It’s not hard to stumble onto a bar in D.C. serving corned beef and cabbage or Guinness. But some Irish pubs take that extra step, whether it be importing rare decorations straight from the Emerald Isle or putting a particular emphasis on traditional Irish recipes.
Sadly, D.C. bid adieu to a few Irish standbys over the past few years: Georgetown’s Ri Ra, Alexandria’s Fiona’s Irish Pub, James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant in Dupont Circle, and Chinatown’s Fado. The same Northwest neighborhood will soon welcome Dead Rabbit, an iconic NYC-based bar known for its perfectly poured Irish coffees and Sunday roasts.
The Irish family-owned Dupont Circle hotel celebrates its heritage this March with offerings like corned beef Reuben sliders, shepherd’s pie, and complimentary Tuesday tastings of Irish spirits at its classy Doyle bar. The Baltimore region is home to Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the Irish stout’s massive U.S. headquarters that keeps Saint Paddy’s Day festivities all month long.
Here’s a map of the D.C. area’s 18 standout Irish bars, which will likely be more crowded than usual for Saint Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17) but are worth a visit any day of the year. And to curb a craving for a proper order of fish and chips, go here.
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