street NW
Wednesday, November 17, 5:30-7 p.m.
http://www.ironhorsedc.com/

Next up: J is for Jaleo
480 7th Street NW
Wednesday, December 1, 6-8 p.m.
http://www.jaleo.com/
(“Jaleo Hour” from 4:30-7 p.m. boasts $4 beer, wines, sangria, and special tapas)

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun (H & I)

It’s been a few weeks since Gazuza entertained us, so that means it’s time for the letter ‘H’ at Hawk ‘n’ Dove. A DC staple since the late ‘60s, the Hawk has had some famous patrons, including Obama, Gingrich, Marion Barry, and James Carville and Mary Matlin (on their first date). According to their website, you can enjoy Hawk happy hour specials until 7 p.m. ($2.50 select domestic bottles, $2.50 rail drinks) and $3.50 Pint of the Night (a selected craft beer) until closing (and Thursday is a holiday for many of you, so come out and make the most of that luxury).

Then double your fun next week (if you dare) with another round of A-B-DC when we tackle the letter ‘I’ at Iron Horse (skeeball and Shiner on tap – what more do you need?).

H is for Hawk ‘n’ Dove

329 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (on Capitol Hill)

Wednesday, November 10, 6:00 p.m.

http://www.hawkanddoveonline.com/

Next up: I is for Iron Horse Taproom

507 7th Street NW (in Chinatown)

Wednesday, November 17, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (squeezing this one in before the Caps game)

http://www.ironhorsedc.com/

Cheers!