More Maps

The Hottest New Restaurants Around D.C., June 2023

18 Standout Steakhouses Around D.C.

Where to Eat and Drink on D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront

More in Washington DC See more maps

The Dubliner

Flock to These Places for Shepherd’s Pie on St. Paddy's Day

Mashed potatoes + meat = never a bad thing

by China Riddle Mar 16, 2016, 12:00pm EDT

View as Map

The Dubliner

| Facebook

by China Riddle Mar 16, 2016, 12:00pm EDT

As one of the signature dishes of the British Isles, it’s no surprise when eaters crave shepherd’s pie the week of St. Patrick’s Day. Originally known as "cottage pie," this dish bakes meat (usually lamb or beef), vegetables, and gravy inside a golden mashed potato crust.

Natives to the British Isles, as well as highly informed diners, know that a true shepherd’s pie must contain lamb, since shepherds tend to sheep. But here on this side of the pond, shepherd’s pie and cottage pie have become practically interchangeable. They're both synonymous with baked layers of meat, vegetables, and potatoes – which is never a bad thing.

Fortunately for diners who also double as St. Paddy’s Day enthusiasts, D.C. is bursting with opportunities to eat this dish. While guzzling green beer and Irish whiskey with the lads and lassies, flock to one of these 18 spots for a hearty helping of shepherd’s pie.

Read More

If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

B

Formerly known as Plan B Burger Bar, "b" is known for its house ground patties and also uses its beef in a hearty shepherd’s pie. In this dish, fresh ground beef and fresh corn are baked with house-made mashed potatoes and gravy, all topped with organic frizzled onions. Diners can order it every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 am for $16.

Open in Google Maps

801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Visit Website

Barrel

Chef Garret Fleming will offer shepherd’s pie during special lunch hours on St. Patrick’s Day. Barrel’s version will feature Barolo braised beef cheeks, Robuchon potatoes, roast peas, and scallions. The dish will be available for $17 beginning at 11:30 a.m. on March 17 only.

Open in Google Maps

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Visit Website

Bier Baron Tavern

Head here for a pie that combines lean ground lamb and corn with other traditional ingredients for $15. Enjoy this dish from 4:00 p.m. to midnight each day, with hours extending to 2:00 a.m. on weekends.

1523 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Daniel O'Connell's Restaurant & Bar

Priced at $16, O’Connell’s pie bakes beef, vegetables, and braising stock inside a Parmesan mashed potato crust. Order this dish every day from 11:00 am to 1:00 a.m.

Open in Google Maps

112 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Del Ray Pizzeria

This surprising server of shepherd’s pie, local favorite DRP serves it as a regular Monday night special. Order this lamb, red wine gravy, and seasonal veggie pie the Monday after St. Paddy’s to stay in the Irish spirit. It’s available for $15 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

2218 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Dubliner Restaurant & Pub

Head here for a traditional beef shepherd’s pie with Guinness gravy and creamy champ potatoes. The lunch version is available for $15.95 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday, while the dinner version is available for $16.95 from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm every day.

520 N Capitol St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant

This spot incorporates both lamb and beef into its pie, as well as crispy onions and rich beef gravy. Order it for $13.95 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.

Open in Google Maps

900 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant

For $15.95, Fado’s serves a ground beef pie topped with colcannon, an Irish dish combining mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage. It’s one of the better deals available, with a half portion farmhouse salad and Guinness cheddar bread served on the side. Order it from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

808 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Gadsby's Tavern

The “gentleman’s pye” at this historic eatery combines tender cuts of both lamb and beef in a red wine stew, topped with whipped potatoes and pastry crust. Order this $22 dish every evening from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Open in Google Maps

138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub

Priced at $14.99, this eatery offers a ground beef pie and the option to add cheddar cheese for an extra $1.50. Order this dish from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

500 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Also featured in:

James Hoban's Irish Restaurant & Bar

Traditional beef pies can be ordered here for $15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. each day.

1 DuPont Cir NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Kelly's Irish Times

Kelly’s offers a creative twist on this classic by using short ribs, as opposed to ground lamb or beef. The dish is $13 and available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. each day.

Open in Google Maps

14 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Kitty O'Shea's DC

Located in Tenleytown, Kitty O’Shea’s combines freshly ground lamb and beef with corn and other traditional ingredients. Order the lunch pie for $11 until 3:00 p.m., with the evening-sized portion priced at $13. The pub is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

Open in Google Maps

4624 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Martin's Tavern

Home to the booth where JFK proposed to Jackie, this Georgetown eatery unsurprisingly adds an elegant twist to shepherd’s pie by infusing the lamb and veggies with rosemary and Guinness. The crust also gets a bit of a kick with the addition of cheddar cheese. Order the pie for $15.95 from 11:00 am to 1:30 am, with extended hours on the weekends.

1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Also featured in:

P.J. Clarke's

Although PJ Clarke’s isn’t known for Irish cuisine, the King George Shepherd’s Pie is available each day beginning at 11:00 a.m. Priced at $18.75, this dish combines ground beef and lamb with mushrooms and veal stock. PJ Clark’s is open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with the exception of midnight closings on Sunday and Monday.

