The Red Derby

Hands down the most reasonably priced and varied selection of beers in the District. The main entree here is the beer, all of which is served in cans. While some may scorn aluminum, the reasoning is clear: Canned beer is simply cheaper and allows the owners to charge less to their patrons. The Derby brings to North Columbia Heights the first real bar with a real selection of beers from Belgian whites to hoppy double IPAs, all for less than you'll find anywhere inside the beltway. A pool table in the back and a cozy ambiance make this place a big attraction in Columbia Heights' growing bar and restaurant scene. I have had the food here and for the most part, I'd describe it as average. Props to the sweet potato fries and a burger with all the 'fixins' however. They tasted freshly made and hit the spot. I should note however that I've usually been four sheets to the wind by the time I get the munchies enough to put in an order, so keep in mind what I said before: The main entree here is the beer. Also, as a footnote, this place doesn't actually claim to be a dive bar, so there's hardly a need to go on and on about 'keeping it real'. Yelp has it's own classifications and unfortunately serving beers for 2 or 3 bucks a can is likely to get you pegged as a 'dive' no matter how clean you keep your place. It is what it is, a cheap and (sorry tossers) CLEAN bar. It's run by two lifelong service-industry types, so I wouldn't expect less.

I'm a fan of neighborhood bars. This is a great one. Beers in cans. check. Large beer selection. check. Affordable prices. check. The bartenders are mostly friendly. Some are pretentious, but I like that in a hipster bar. I like that they know obscure bands and feel better than me for not. I like that. Other bartenders are just damn friendly (Victoria!) and make you want to come back. The door men look at you in a way that says they will kill you. I like that. The food is just what you would expect from a place with bars on the windows and no signs. You don't come here to have a culinary orgasm. You come here to have good beer in the ghetto. The ghetto, if you're not familiar, is something that is quickly disappearing in DC. Get it while you still can. The ONE thing that is annoying about this place is that they don't accept credit cards. Seriously? The Laundromat, dry cleaner, liquor store, spanish grocery store, and nail salon on the same block all do. Increase the prices by 2%. We'll understand. Brunch is money, but put a little more love into the bloody mary's.