Must Have: Visit to Ivy City
Message from Maggie:
We ventured back to Ivy City this weekend to take another visit to Joseph Magnus Distillery with friends who had never been there. If you didn’t see my rave review of it from a few weeks ago check it out here. While there we expanded our visit to check out the rest of the neighborhood in Northeast DC. Washington Post gives a glimpse on the plans for this area and calling it, “The next cool D.C. neighborhood you have never heard of.” I couldn’t agree more with that assessment, but am here to tell you all about what’s there and that its worth a visit now.
Part of the excitement around Ivy City is the distillery and brewing district that has developed. Within a three block radius, you can do a little self-guided brew tour- but pace yourself (as you know all good dietitians preach: “moderation is key”):
- Joseph Magnus Co.: Start on West Virigina Avenue NE at Joseph Magnus for a free tour and tasting of this pre-prohibition bourbon and gin distillery. This joint is making a name for itself with legendary libations and pre-prohibition heritage.
- Atlas Brew House: Head out the front door at Magnus and turn right. Next door you will find Atlas Brew House. A Vandy grad turned government employee started a brewery and has created a tasting room for his hand crafted artisanal beer, which is made in 20 barrel batches.
- New Columbia Distillery: If your not tipsy yet, walk out of Atlas and take a right. Walk down a block you’ll take a right on Fenwick. To your left you will see a green sign. Within the walls of the brick building is the brewery for Green Hat Gin. This gin is named for George Cassiday, who was known for his emerald fedora (Where can I get one of THOSE?). During Prohibition, Cassiday operated an undercover distribution center in a House Office Building. When authorities discovered his operation in 1925, he simply moved the enterprise to the Senate Office Building. Today, a family run business is making small batch gin and tipping their hat to the DC legend.
Once your tour is complete, head a few blocks further down Fenwick for a visit to Big Chief.
- Big Chief: This New Orleans inspired, Brooklyn vibing 7,000 square foot warehouse includes three bars and one on the rooftop where a 1970s airstream sits. We played pinged pong, jenga, and connect four during our time hanging out. The bar features food like Zapp’s chips and hearty bowls and salads with asian accents from H street’s Pow Pow. LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULEZ, indeed!
Looking for something more substantial? Leave Big Chief and head back towards West Virginia Ave. Before you get there take a right on Okie. Ivy City Smokehouse is located about half way down the block.
- Ivy City Smokehouse + The Market: This restaurant and market features fresh fish and smoked seafood, served with the fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Bon appetite!
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