Open in Google Maps

1600 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Rí Rá

This popular pub chain serves $15 classic pies from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

3125 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub

For a pie that meets both your booze and food needs, head to this spot in Shirlington Village. Beckett’s tops ground organic lamb and mixed vegetables with Guinness gravy and Jameson mashed potatoes. It's served everyday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

2800 S Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Star and Shamrock

This H Street eatery elevates the shepherd's pie by combining roasted leg of lamb with traditional veggies, pearl onions, and gravy. Order is for $13 from 11:00 am to 2:00 am each day.

1341 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website

Also featured in:

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link copied to the clipboard.

B

801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Formerly known as Plan B Burger Bar, "b" is known for its house ground patties and also uses its beef in a hearty shepherd’s pie. In this dish, fresh ground beef and fresh corn are baked with house-made mashed potatoes and gravy, all topped with organic frizzled onions. Diners can order it every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 am for $16.

Open in Google Maps

801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Visit Website

Barrel

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Chef Garret Fleming will offer shepherd’s pie during special lunch hours on St. Patrick’s Day. Barrel’s version will feature Barolo braised beef cheeks, Robuchon potatoes, roast peas, and scallions. The dish will be available for $17 beginning at 11:30 a.m. on March 17 only.

Open in Google Maps

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Visit Website

Bier Baron Tavern

1523 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Head here for a pie that combines lean ground lamb and corn with other traditional ingredients for $15. Enjoy this dish from 4:00 p.m. to midnight each day, with hours extending to 2:00 a.m. on weekends.

1523 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Visit Website

Daniel O'Connell's Restaurant & Bar

112 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Priced at $16, O’Connell’s pie bakes beef, vegetables, and braising stock inside a Parmesan mashed potato crust. Order this dish every day from 11:00 am to 1:00 a.m.

Open in Google Maps

112 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Del Ray Pizzeria

2218 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

This surprising server of shepherd’s pie, local favorite DRP serves it as a regular Monday night special. Order this lamb, red wine gravy, and seasonal veggie pie the Monday after St. Paddy’s to stay in the Irish spirit. It’s available for $15 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

2218 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Visit Website

Dubliner Restaurant & Pub

520 N Capitol St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Head here for a traditional beef shepherd’s pie with Guinness gravy and creamy champ potatoes. The lunch version is available for $15.95 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday, while the dinner version is available for $16.95 from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm every day.

520 N Capitol St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant

900 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

This spot incorporates both lamb and beef into its pie, as well as crispy onions and rich beef gravy. Order it for $13.95 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.

Open in Google Maps

900 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant

808 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

For $15.95, Fado’s serves a ground beef pie topped with colcannon, an Irish dish combining mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage. It’s one of the better deals available, with a half portion farmhouse salad and Guinness cheddar bread served on the side. Order it from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

808 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Gadsby's Tavern

138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

The “gentleman’s pye” at this historic eatery combines tender cuts of both lamb and beef in a red wine stew, topped with whipped potatoes and pastry crust. Order this $22 dish every evening from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Open in Google Maps

138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub

500 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Priced at $14.99, this eatery offers a ground beef pie and the option to add cheddar cheese for an extra $1.50. Order this dish from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

500 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

James Hoban's Irish Restaurant & Bar

1 DuPont Cir NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Traditional beef pies can be ordered here for $15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. each day.

1 DuPont Cir NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Visit Website

Kelly's Irish Times

14 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Kelly’s offers a creative twist on this classic by using short ribs, as opposed to ground lamb or beef. The dish is $13 and available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. each day.

Open in Google Maps

14 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Kitty O'Shea's DC

4624 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Located in Tenleytown, Kitty O’Shea’s combines freshly ground lamb and beef with corn and other traditional ingredients. Order the lunch pie for $11 until 3:00 p.m., with the evening-sized portion priced at $13. The pub is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

Open in Google Maps

4624 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Martin's Tavern

1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Home to the booth where JFK proposed to Jackie, this Georgetown eatery unsurprisingly adds an elegant twist to shepherd’s pie by infusing the lamb and veggies with rosemary and Guinness. The crust also gets a bit of a kick with the addition of cheddar cheese. Order the pie for $15.95 from 11:00 am to 1:30 am, with extended hours on the weekends.

1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

P.J. Clarke's

1600 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Although PJ Clarke’s isn’t known for Irish cuisine, the King George Shepherd’s Pie is available each day beginning at 11:00 a.m. Priced at $18.75, this dish combines ground beef and lamb with mushrooms and veal stock. PJ Clark’s is open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with the exception of midnight closings on Sunday and Monday.

Open in Google Maps

1600 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Related Maps

Rí Rá

3125 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

This popular pub chain serves $15 classic pies from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

3125 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub

2800 S Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22206

For a pie that meets both your booze and food needs, head to this spot in Shirlington Village. Beckett’s tops ground organic lamb and mixed vegetables with Guinness gravy and Jameson mashed potatoes. It's served everyday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

2800 S Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22206

Visit Website

The Star and Shamrock

1341 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

This H Street eatery elevates the shepherd's pie by combining roasted leg of lamb with traditional veggies, pearl onions, and gravy. Order is for $13 from 11:00 am to 2:00 am each day.

1341 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website

Related Maps