Modern Beer Hall Opens Dec. 13 In Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, DC — The Berliner, a new beer hall with a modern twist, is coming to Georgetown Thursday, Dec. 13. To celebrate its grand opening, the German-style eatery will offer one free beer to the first 100 patrons on opening night, The Berliner said in a statement.

The Berliner is the latest concept for The Popal Group, a family-run restaurant enterprise in D.C. The group is also behind other popular restaurants in the District, including Cafe Bonaparte, Lapis Bistro, Lapop, and the former Napoleon Bistro, according to the statement.

The new beer hall, which will be inside a converted warehouse, replaces Malmaison, a French cafe located at 3401 Water St. NW. According to the restaurant, it's one of the last original warehouses in Georgetown.

The 4,200-square-foot beer hall will have stadium-style seating, communal tables, a family photo wall, and a ping pong table, The Berliner said.

Inspired by family and modern Berlin comfort food, the menu features authentic dishes, such as bratwurst, homemade pretzels with beer cheese, and schnitzel, according to the statement. The lineup also includes kofta kebabs and falafel.

The man crafting the dishes: chef Mike O'Brien. The restaurant said he will also be making six styles of sausages, three of which will rotate during the year.

As for drinks, patrons can try any of the 24 beers on tap, ranging from larger brands to smaller German companies.

"It's not every day that culinary talent, conceptual ingenuity, and a historic venue converge in one setting," says owner Omar Popal. "The Berliner undoubtedly upholds President John F. Kennedy's famous line declaring us all Berliners at heart."

The Berliner will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Images via Travis Vaughn