Ghosts of DC is a fascinating blog that dives into various and odd pieces of Washington history. In the second installment of its “If Walls Could Talk” series, the site profiled 1245 H St. NE, our home. So what’s happened here during the life of the building? Let’s see … bicycle accidents, retail sales, break-ins, and more. Perhaps the coolest thing Ghosts of DC learned — as far as we’re concerned — is that an immigrant German brewer, Leopold Birkle, once lived here. How dedicated was Leopold to his craft? He was busted for running a “near-beer” saloon during Prohibition. We like Leopold. Check out Ghosts of DC’s mini-history on us here.

Earlier this week the Flying Dog brewery in Frederick, Md., hosted our bartenders Tito and Andy for a tour of the facilities. Check out our Facebook gallery for more pics.

We know that every time you grace our doors to enjoy a frosty craft brew, nurse a one-of-a-kind cocktail, or savor a succulent morsel from Chef Carlos Delgado, you’re voting for Smith Commons. But now we need you to vote for real. Several times, in fact.

Washington City Paper‘s Best of D.C. 2012 Reader’s Poll has begun and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on March 1. Click on the links below to place your vote for Smith Commons. Cheers!

• Best Chef: Carlos Delgado
• Best Rooftop Bar
• Best Craft Beer Selection
• Best Draft Beer Selection
• Best Neighborhood Bar

Want to learn more about the history of brewing in the U.S.? No need to hit the books or Wikipedia: The data-visualization company Visual.ly has covered the basics for you with this excellent two-minute video that we learned about through Eater. Enjoy!

The American Beer Revival from visually on Vimeo.

On January 31, Smith Common teamed up with DCBeer.com to present the 2nd Annual Bootlegger’s Beer Dinner. This event showcased five truly out-of-market craft brews that were paired with an inventive menu from Chef Carlos Delgado. In all, 40 lucky souls had the chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening.

Check out On Tap’s online gallery of the dinner, featuring photos by Alfredo Flores.

2nd Annual DCBeer.com Bootlegger’s Beer Dinner Menu

Lime & Orange Macaroons / Foie Gras Mousse
Lost Abbey Inferno Ale — pale ale (8.5% ABV)

Goat Cheese Ravioli / Duo of Raisin Purée & Citrus Pop Rocks
Hair of the Dog Fred — strong ale (10% ABV)

Sous Vide Shrimp Dumplings / Dashi, Quail & Yuzu
Cigar City Guava Grove — saison (8% ABV)

Braised Pork Belly / Coffee Migas, House Smoked Bacon Lardon, Smoked Espuma
Alaskan Smoked Porter — porter (6.5% ABV)

Dish: Coconut Pudding / Lavender Ice Cream, Vanilla, Dried Caramel
Brew: Alchemist Heady Topper — IPA (8% ABV)