Sign installed at BabyCat Brewery in Bethesda

Permanent signage has been installed at the new BabyCat Brewery taproom at 4850 Rugby Avenue in the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower. Last night, it was lit. The brewery has been open for a couple of weeks, and reviews of the beer and premises have been positive. This is BabyCat's second Montgomery County location; the original is in Kensington, but the Bethesda taproom has a dedicated kitchen for food.

BabyCat Brewery opens in Bethesda (Photos)

BabyCat Brewery has opened at 4850 Rugby Avenue at the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower in downtown Bethesda. The Bethesda taproom is open 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Sundays. Unlike the original Kensington location, there is a food menu here, which also means that no outside food is allowed to be brought in at the Bethesda taproom. The Bethesda menu is similar to that offered by the Cattie Shak food trailer at Kensington.

BabyCat Brewery soft opening draws a crowd in Bethesda

BabyCat Brewery has soft-opened its new Bethesda taproom at 4850 Rugby Avenue, in the ground floor of the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower. There was a good-size crowd on hand indoors, and out. Such activity on the plaza between the Gallery towers has been a long time coming, and let's hope it continues. The official hours of the new Bethesda taproom still show it as "closed" every day, so I recommend calling ahead unless you are already in the neighborhood, at 301-686-8211. An official grand opening is scheduled for October 31.

Total Wine opens in Friendship Heights (Photos)

Total Wine has opened at 5401 44th Street NW in the Friendship Heights area of Chevy Chase, D.C. The beer, wine, and spirits superstore is located in the basement of what's left of poor Mazza Gallerie. There is a coupon online to receive $10-off a purchase of $50 or more, in celebration of the opening. It's a mighty strong shot down the hatch to realize that Total Wine is headquartered in Montgomery County, but cannot open a store in Montgomery County due to the County monopoly control of liquor sales. Heckuva job, Brownie!

BabyCat Brewery setting up outdoor seating ahead of opening in Bethesda (Photos)

We've previously seen some furniture and fencing outside the future BabyCat Brewery at 4850 Rugby Avenue in the Gallery Bethesda II apartments. Now that, and some additional tables and seating, are being set up for use. BabyCat Brewery hopes to open this new Bethesda Taproom before the end of the month.

BabyCat Brewery Bethesda construction update (Photos)

There has been a lot of visible progress recently on the outside of the new BabyCat Brewery taproom and restaurant at 4850 Rugby Avenue in the ground floor of the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower. Now, let's take a look at the most recent progress on the interior of the space. You can see a bar with BabyCat logos on the counter surface. Some of the heavier brewing equipment is visible through an arched wall opening. At least one private event was held here last week, so I would expect an opening date announcement soon.

Patio setup continues at BabyCat Brewery in Bethesda

Things are moving quickly outside of BabyCat Brewery at 4850 Rugby Avenue, the Kensington-based brewery's soon-to-open downtown Bethesda taproom and restaurant. Yesterday, I reported on the fencing installed around the outdoor patio space. On Tuesday, tables, chairs, and heating units were delivered. The taproom is located in the ground floor of the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower.

Fencing installed for beer garden at BabyCat Brewery in Bethesda

Stanchions and fencing have been installed outside of the future BabyCat Brewery at 4850 Rugby Avenue, in the ground floor of the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower. The fencing sports BabyCat logos, and delineates the outdoor dining and drinking area. I believe this is required by the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control, even though this area of the law got rather hazy during the pandemic. BabyCat is hoping to open this second Bethesda location before the end of the month.

BabyCat Brewery Bethesda construction update (Photos)

The interior fit-out of the future BabyCat Brewery continues at 4829 Rugby Avenue, in the ground floor of the Gallery Bethesda II apartment tower. In the photos below, you can see the progression from August to the beginning of September. The interior design concept will be different from the industrial railroad theme of the original Kensington location. For the Bethesda outpost, the theme will be cycling and the Capital Crescent Trail.