Happy Hours in Gaithersburg

800 West Diamond Ave Gaithersburg, MD  20878 301-963-4847 Themes/Styles:  American / Microbrew/Alehouse / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility:  Easy Right off of I-270 Exit 10 (for northbound travelers) and about ½ a mile from I-270 Exit 11 (for southbound travelers). Free parking surrounds the building.
Metro Accessibility:  Difficult/Impossible Check the bus schedule: this area is not walkable from any Metro station.

What is Dogfish Head Alehouse?

Dogfish Head Alehouse is the only place in Maryland where the full multitude of Dogfish Head brews are served on tap. The brand, brewed in Delaware, is famous for its extensive and eclectic selection of high-quality craft beers. The stand-alone establishment has two levels: the first floor split between the bar and restaurant; the second floor is a continuation of the restaurant and also has a small room that can be made private by closing dividing doors. The bar area has tables and stools, and a door to the patio. Outside Area:  Yes.  Small patio with tables and umbrellas. Entertainment:  No.

Our Review

Let’s face it: if you are a fan of craft beer, Dogfish Head Alehouse should be your “Mecca” in Montgomery County. There is a reason beer aficionados congregate here: it is without a doubt the best-quality beer around. And there’s a lot to choose from too; at least 9 on tap, with seasonals and special releases adding to that number. And then there are the bottles. Even discounted for happy hour, the beer will run you anywhere from $3.75 to $8 depending on what you get. But keep in mind, most of these tasty beverages are running between 7% - 18% A.B.V….so you don’t have to chug 4 of ‘em to get your buzz on. They do offer their own “Dogtinis” and “Dogtails” if you’re not into beer, but the damage to my wallet (and my masculinity) after trying the rum drink was not worth it. The appetizers ordered (hummus and calamari) were great, and the original menu has plenty of choices to match your drink preferences. The praise doesn’t stop here: the service was top-notch as well. The servers are friendly, engaging, experienced, and ready to help make selections (first-timers can be a bit indecisive). The bar area, a bit cramped and seemingly ready to burst into the restaurant area, was busy even before 5pm. The crowd, comprised to a large extent of middle-agers, was alive and chatty. The wood fixtures, copper-colored ceiling, and table candles definitely soften the environment and allow you relax and enjoy your evening.

The Run Down

If you demand quality in beer, food, and service, Dogfish Head Alehouse is sure to please. If you are happy with simpler tastes and lower prices, you probably want to skip this spot.

Reviewed by Lee on Thursday, May 1, 2008.