There’s nothing more distressing than settling into your restaurant booth, and being told by your waitress that your beer options are Bud and Bud Light.  OK, the craft beer revolution has penetrated far enough these days that you’re no longer surprised when a small restaurant has Sam Adams.  But there’s still a thrill when you glance at the menu and realize that you’ve stumbled into a place that takes its beer seriously.

So the hot “Good Beer in Unexpected Places” tip for the day – Northern Virginia edition – is Ledo Pizza on Route 123/Ox Road in Lorton, in the Lorton Shopping Center (8971 Ox Road in Lorton (703-493-8888) (the Giant center)).  Most of you are probably familiar with the Ledo’s menu – pizzas (the “square” Ledo’s pizza), Italian dishes, good salads, and the other familiar (and delicious) Ledo’s fare.

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But a surprise awaits at the Ledo’s in Lorton – respect for quality craft beer.  They always have Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA and a seasonal Bell’s on tap (right now, it’s Oberon; earlier this year, they had Hopslam when Hopslam was nowhere else to be found).  What’s more, there are generally another six or seven micros in bottles (or cans); right now, they’ve got Bell’s Lager, Oskar Blues’ Little Yella Pils, New Holland Cabin Fever, 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, and a bunch more from Dogfish Head — Raison D’Etre, India Brown Ale, 90 Minute IPA, and Midas Touch.  The prices are VERY right — $4.00 for a Dogfish 60 pint!

ledo2On a recent Friday night, the manager promised more new brews for the Oktoberfest season, including some beers in 22-oz bombers, so that’s something to look forward to.  So if you find yourself wandering through Lorton seeking food (or, perhaps, heading from I-95 to Fairfax), stop in and reward yourself with some real good brews (and a pizza).