Yesterday marked the grand opening of Lou's City Bar in Columbia Heights. While DCBeer doesn't often feature sports bars, Lou's is not your average sports bar when it comes to beer selection. While this is a bit surprising at first take, it makes sense when you consider the neighborhood where even pizza places have the likes of Chimay or Weihenstephaner on tap.
At first glance at the tap handles, it is obvious that this is not a typical BMC sports bar. In fact, there is not one draft line devoted to Budweiser/Bud Lite, MGD/Miller Lite, or Coors/Coors Light (although they had bottles of these if you insist on paying for your water). The closest you'll find is Michelob Ultra, but owner Terry Cullen says that is a rotating tap that will go soon. The two dozen taps are pretty middle-of-the-road currently, but Cullen plans to bring in more microbrews once Lou's is able to establish better relationships with suppliers. Terry has already committed a full-time draft line to DC Brau once they start distribution.
Current offerings include Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA ($7), Sierra Nevada Pale Ale ($6), Sam Adams Noble Pils, Allagash White, Victory Golden Monkey, and Troegs Hopback Amber (all full pints for $6). There are two tap towers with a dozen taps each, but there is currently some overlap. Most of the taps will rotate and only a handful will be permanent. The bottle selection went a bit deeper and included some craft favorites like Heavy Seas Loose Cannon and Brooklyn Pennant ($5), Victory Hop Devil and Rogue Dead Guy ($6), and Belgians Ommegang Abbey ($7) and Affligem ($8).
Terry is also working on a contract for a house beer, Lou's Brew. He couldn't divulge the contracting local brewer, but he said it will likely be a dark, spicy lager, although he recipe is not yet set in stone. Happy hour will feature three drinks and three appetizers on special for $3 each as part of "Lou's Hat Trick." Each month this will change, and this month will feature a Chardonnay, Killian's Red, and a Dark & Stormy. There will also be half-price drafts all day on Wednesdays.
In other news related to Columbia Heights and craft beer, it's confirmed that the space formerly occupied by Commonwealth will be expanding its bar area and maintaining its focus on craft beer (including cask ale). Cullen, who is involved with the space, was pushing for a May 1st re-opening, but this could be delayed due to extensive repairs and remodeling. In the meantime, Lou's City Bar is a welcome addition to a neighborhood previously devoid of a true sports bar. Keep an eye on their Twitter and Facebook for upcoming events for St. Patty's Day and March Madness.