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    The Public Option

    4.7 (46 reviews)
    ModeratePubs, Breweries

    The Public Option Photos

    THE PUBLIC OPTION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Public Option

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    Reviews With Photos

    Linda O.

    A no-frills bar that's reasonably-priced and trying earnestly to be a neighborhood watering hole. The fact that TPO only serves drinks is limiting. It's mostly beer for sale; however it's their own craft brew, and decent. Since there's no food menu, any outside food that customers wish to bring in is allowed (that's what the owners told me). Live music is offered on an irregular basis, so check the website. The hours of operation have expanded from just weekends, to Thursday through Sunday. There's some oldie-but-goodies box games stacked in a corner that I enjoy playing. TPO's layout is a bit odd; the décor is a retrograde time warp with personal touches, and fitting. A progressive, independent spirit is found within.

    Eri S.

    Tasty beers (and they have half pints so you can taste more of what they have on tap. Fine musicians playing for camaraderie and playing a song.

    Get a flight!
    Chuq Y.

    I am very happy to have just gotten back from here tonight. We stopped in for some drinks and a snack. The place was furnished like an 80's diner furniture-wise. Definitely a +1 for reduce, reuse, recycle. Even the salt and pepper shakers were old kitschy porcelain hens, pigs, etc. From what i have heard about Public Option, they are very neighborhood friendly. And I mean like giving back to the community friendly. They seem very socially conscious, so the Public Option name is particularly poignant. For instance, tonight was a fundraiser for the Rhode Island Avenue Main Street initiative. This is the group that is helping bring businesses to that neighborhood. Anyway, the head of RIA was there (Kyle) and he was the guest chef for his chilli. What a neat concept! The chilli was good and meaty, I think it could have used a little more flavor, but I enjoyed it. We suggested that they carry hot sauce, so it may be there by the time you go. I think they mentioned getting Texas Pete. The cornbread was more like my mom used to make, without all the butter and fancy. The side of honey butter was great though. The beers were good. I think they had 6 different varieties of their own brews, two guest brews and then the beers that you should never order at a place that brews their own beer (I.e Bud, Bud Light, etc.). The beers seemed a little sweet to me, but all had great flavor, Sam's stout, American Amber and the Breakfast Porter were our faves from the flight. IPA #6 probably being our least favorite. The pecan pie was delicious, but could probably have set a bit longer. The brewer, Bill Perry, came over to us and apologized for the service, which we thought was perfect! We talked some about the neighborhood, the name Public Option, and beer. He's a very cool guy, and I hope to talk to him soon. With a purported beer garden in the back for warmer months, I hope this place stays around! I can see that neighborhood growing by leaps and bounds with some of the new businesses in the area. Certainly check this place out. They're not open late since they are super respectful of the neighbors. Kudos for that! I highly recommend it and I'm sure I'll be back!

    Sam's Stout (4.2%) and Breakfast Porter (6.0%)
    Aditya R.

    Good selection of beer, but not enough space. I think they're too popular for their own good They had a live band when I went. They also have their own kitchen, didn't try the food but friends told me it was decent. Cool glasses!

    Jammin' on a Saturday afternoon at the PO

    If you really want to relax...if you want a great beer with an atmosphere to match, the Public Option is perfect. The atmosphere is laid back, with an opportunity for easy conversation with the owners/staff, or a chance to sit back and enjoy the truly delicious brews. When I was there on a Saturday afternoon, the upstairs was full of acoustic musicians who had gathered to jam, and it was such a rich musical experience. Meanwhile, other patrons were gathered outside at tables enjoying the sunshine. Public Option is a great home away from home destination.

    Cream Ale
    Takera G.

    I visited this place once. They are only open on specific nights. We went in for a couple beers. We tasted a few and found some that we liked. They have a small selection of food, we hadn't tried anything. They have a nice variety of games, connect four, uno, and others. I'll be going back.

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    Business owner information

    Photo of Bill P.

    Bill P.

    Thanks Lisa. Great to see you and the team.

