After more than three decades of serving as a cherished neighborhood hub, Capitol City Brewing Company has announced it will officially close its doors on Thursday, August 28, 2025. As Washington, DC’s first brewpub to open after Prohibition, Cap City, as it’s affectionately known, has played an iconic role in shaping the local craft beer and hospitality scene since its debut on August 23, 1992.
For generations of Washingtonians, Capitol City Brewing Company has been more than just a place to grab a pint—it has been a place to gather, to celebrate, to unwind, and to create lasting memories. From its signature beers and hearty pub fare to its reputation as a premier destination for watching live sports, the Downtown DC institution has become an integral part of the city’s social fabric.
A Brewing Legacy That Helped Define DC’s Craft Beer Culture
When Capitol City Brewing Company opened in the early 1990s, it marked a turning point for DC’s hospitality industry. At a time when brewpubs were rare and the craft beer movement was just beginning to find its footing nationally, Cap City brought a bold new concept to the nation’s capital: fresh, locally brewed beer served alongside elevated comfort food in a lively, community-centered environment.
Over the years, Cap City earned acclaim for its lineup of house-made beers, including long-standing favorites like the Capitol Kolsch, Amber Waves, Pale Rider Ale, and the Prohibition Porter. Brewed onsite and served fresh, these beers introduced thousands of locals and visitors alike to the joys of craft brewing—and helped set the stage for the explosion of microbreweries and brewpubs across the region.
But Capitol City’s influence extended beyond beer. Its vibrant taproom and dining space made it a favorite spot for everything from casual lunches and happy hours to first dates, birthday parties, post-work hangouts, and game-day get-togethers. Few places could match its mix of conviviality, quality, and consistency—a testament to the staff’s dedication and the vision behind the brand.
A Final Toast: Celebrating a Legacy All August Long
In honor of its remarkable 33-year run, Capitol City Brewing Company is inviting guests to take part in a month-long celebration throughout August. The farewell festivities are meant to give long-time patrons and first-time visitors alike a chance to enjoy one last meal, reminisce with friends, and pay tribute to a true DC institution.
Whether it’s grabbing a juicy burger with house-cut fries, sipping a freshly poured pint, watching a Nationals game on the big screen, or simply enjoying the company of fellow beer lovers, each visit this month will serve as a toast to Cap City’s enduring legacy.
“Cap City has always been more than a brewpub. It’s been a home for so many,” said David von Storch, CEO and Founder of Urban Adventures Companies (UAC), the parent company behind the brewpub. “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built and endlessly grateful to our staff, regular guests, and the broader DC community for making these 30-plus years unforgettable.”
Von Storch also acknowledged the countless employees, past and present, who helped build the culture of warmth and hospitality that defined Cap City. From the bartenders and servers to the brewers and kitchen staff, the team has played a crucial role in shaping the experience that guests came to know and love.
A Fixture of the Downtown Community
Located in the heart of Downtown DC, just blocks from the Convention Center and major landmarks, Capitol City Brewing Company was more than a neighborhood bar—it was a place that welcomed tourists, professionals, locals, and sports fans from all walks of life. The brewpub’s atmosphere blended the industrial charm of its stainless-steel brewing tanks with a classic American pub feel, giving it a timeless and inviting character.
For many, Cap City was the go-to spot for catching Washington Capitals or Nationals games with friends, celebrating promotions or graduations, or simply decompressing after a long day in the office. Its central location, approachable menu, and lively ambiance made it a reliable and beloved gathering place throughout the decades.
As the DC food and beverage landscape evolved over the years—with trendy new restaurants and sleek bars coming and going—Capitol City Brewing Company remained a steady presence. It earned its place not through novelty, but through consistency, quality, and community.
An End, but Not a Goodbye to the Community Spirit
While the physical location may be closing, the spirit of Capitol City Brewing Company will live on in the memories of those who spent time there. For some, it was the site of their first craft beer experience. For others, it was where friendships deepened, love stories began, and personal milestones were celebrated.
The closing comes at a time when many hospitality establishments continue to face economic headwinds, changing consumer habits, and rising operating costs. Though the decision to close is undoubtedly bittersweet, von Storch emphasized that the mark left by Capitol City will not fade.
“Our hope is that everyone who ever stepped through our doors walks away with a sense of gratitude and community,” he said. “We know the world has changed a lot since 1992, but we believe what we created here was timeless. Thank you, DC, for making Cap City part of your story.”
Don’t Miss the Final Pour
Guests are encouraged to stop by before the final day of operations on August 28 to relive their favorite Cap City moments, reconnect with friends, and raise a final glass. Special events and rotating beer releases will be announced throughout the month, offering plenty of chances to celebrate one last time.
For Washingtonians who grew up with Capitol City Brewing Company—or discovered it along the way—August marks more than the end of a business. It marks the close of a chapter in DC’s cultural and culinary history. But true to its community-centered legacy, Cap City isn’t ending without a proper send-off.
So, whether you’re a long-time regular or someone who’s always meant to stop in, now’s the time. Come share a pint, a plate, and a few laughs—Capitol City Brewing Company’s farewell is one for the history books.
