After nearly three decades as a staple of Bethesda’s beer scene, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery has closed its doors for good.
Located at 7900 Norfolk Avenue, the brewpub quietly marked the end of an era with a simple note taped to its front door:
“Rock Bottom would like to thank this community for the past 29 years. Serving you has been a pleasure. Unfortunately, Rock Bottom is now Permanently Closed.”
The message, heartfelt and understated, mirrors the way many longtime patrons came to think of the place — dependable, welcoming, and part of the fabric of downtown Bethesda.
No calls are being answered, and the location is now marked as “Permanently Closed” online, confirming what locals had begun to suspect.
Part of a once-sprawling brewpub chain that launched in Denver in 1991, Rock Bottom was known for pairing elevated pub fare with approachable house-brewed beers. At its peak, the brand operated 17 locations nationwide. As of now, only 11 are listed on the company’s website.
While the closure may be one more sign of shifting trends in the craft beer world — where hyperlocal taprooms and small-batch innovation have surged — Rock Bottom’s legacy remains. For nearly 30 years, it served as a gateway for many into the world of craft beer, hosting everything from after-work happy hours to first dates and family dinners.
The Bethesda location is no longer displayed on the company’s website.
Bethesda just lost a landmark, and the local beer community raises a glass in gratitude.
Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row posts offers more details about the brewery.
