Walk into most taprooms in the D.C. metro area on a Friday night and you know exactly what to expect. There is the predictable roar of a crowd, the clinking of pint glasses, and that specific humidity that comes from fifty people talking at once. But when you step into Streetcar 82 Brewing Company in Hyattsville, Maryland, things feel different. It isn’t just the smell of Citra hops or the industrial-chic decor of the renovated auto shop. It’s the silence that isn’t actually silent.
The air is thick with movement. Hands are flying. Facial expressions are doing the heavy lifting that vocal cords usually handle. This isn't your standard neighborhood bar; it is the first brewery in Maryland—and one of the few in the world—owned and operated entirely by Deaf founders.
Honestly, a lot of people go there the first time just because they heard the story. They want to see how a "Deaf brewery" works. But they keep coming back because the beer is actually, objectively, fantastic. You don’t win a gold medal at the Maryland Craft Beer Competition just because you have a cool backstory. You win because your Saison is crisp, your fermentation is clean, and you know how to balance a malt bill.
The Trio Behind the Taps
Streetcar 82 Brewing Company didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It was the brainchild of three Gallaudet University alumni: Sam Costner, Mark Burke, and Jon Mauk. They were friends long before they were business partners. They were homebrewers who realized that the craft beer world, for all its talk about "community" and "inclusion," often left the Deaf community on the sidelines.
If you're a Deaf person at a regular bar, ordering a drink can be a chore. You’re pointing at menus, typing things into your phone notes, or dealing with a bartender who looks panicked the second they realize you aren't using spoken English.
The founders wanted to flip that script.
They settled in Hyattsville’s Arts District, specifically because of its proximity to Gallaudet in D.C. and the large Deaf population in the surrounding suburbs. They found an old brick garage on Rhode Island Avenue—a spot that used to be part of the transit corridor where the 82 streetcar line once ran. That’s where the name comes from. It isn't just a random number. It’s a nod to the local history of the 1888-founded trolley line that linked the suburbs to the city.
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It Isn't About the "Gimmick"
Let’s be real for a second. In the SEO-driven world of "best breweries near me," businesses often lean into a hook. But for Streetcar 82 Brewing Company, being Deaf-owned isn't a marketing ploy. It’s the operational DNA.
The taproom is designed for visual communication. The lighting is bright but warm—no dark, moody corners where you can't see someone’s hands. The bar is lower. The sightlines are open. Even the way you order is streamlined. They have a simple system where you can point to the beer you want on the menu, or if you’re feeling bold, you can learn the American Sign Language (ASL) signs for "IPA" or "Stout."
There are little chalkboards everywhere. They help.
But let’s talk about the liquid. If the beer sucked, the mission wouldn't matter as much in the long run. They specialize in Belgian-style ales but aren't afraid to get weird with a West Coast IPA or a smooth Nitro Stout.
- The 82 IPA: This is their flagship. It’s balanced. It’s not one of those "burn your esophagus with hops" type of beers. It’s citrusy and reliable.
- The Fancy Pants: A Belgian Witbier that actually tastes like coriander and orange peel rather than just a sugary mess.
- Seasonal Rotations: They do a lot of small-batch stuff. Sometimes it's a coffee porter using local beans; sometimes it's a sour that actually has some pucker to it.
The Cultural Impact on Hyattsville
Hyattsville has seen a massive transformation over the last decade. It’s gone from a sleepy pass-through town to a legitimate destination for foodies and art lovers. Streetcar 82 Brewing Company acted as a sort of anchor for the "SoHy" (South Hyattsville) area.
What’s fascinating is how the hearing community has adapted to the brewery, rather than the other way around. You’ll see hearing locals who have lived in Prince George’s County their whole lives sitting at the bar, awkwardly but earnestly trying to sign "thank you" to the bartender. It’s a bridge. It’s a place where two different cultures collide over a shared love of fermentation.
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They also host "ASL Socials." These aren't formal classes. It's more like a happy hour where people come to practice. It removes the intimidation factor. If you mess up a sign, nobody cares—everyone has had a pint of "The 82" anyway.
Why This Model Actually Works for Business
From a business perspective, Streetcar 82 is a masterclass in niche community building. Most breweries try to be everything to everyone. They want the families, the dogs, the sports fans, and the hop-heads.
Streetcar does that too, but they started with a core, underserved audience. By creating a space that was 100% accessible to the Deaf community, they guaranteed a loyal base. Then, because the environment was so unique and the beer was high-quality, the hearing community followed.
They didn't spend a million dollars on a Super Bowl ad. They spent time making sure their taproom felt like a home.
The brewery also leans heavily into the "Buy Local" ethos. They collaborate with neighbors like Vigilante Coffee. They bring in local food trucks because they don't have a kitchen of their own. This creates an ecosystem. If you’re eating a taco from a truck parked outside a Deaf-owned brewery while drinking a beer made with local coffee, you are the peak of the Hyattsville experience.
Navigating the Challenges
It hasn't been all gold medals and easy pours. Like every brewery, they got hit hard by the supply chain issues of the mid-2020s. Aluminum can shortages and the rising cost of grain aren't picky about whether you can hear them or not.
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There's also the constant labor of education. The staff often has to educate new patrons on how to communicate. It takes patience. Some people walk in, realize it’s a Deaf-centric space, and get uncomfortable. They leave. But those people are the exception. Most people realize that a little bit of effort in communication makes the beer taste a lot better.
One thing that surprises people is the "noise" level. Deaf spaces can be loud. There’s the sound of hands hitting tables for emphasis, the booming laughter that isn't modulated for a hearing world, and the general vibration of a busy room. It’s a different kind of energy. It’s vibrant.
Technical Craftsmanship: Beyond the Story
If you talk to the brewers (and you should, they are incredibly knowledgeable), they’ll tell you about their water chemistry. Hyattsville water isn't naturally perfect for every style. They have to treat it. They have to play with the mineral content to get that crisp finish on their lagers.
They use a 2-barrel system for a lot of their experimental stuff. This allows them to fail fast. If a recipe doesn't work, they only lose a small amount of product. If it’s a hit, it moves up to the larger tanks. This "pilot program" approach is why their tap list stays so fresh. You aren't going to walk in and see the same five beers for three years straight.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to Streetcar 82 Brewing Company, don't just show up and stare. Engage. Here is how to actually make the most of it:
- Learn the Basic Signs: Before you go, look up the ASL signs for "Please," "Thank you," "Beer," and "Water." It takes thirty seconds on YouTube and changes the entire vibe of your interaction with the staff.
- Check the Food Truck Schedule: They don't serve food. Follow their Instagram or check their website to see which truck is parked outside. The pupusa trucks are usually a win.
- Parking is Tricky: It’s a converted garage in an older part of town. Don’t expect a massive suburban lot. Be prepared to walk a block or two from the side streets.
- Try a Flight: Since they rotate so many small batches, don't commit to a full pint immediately. Get a flight of four. Ask for "the brewer's choice."
- Bring Your Dog: The patio is dog-friendly, and the Hyattsville community is big on their pups. It’s a very social atmosphere for four-legged friends.
Streetcar 82 Brewing Company is a reminder that "craft" isn't just about the ingredients in the mash tun. It’s about the hands that stir it and the community that drinks it. They’ve proven that you don't need sound to create a massive amount of buzz.
Whether you’re there for the Belgian Wit or the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture, you’re going to leave with a better understanding of what Maryland beer can—and should—be.