How Does Franklin Hall Deliver the Ultimate Beer Hall Experience in DC?
Inside the craft beer selection, food system, and design that make this U Street venue a community favorite
If you want to understand why Franklin Hall has become one of the most popular beer halls in Washington DC, the answer comes down to three things: great beer, smart service, and a layout built for connection. The venue blends the feel of a classic biergarten with the energy of a modern bar, creating a space where people can drink well, eat well, and feel part of something bigger.
Located at 1348 Florida Avenue NW, Franklin Hall was built around the idea that a beer hall should be welcoming, efficient, and social. It is more than a place to grab a drink. It is a space designed to help friends gather, groups meet up, and strangers sit side by side at long tables that invite conversation.
What makes Franklin Hall a standout for craft beer lovers in DC?
Franklin Hall features an impressive selection of more than twenty craft beers on draft, along with wine and cocktails served through twenty four draft lines. The system keeps service fast and consistent even when the room is full. Whether you know exactly what you want or like to try something new, the variety makes it easy to explore.
Because the drinks are served from multiple walk up stations, guests can order quickly without waiting for a server. It is the kind of setup that keeps the flow moving on busy nights and helps the beer selection shine.
Highlights of the drink program:
Over twenty craft beers on draft
Wine and cocktails served through efficient draft lines
Walk up ordering on both ends of the bar
Designed for speed during peak hours
How does Franklin Hall’s service model improve the guest experience?
The self service system was inspired by a barbecue spot in Portland, Maine, and refined for the busy pace of U Street. Instead of flagging down staff, guests approach the bar directly, place an order, and get their drink fast.
The food system uses a buzzer model. Order at the counter, receive your buzzer, and pick up your food hot from a service window. There are also QR codes on the tables for guests who prefer to order without leaving their seat.
This structure keeps wait times short, even when the bar is at capacity. It also creates a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere for casual groups.
Why the service model works:
Faster drink ordering
Clear, simple food pickup
QR code ordering when needed
Reliable throughput during busy periods
How does Franklin Hall create a genuine sense of community?
The design is intentional. Communal tables made from reclaimed barn wood bring people together and give the space a warm, comfortable feel. The layout draws from classic German biergartens, where strangers often share tables and conversations start naturally.
After its 2022 expansion, Franklin Hall now spans over eleven thousand square feet and includes a second bar. The space allows for everything from lively group gatherings to quieter conversations near the Roosevelt Room and its fireplace.
What gives Franklin Hall its community feel:
Large communal tables for group seating
Eleven thousand square feet of flexible space
Warm design materials like reclaimed barn wood
Distinct areas for both high energy and quieter hangs
Takeaway
Franklin Hall blends craft beer, efficient service, and thoughtful design to create an experience that feels timeless and modern at the same time. If you want a beer hall where the atmosphere is easy, the drinks are varied, and the room feels built for connection, Franklin Hall delivers it every day.
More Great Spots from the Team Behind Franklin Hall
Looking for more venues with strong vibes and great design? Check out these other spots from Peter Bayne and Geoff Dawson’s TinShop, Dawson Bars:.
Highline Bar
Located in Virginia, Highline offers bright design, lively energy, and a packed calendar of events. It's ideal for anyone wanting a fun, stylish night out with friends.
Quincy Hall
Another Northern Virginia favorite, Quincy Hall features a massive outdoor patio, playful industrial design, and tons of space to gather, eat, and unwind.
Each bar reflects the same dedication to hospitality and community that makes Franklin Hall a D.C. favorite.