Astro Lab Brewing
Forget fences—good beer makes good neighbors. Astro Lab Brewing opened in downtown Silver Spring in the fall of 2018 and is one of three breweries within a mile radius. Instead of competing with nearby Denizens Brewing Co. and Silver Branch Brewing Company, Astro Lab has collaborated with them. After the three worked together on a pale ale called Xtra Xtra Xtra in 2018, Astro Lab has continued to join forces with neighbors, releasing an English IPA with Silver Branch last January, and an espresso milk stout with Silver Spring coffee shop Bump ’n Grind in August. Co-founder and Liverpool, England, native Emma Whelan says collaboration within the community is “something that we’ve written into our mission statement. It’s a big part of who we are.” The menu at the 5,500-square-foot brewery isn’t what you might expect: Astro Lab serves savory pies, including a “Steak and Ale Pie” made with one of their stouts. With a side of mashed potatoes, peas and gravy, it makes for a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
8216 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 301-273-9684, astrolabbrewing.com
