Courtesy of Augie's Mussel House
Augie's Mussel House will be reopening as a permanent restaurant and beer patio in 2019 in Alexandria.
Beer fans in Alexandria have several reasons to be happy this year.
New beer gardens, breweries and beer-related events are coming to Alexandria, and 2019 is shaping up to be a year with a lot of opportunities. Here's what we know:
The biggest news this year (so far) is that Aslin Beer Co. is moving its headquarters, tasting room and event space to Alexandria's West End. The 25,000 square foot space at 847 S. Pickett St. will include 15,000 feet of production space, a 3,500 square foot tasting room and space for private events.
In other parts of town, one new beer garden has already opened, another is coming this summer and a third is in the works.
Hops 'n Shine is already open just north of Del Ray, serving a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, loaded tater tots and fries, and — of course — a large selection of beer. The venue at 3410 Mt. Vernon Ave. took over the space formerly occupied by Senor Chicken. It has already garnered praise and is adding staff, more food options and live music.
Augie's Mussel House is returning in Old Town Alexandria. The mussel house and beer patio opened as a temporary pop-up last summer. The owners are now finishing up renovations to the permanent restaurant and event space at 1106 King St. Expect it to open later this spring. See the concept drawing above for an idea of what the new Augie's will look like!)
The Garden is planning to open in Del Ray. The team behind Charlie's on the Avenue, at 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Del Ray, planned to extend their restaurant into the outdoor space next door at 1503 Mt. Vernon Ave. The team decided instead to create a separate restaurant, The Garden, and a proposal is now in front of the Alexandria Planning Commission. The Garden will take the space that was the home of Greenstreet Gardens and Eclectic Nature.
What does Alexandria's coming tall ship Providence have to do with beer? The ship plans to host craft brew cruises in a partnership with Port City Brewing. Providence should be arriving and opening for tours and events in July.
Also on Alexandria's waterfront: Look for more beer garden pop-ups. Alexandria will be opening the new Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street this summer. The official opening celebration will be in March. Given the success of the pop-up beer gardens hosted by Port City last fall, look for more to come.
Not a fan of beer? You have options:
Lost Boy Cider is planning to open a new facility in Alexandria this year. The production facility and tasting room will be located at 317 Hooffs Run Drive in the Eisenhower East neighborhood.
Also, Mount Vernon Estate's Spring Wine Festival is coming up in May.
