By: Kennedy Miller By: Kennedy Miller | January 31, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Community,
The Union Market District has become a staple of vibrant flavors, eclectic craft creations, and culinary excellence in DC. But it's been missing one thing, a brewery.
Crooked Run and Pizza Serata opened in the Union Market District on Wednesday, Jan. 18, becoming the first brewery in this epicenter of culinary creativity.
The collaborative concept between Crooked Run Fermentation owners Jake Endres and Lee Rogan and Michelin-starred chef Chris Morgan is a celebration of the art of brewing and fermentation without pretension, according to the brewery’s press release.
The menu, created by Morgan and award-winning ‘Pizza Czar’ Anthony Falco (formally of Roberta’s), offers a selection of thick-crust personal pan pizzas, elevated sandwiches, fresh salads, sides, and more designed to pair perfectly with Crooked Run’s high-quality, Virginia-grown craft beer and extensive selection of natural wines, ciders, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The menu has something to satisfy every craving. Start with an appetizer of arugula salad, housemade fried mozzarella, or sticky garlic chicken wings. For traditional pizza lovers, options include classic tomato, cheese, or pepperoni pies. Bolder choices include the ‘Hot and Bothered’ (topped with arrabbiata, pepperoni, hot salami, mozzarella, pecorino, basil, and Calabrian chile oil) and ‘The Unicorn’ (with tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, roasted mushrooms, pickled cherry peppers, onions, and honey). Housemade dough is used for the joint’s Italian, artisanal sandwiches. For dessert, indulge in a double fudge brownie or white chocolate blondie.
The restaurant and taproom received an immediate, overwhelming response from guests. In just a few days after opening, Pizza Serata sold out of pizza at the Union Market location, according to Crooked Run’s Instagram.
Started in Leesburg, Virginia, Crooked Run Fermentation has developed a following for creative and nuanced beverages across a variety of styles far beyond traditional beers, according to their website. In 2017, Crooked Run opened its main production facility and tasting room in Sterling, Virginia. The Union Market location is their third in the DMV.
In honor of the opening, Crooked Run set out to make a beer specifically unique for DC. According to Instagram, the brand recently released Alora, a unique Italian-style pilsner, brewed and sold exclusively year-round at the DC location. The crisp, thirst-quenching lager is crafted to accompany pizza from the in-house restaurant.
Guests can enjoy all Crooked Run and Pizza Serata offers in the bright, airy 3,200 square foot space or from the comfort of their own home with delivery options. As the weather warms and summer approaches, the restaurant and taproom will open up a shaded outdoor seating area for all guests and even their furry friends.
Crooked Run Fermentation Union Market is located at 550 Morse Street NE.
Photography by: Courtesy of Josh McDonough