Beer Haven City Tap House’s Second D.C. Bar Arrives Next Month

City Tap Dupont, one of the fall’s many most anticipated openings, now has an official opening date: Monday, October 2.

The expansive 9,300-square-foot space at 1250 Connecticut Avenue NW is projected to accommodate 180 diners and drinkers at a time. Along with similar American fare found at nearby sister spot City Tap House in Penn Quarter, there’s no shortage of beer options: Expect 40 draft tap lines alongside 30 bottled and canned beers.

The main structural change that aims to improve upon the layout that housed failed steakhouse STK is moving the bar up to the front. The 360-degree copper bar for 40 is offset by floor-to-ceiling windows facing Connecticut Avenue.

“That will add to the energy of the room and make it more vibrant. You don’t have to walk through a dining room to get to the bar,” brand director Andy Farrell tells Eater.

Other design accents in the wood-heavy space include orange leather and hand-picked antique pieces. A room in the back outfitted for private events (think: TVs and audiovisual components) fits up to 60. A hearth-style fireplace in the center of the dining room aims to create a communal “warm lodge feel.”

Farrell says the new location has a better neighborhood dynamic than the office-dense Penn Quarter spot. He expects to be able to show “a different side” of City Tap in lively Dupont Circle.

“We want there to be a Cheers factor where everyone knows your name,” he says.

As colder months set in, expect shepherd’s pie and rabbit Bolognese with smoked bacon to make their way onto the menu, as well as seasonally inspired offerings like pumpkin burrata bruschetta. With apple season in full swing, a returning favorite is apple salad with aged Gouda. There’s no executive chef named just yet.

Brunch starts Saturday, October 7, with bottomless mimosas and a make-your-own bloody mary bar for $18. Weekday happy hour means drinks run $4 to $6, with $6 snacks like elote corn dip and Israeli hummus.

Photo: City Tap House

And the Dupont Circle newcomer plans to compete with the sea of late-night spots on the same strip: A live DJ will likely be spinning on Friday and Saturday nights come late fall.

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