Thursday 14th of October 2010 11:46:05 AM

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Beer selection is very very good, bar staff is pretty attentive although it does get busy but they try very hard to get to all customers. Food is very good and there is a good selection of pizza and various other mostly italianesque food. The bar has somewhat of a sportsbar feel, but not in a bad way. Layout is convenient for groups and individuals, the only downside to this place is that parking is a little difficult.

Saturday 20th of June 2009 10:42:10 PM

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Located just above Old Town Alexandria, just before some railroad tracks. The area its in seems to be relatively new and somewhat upscale. The Braddock Rd. stop on the Metro is close, but quite a haul for walking, especially on a hot day. It's doable, but only if you have the time.

Walking inside, there is the standard restaurant area to the left with a long bar toward the back left. There is also a bar in the middle of the right area, along with booths and more tables. The interior is pretty creative, with broken glass and beer bottles in a cylindrical wall toward the center near the kitchen. The same is done in the bathroom with little toy cars, airplanes, and mini-beer bottles (Corona and Moosehead). There is an outside patio area from what I have heard, I didn't see it, nor did I sit there (I wasn't looking for it).

The beer selection is expansive, with a large amount of taps, including a cask ale, and a very large bottle list. The beers that are available are both local and from around the world. The cask ale was a little pricey. I've had cask at other places that were close to the same prices as a standard tap. The pint glasses seemed to be reasonable. The Brooklyn Pilsner I ordered was in a Pilsner glass which I don't believe is anywhere near a pint though.

The food was also pricey, but also not your standard bar food. The prices ranged from $12 burgers to $25 steaks. The tables are set up in a fancy way, with specially rolled and tied napkins sitting on plates that get taken away once you order.

Rustico has a very interesting atmosphere with an outstanding beer selection. Things can get a little pricey, but just sitting at the bar enjoying a few beers won't run up a tab that's much above what you can get anywhere else. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. Recommended.

Thursday 26th of June 2008 11:46:29 AM

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This is one of the best beer destinations in the DC metro area. They have an extensive beer selection including great big IPAs from the Western U.S., and fine German Lagers and other great European styles. There are approximately 16 taps, and a substantial bottle selection. This place has been found, so arriving before 6pm or after 8 in the evening is probably best, or you probably won't find a seat in the bar area. Pizza is decent and the place is family friendly. The owners have recently opened a new location in D.C. The restaurant is called Birch and Barley, and the upstairs bar is ChurchKey. They have 50 taps, 5 casks, and 500 bottles.

Sunday 15th of June 2008 09:29:01 PM

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Most important to this site, the beer selection here is incredible. Best I've found in Northern Virginia. You need to hit RFD to get a better selection on tap. However, this place is dead to me and I won't go back. This place could be great but they f it up with their holier than thou attitude and bad food. On three occasions I've had my food order completely screwed up (including being served raw meat) with not even an apology from the wait staff. The menu is trying to too hard to be edgy rather than focusing on being good solid food for a beer bar. The pizza is great but avoid everything else. Head in on Sunday and sit at the bar if you want to get decent service. Otherwise, order your second beer when your first shows up.