Beer Me: The Introduction and Fireworks Pizza

Historical accounts will differ depending on the source, but there’s widespread agreement that mankind left the hunter-gatherer lifestyle between six and seven thousand years ago, when an accidental series of events led to the discovery of the first beer. We quickly put down our spears and stopped foraging for food to form the first farming communities. The purpose of this…to grow large amounts of grain for beer. Yes, beer is credited with the advent of civilization! Fast forward six or seven thousand years and we now live in the most exciting time EVER for beer, and undoubtedly the most exciting country for it as well. America is currently leading the way in brewing innovation. Just another example of how our great country continues its dominance of all things awesome!

So when I sat down recently with Cloture Club and was asked if I’d like to write about the DC beer scene, I was thrilled. DC and the surrounding area have experienced an explosion of craft beer in recent years. I’m going to do my best to tell you all about it. From the new breweries popping up, beer festivals and brewpubs, and the best stores to buy beer, I vow to go to as many places as I can and drink as much beer as possible so that you’ll be informed about craft beer in the nation’s capital. Yes, I am willing to make that sacrifice for you DC!

Mark Bryan

So who am I anyway? I wouldn’t go so far as to describe myself as a “beer geek” or a “beer snob”, but I definitely have some tendencies. With that said, and this being my first article, it might be beneficial to tell you a little about myself for the sake of credibility. After all, you don’t want someone that drinks from the rectum that is the Budweiser tap giving you advice on where to go for good beer. If you drink Bud or Miller, shame on you! You have many other choices that are far better, and I’m going to help you find them.

As an avid home brewer of seven years, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing beer to its fullest. My love for the frosty bubbly nectar of the gods has even led me to read a 300 page book on yeast, which was not as exciting as it sounds but you get the picture. I cook with beer, plan out my dining experiences depending on a restaurant’s beer rep, grow my own hops, attend every beer event I can, of course I also make my annual trip to mecca in the fall; The Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. Enough about me though, let’s get to the endeavor at hand.

Since I currently reside in Arlington, I thought I’d start by telling you about one of my favorite local spots to drink craft beer. Fireworks Pizza. Now hold on just a second, I said ONE of my favorite spots. I know there’s a ton of great places for beer in Arlington, and we’ll get to all of them eventually, but for right now it’s all about Fireworks.

I first had Fireworks when my home brewing buddy took me to their Leesburg, VA location in 2006. I was hooked immediately, and when I found out they were opening a location in Arlington a few years back, I knew where I’d soon be spending a lot of my time. But the Arlington location turned out to be nothing like the Leesburg beer joint I’d fallen in love with, it was ten times better!

Atmosphere and Service: When you first walk into Fireworks you’re greeted by giant flags hanging from the high ceiling representing great beers from around the world. Beer lovers know that they’re home immediately. I’ve grown accustomed to politely say hello to the friendly hostesses and quickly make my way to expansive wooden bar that stretches from the front to the back of the restaurant. If I can get there at a time when it’s not completely packed, I’ll go for a stool at the very heart of the bar, where I can get a good view of the 31 craft beers that they keep on tap. A well posted chalk board also alerts me to the two ales that represent their current cask selection. Rarely will you see any of what I call “The Usual Suspects” on the Fireworks draft list. While they do offer bottles of Miller, Coors, Bud, Stella, and the other favorites of the hardcore uncultured, they appreciate beer way too much at Fireworks to taint their draft selection. Seriously, check it out: http://www.fireworkspizza.com/Arlington/Web/Menus/Beer.pdf.

Photo courtesy of arlnow.com

One of the first things you notice is the cleanliness, a must for any operation that takes beer seriously. The bar area is well lit and extremely comfortable, partially due to the five ton wood-fired oven blazing a short distance away, but mostly from the friendliness of the restaurant’s amazing bar staff. The bartenders go out of their way to make you feel at home, and are very knowledgeable about the beer they serve. I’ve met a number of the staff, and I’m always impressed that they all seem to remember the names of every customer that returns. The bar staff is also attentive, even when the place is packed…I’ve never seen a customer go thirsty there or wait long for a drink. The restaurant area of Fireworks is very kid friendly, and when the weather allows they have an impressive outdoor seating area as well. I love the bar, but should you opt for a table during your visit, the wait staff is also top notch!

Photo courtesy from fireworkspizza.com

Selection: I already mentioned the 33 beers on tap/cask. Fireworks also boasts a 140 beer bottle list that is conveniently broken down by the primary characteristic of each beer’s style…Including over 25 Belgian and Belgian-style beers; which tend to be my favorite. I usually focus on the drafts whenever I get to Fireworks, but their bottle list is truly impressive with great beers from all over the world. In terms of selection and quality, any beer lover would be happy here.

Value: Fireworks is very reasonable. Some places think that craft beer should cost as much as Cristal, but here you pay a very fair and often lower price than many of the places I’ve been to. Their happy hour specials are pretty amazing, with $3 select drafts from 3:00pm – 6:30pm that are a great value and food specials to match.

Overall: Fireworks has it all, including beer-themed dinners and other events. If you haven’t been to Fireworks, you need to check it out! The place has amazing beer and great pizza. Nuff said.

Till next time, stay thirsty DC.

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