Birch & Barley beer director Greg Engert

Photo: courtesy the restaurant

Hopsheads should get ready to take their passion to new heights when Birch & Barley, a brew-centric New American restaurant, and ChurchKey, its massive second-floor beer bar, open in the next two weeks on a trendy stretch of 14th Street NW above Logan Circle. Manning the stoves will be Kyle Bailey (ex NY’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Cru), who will be crafting seasonal, brew-inspired fare downstairs and artisanal bar food (hushpuppies, flatbreads) upstairs. Beer director Greg Engert says his mission is to serve the libation as it was intended to be tasted (via correct temperatures and proper glassware), and he’s sourced some 555 selections from around the world, including 50 draft brews and five hand-pumped, cask-conditioned ales.

Within the handsome earth-toned space, expect oil lamps flickering off exposed brick and aged wood walls, beer fixtures used as decor and a lounge upstairs with huge windows looking out on 14th Street (1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576).