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    6 years ago

    LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Great craft beers. Even better company. Right across the street from my place. We will definitely be back!

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    8 years ago

    I love this place, they have great beer and a great place to hang out and meet new friends. What more can you want?

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

    The Public Option is a national treasure. Oldest continuously operating brewery in Langdon Park. Ask for the Cheese Its.

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    8 years ago

    Awesome little place place just blocks always from our house. Great beer and the staff is just fantastic!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Public Option

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    Ive been here a few times and like coming here with my mom and hanging out on their patio on a nice…read moreday. Its usually a weekday early afternoon that we have visited. Ive never been here on a weekend day. Its also great to support a business where the entire staff are deaf. I didnt figure this out until after a few visits and each time, the person pouring my draft was using sign language and reading my lips to help me. Beers have always been good. This time I had a JRA, which is a hoppy lager and very good. Mom had a fancy cola. It would be fun if they did a happy hour too. There's always a burger food truck parked here, but have never tried it. We sat outside, soaked up the sun like two lizards, had good conversation and enjoyed the beautiful day. Id definitely come back again when in the area.

    We absolutely love Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. My husband and I have been coming here, and every…read moresingle visit reminds us why it's one of our favorite spots. I've been self-teaching myself sign language, and having the opportunity to come here and get some real one-on-one interaction and practice has been incredible. It's one thing to study on your own, but being able to engage in person in such a welcoming, supportive environment has been absolutely amazing. That kind of experience is rare -- and so appreciated. The atmosphere is relaxed, inclusive, and genuinely warm. The outdoor space is spacious and perfect for soaking up the sun, and we love that food trucks rotate through -- it makes every visit feel a little different. And Magnolia (our mini dachshund) is clearly a fan too. She was stretched out in the sunshine, completely relaxed, soaking it all in like she owned the place. Watching her sprawl out and enjoy herself just added to the whole experience. Great beer, great people, great vibes. We'll definitely keep coming back.

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    So...I tend to stick to the rivers and the "lounges" that I'm used to. But I came here for my…read morefriend's birthday because she loves both "Tacos and Tequila" (which happened to be the name of last night's event). This was ON A TUESDAY (and that's relevant because I'm over 30 and it was a work-night lol). It wasn't necessarily my scene, but it may be yours, so I'll drop the bullet points so you can decide for yourself. -Small establishment with street parking (The outside is honestly a bit sketchy-looking.) -The crowd was mostly locals that really just wanted to have a good time. Many were dancing--which I always want when I go out. And the club started to fill up around midnight. It actually packed out!--Yes on a Tuesday! -The DJ played mostly hip hop & rap. -I didn't personally try the food, but friends thought the tacos (beef or chicken) were good except that the tortillas were falling apart. -There was a full bar & nice bartenders, but the drinks were strong--but NOT tasty. -Bottle girls? Um... -Single bathrooms that were clean -The turn-up? Real. --Oh and it was hella smoky. My throat was on fire when I left and the smell was all in my clothes and hair. I think that about covers everything. Happy hunting!

    Was invited to come here for Taco's and Tequila. This place is definitely a hole in the wall, but…read moreworth the time if you like your everyday hoodrat type atmosphere. The bartender is OUTSTANDING! Beauitful, BIG BOOTY JUDY! She makes the BEST DRINKS!!!! Music was good. Looked like a strong party atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back!

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    Had the biggest onion rings of my life here, wow. And they were great too with the horseradish…read moresauce. These were more savory than sweet. Followed my friend's way of eating them and used a fork and knife haha. Ordered a chicken sandwich too and it was delicious. Ask for extra sauce cause I found it a little dry but overall tasted great. Our server was really nice and friendly too. After eating, we went downstairs for some ice cream and I got the super chonk flavor (malted vanilla ice cream, fudge, peanut butter, brownie pieces). It hit the spot, tasted like real premium ice cream. Glad to have checked this spot out. I liked the family friendly ambiance and can tell it's an important part of the community.

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    Upstairs bar

    Franklins General Store - Holy Frijoles

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    The Public Option - pubs - Updated May 2026

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