Arlington’s Brickhaus Plans Labor Day Debut, But No Beer Garden Yet

Languishing local beer garden Brickhaus is ready to begin welcoming brew lovers on Monday, September 4, but customers will have to wait a little longer to hoist pints aloft outdoors.

Its 60-seat interior spans two levels, while 32 seats outdoors are expected to open up in October once the permitting process is complete — just in time for Oktoberfest.

Owner Tony Wagner, who owns wine bar Twisted Vines across the street, describes Brickhaus’ overall look at 2900 Columbia Pike as “neo-industrial.” “As the oldest building on Columbia Pike, we wanted to capture the history of the whole design, based on old meets new,” says Wagner.

That means exposing the bones of the early 1900s-era building to reveal wooden rafters, brick walls, cast iron railings, and the original lobby tile floor from its days as a bank. The space has a storied past, briefly functioning as a brothel in the 1920s.

Beer is naturally a big focus, with 24 draft lines linked behind a copper bar. Expect four German imports — “Because we are a beer garden,” Wagner says — along with 20 regional selections (brewed within 250 miles). There’s also four wines on draft. An initial happy hour ($5 German beers) will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the opening week.

Chef Darius Killian hails from Jackie’s — a now-shuttered fried chicken haven in Silver Spring, Maryland — and brings his poultry skills to Brickhaus. One recent development: a Jägermeister-based sauce he’s concocted for the wings. Look for smoked meats and traditional German fare such as schnitzel to round out the menu.

Status: Opening at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 4. 2900 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Va.; website.