Rumors have been flying around for months, and now it looks like it’s just about official. The world-famous Brickskeller pub in Washington, D.C. on 22nd Street NW will be closing shortly.
Opened by Diane Alexander’s family in 1957, and operated for many years by her and her husband Dave Alexander, the building will apparently be renovated and turned into a boutique hotel. The Alexander’s will retain the rights to the name and most likely moved the Brick to another location. As far as I know, their other location, RFD, is unaffected by the deal and may at one point even transition into the new Brickskeller.
Bob Pease, COO of the Brewers Association (left), with Dave Alexander at a Brickskeller event this July.
The Washington City Paper blog Young & Hungry floated the rumor at least as far back as early October. Yesterday, the DC Beer blog tweeted that a “credible source [told them] that The Brickskeller will shut it’s doors for good on 12.18.” Young & Hungry picked it up from there and so has TBD Neighborhoods. And All About Beer publisher Daniel Bradford posted the news of a pending Brickskeller sale on his Facebook page. Between that, and my own unnamed sources, it looks like this is going to happen. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Dave Alexander yet, but I suspect that’s the next call. It will be sad to see the Brick gone. The last time I was there was July and it was great seeing the place packed for an event with several of the brewers attending SAVOR.
Boutique hotel? Let the Congressmen bed their prostitutes in Watergate; why do they need to destroy an actually celebrated institution? Being on that stage upstairs is magical.
The Brickskeller stage was magical indeed (thanks, Brian). Michael Jackson was a regular and Bob Tupper MC’d most beery presentations. The times I trod the Brick’s boards for beer were golden memories most especially when Vinnie Cilurzo and I were asked to introduce the East Coast to wet-hopped beers many years ago by beerdom’s Wavy Gravy Davey Alexander. I’m sure the Alexanders will keep the spirit of the Brick going but the old pile on 22nd and P off Dupont Circle will be long remembered for some great beer moments. And so it goes…
I actually have stayed at the existing (semi-residential) hotel in the past. Low cost and low frill, but what a location! And a second to keeping the spirit of the Brickskeller in whatever form it might be.
What a shame! The first beer bar I ever went to growing up. First went there in the 70’s. Fond memories . . . . .
Likewise Ron. Except for me it was 1962 while I was still in high school. The drinking age in DC was 18 back then, but they rarely checked. I have many good memories of spending time there with friends from then up through the early seventies. Unfortunately I’ve forgotten most of them. Cheers.
What a great place to start with. Those folks were great with beer.
The brickskeller name will be leaving with the previous ownership, but the establishment endures to offer the same world renown selection of beers! The new owners are international hoteliers with properties around the globe and in our nation’s capital and are proud to be part of this famous DC beer-tradition and are going to give the building a much needed facelift while preserving the same local flavor and atmosphere