Urban Garden Brewing is one of DC’s pioneering Black owned craft beer brands — a space where culture, community, and connection shape every part of the experience. More than a brewery, it is a gathering place where craft beverages, soulful food, art, and heritage live under one roof. As the District observed Juneteenth and looks ahead to National Black Business Month in August, the story of this brewhouse reflects the enduring legacy of Black entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience.
Founded by CEO Eamoni Collier, Urban Garden Brewing opened its doors on Friday, June 19, 2026 — Juneteenth, a date that symbolizes liberation, self-determination, and the power of building something lasting. For Eamoni, the brewery represents a continuation of the imprint her family has made on DC’s cultural landscape.
Her late grandfather, Joe Tate, is deeply rooted in DC’s music history — working with The Blendells, playing saxophone for the Howard Theatre’s house band in the 1960s, and contributing to the early sound of the Soul Searchers as Chuck Brown was defining gogo. His influence shaped generations of sound in the Shaw neighborhood. Urban Garden Brewing honors that tradition, carrying forward the artistry, pride, and cultural spirit that defined his life.
“My late grandfather used to come into this place, so there’s a lot of history and connection for me here…There are photos of him, and we have a vinyl player that plays any of the records on the walls — the same vinyl’s that inspired my grandfather’s music.”
A Touch of Home in the Heart of Shaw
Located at 624 T Street Northwest, the brewhouse sits inside a historic building that once served as a neighborhood pool house — a space woven into the Shaw-Howard community’s past. The exposed brick, preserved architectural details, and intentional design choices create a “touch of home,” reminiscent of the aunties, elders, and cultural anchors who shaped Eamoni’s life.
Every corner of the brewhouse reflects someone who made an imprint on her journey — from the listening lounge dedicated to her grandfather to the curated shelves of African American archives and the murals honoring Black artistry.
“This whole area is meant for relaxing…. I have my godmother's mom, grandma's chairs, it’s really pretty table set… The plants are here from my great aunt that she keeps buying. I felt like I always wanted to create my own like space and invite others to create within.”
Craft, Creativity, and Botanical Expression
Urban Garden Brewing produces its beer inhouse and features a botanical cocktail program that blends flavor with storytelling. The menu includes house made pickles, fried pickles, and other offerings that echo familiar comforts and cultural traditions.
Eamoni’s path into brewing began in hospitality and led her to Right Proper Brewing Company, where she discovered a love for craft beer and the vision behind developing new recipes. A gifted set of homebrew equipment — and encouragement from her aunties and mother — sparked the vision that would eventually become Urban Garden Brewing.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. When I was young, I even had a business called Mommy’s Sweet Shop…I fell in love with the brewing process — and I had the opportunity to brew my own beer and come up with the concepts.”
A Cultural Space Designed With Purpose
The brewhouse is intentionally built as a cultural hub. Guests can enjoy vinyl records in Joe Tate’s listening lounge, browse African American archives, attend crafting workshops, or experience live music that reflects the soul of the city.
Murals throughout the space celebrate Black womanhood, artistry, and heritage — created by artists who felt honored to contribute to a Black woman owned brewery in the District.
“This place has an entire area called Jasmine's Bar…..As you notice, she has her eye on you, like wherever you walk in this facility, she's looking at you. We did an artist call competition…. They stayed in this space 8 to 10 hours just to get this done… and they were honored, and it was very magical.”
Honoring Juneteenth Through Community and Connection
Opening on Juneteenth was more than symbolic — it was a declaration of legacy, liberation, and continuity. Urban Garden Brewing stands as a testament to Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of spaces that feel like home. It is a place where history is honored, culture is celebrated, and community is nourished.
For many visitors, Urban Garden Brewing is more than a brewhouse. It is a living thread connecting past and present — a reminder of how Black owned businesses strengthen the cultural, emotional, and social fabric of the District.
“We’re laughing with local artists, we have a Gogo band here on the weekends, and we host an all you can eat brunch with a dope lunch playlist…When you come in, we have the opportunity to create so many different events — our own house events, and ones that bring other people in so we can support their businesses as well.”
