16 Best Restaurants to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day around the DMV

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Proclaimed as “An Authentic Irish Experience,” Kirwan’s features traditional mainstays of Irish cuisine with a touch of their own flair. Taking inspiration from the local surroundings as well as working with local producers and suppliers for the best ingredients, they have truly become a hometown favorite amongst many.

Kirwans on the Wharf | The Wharf

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Proclaimed as An Authentic Irish Experience, Kirwans features traditional mainstays of Irish cuisine with a touch of their own flare. Taking inspiration from the local surroundings as well as working with local producers and suppliers for the best ingredients, they have truly become a hometown favorite amongst many.

The Dubliner | Columbus Circle

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The Dubliner was established in 1974 in the best of a long barkeeping tradition. The Dubliner could easily occupy a corner of O’Connell Street as Massachusetts Avenue. Many of their friendly staff are fresh from Ireland and as colorful as any character in James Joyce’s Dubliners, for which our pub is proudly named.

GreenIsland Bakery | Trinidad

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Founded in 2020, by Northern Ireland native, Caroline Johnston, GreenIsland Bakery offers authentic baked goods from family recipes.

MARYLAND

Photo courtesy of Finnegan’s Wake

McGinty’s Public House | Silver Spring

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Local Irish Pub and Restaurant currently serving excellent food and beverages to-go. Order online for Pick-Up.

The Irish Inn at Glen Echo | Glen Echo

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Re-opening its doors in 2003, The Irish Inn at Glen Echo offers a wide array of delicious cuisine. From lamb stew, steak, traditional shepherd’s pie… jumbo lump crab cake or their daily fresh catch, they truly have it all.

Lahinch Tavern and Grill | Potomac

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With Chef Ted Hughes running the show, Lahinch Tavern and Grill offers American regional cuisine along with a unique twist on traditional Irish dishes. Located in Potomac, Maryland, they are the sister restaurant of The Irish Inn at Glen Echo.

Finnegan’s Wake | Rockville

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Finnegan’s Wake came to be by two individuals with a dream. Owners Vanessa and Terry realized that the Rockville community was missing a true Irish Pub and after much hard work it became a reality. The restaurant specializes in the perfect pint and brings homemade food to your local pub.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Photo courtesy of Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar

Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub | Alexandria

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Located in Old Town Alexandria, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub has brought traditional Irish food and entertainment to their community since 1978. Enjoy some of these delicious, large-family portion dinners available for curbside-pickup from Murphy’s throughout the month of March. As always, individual menu items are available for online ordering.

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant | Arlington

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The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant is the Best Authentic Irish Pub and Family Restaurant in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. Specializing in Traditional Irish Food and Drinks with a great atmosphere.

Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar | Alexandria

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Daniel O’Connell’s is a modern Irish restaurant in an ancient Irish setting. Experience a one of a kind Irish dining experience; four hundred years in the making. “Born in Ireland, raised in Old Town”

The Old Brogue | Great Falls

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The Old Brogue has been owned by the Kearney family since its opening on St. Patrick’s Day in 1981. The Kearneys have been working in the Irish hospitality business since 1930, when Tony Kearney, Mike’s grandfather, purchased the Melville Hotel in Derry, Ireland. A little-known fact: The Old Brogue (which means “the old-style accent” or “the old shoe” in Gaelic) warmly welcomes everyone, young and old. Join March 17th for their 41st St. Patrick’s Day Party!!

The Auld Shebeen | Fairfax

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The Auld Shebeen is Fairfax City’s one and only authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant. There is something for everyone; the menu combines traditional Irish recipes and American cuisines.They offer the usual traditional Irish dishes such as fish & chips and shepherd’s pie, as well as their signature Guinness beef stew. Come in on St. Patrick’s Day to listen to The Flying Cows of Ventry play all while Irish Dancers dance the night away.

Finnegan’s Grill & Irish Pub | Ashburn

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Finnegan’s prides itself on being a fun, kinda loud, sports pub and grill! This is a place for friends and family to gather and enjoy great pub food. Great times to be had by many and all when you walk in!

Spanky’s Shenanigans | Leesburg

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At Spanky’s Shenanigans, they really want to focus on the people who walk through the doors and not so much focus on the profit, that’s the way it’ll always be. They pride themselves on the abundance of their usual regulars, but also love welcoming a new face to their soon-to-be neighborhood pub. When you arrive, you’re somebody – even if it’s the first time you walk through their doors.

Mattie & Eddie’s | Arlington

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Mattie & Eddie’s, we’re an Irish Bar Restaurant serving the Northern Virginia and DC market. We specialize in authentic, Irish food, drink and hospitality. Named after the owners’ grandparents, who wanted to pay tribute to all the great times they had sitting around, eating, drinking, and laughing with one another. Cheers!

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

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Neighborhood Guides • January 18, 2022

January 2022 Restaurant Week in Alexandria

by Corcoran McEnearney

Alexandria Restaurant Week will make its return this year from Friday, January 21 to Sunday, January 30, throughout neighborhoods in Alexandria, including Old Town, Del Ray, Carlyle, Eisenhower, and the West End.

For 10 days and two weekends, more than 60 restaurants in Alexandria will offer a $35 prix fixe dinner for one or two people during Alexandria Restaurant Week. Special menus will be available in-person at participating restaurants, many with heated outdoor dining options and more than 50 restaurants will also offer to-go options.

Alexandria Restaurant Week showcases the inventiveness of local chefs in neighborhoods throughout the city. From neighborhood favorites to restaurants specializing in international cuisine, Alexandria’s distinctive collection of eateries offers a variety of flavors for guests to savor.

Check out the digital flip-book of menus at participating restaurants on AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com.

Below are a few of our favorites:

And don’t forget to check out Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week running until January 23.

Lunch/Brunch $25 | Dinner $40 | Dinner $55

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Featured • Local Events • Neighborhood Guides • May 3, 2021

Local Take Out Restaurants to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in the DMV

by Corcoran McEnearney

To many of us, Cinco De Mayo means: tacos, margaritas, and fiesta. More popular as a celebration in the U.S., the day commemorates the first Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. On this day the Mexian army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to win a victory over the much larger French army. Today it is a celebration of Mexican-American culture and we have compiled a list of great taco take-out options throughout the DMV. ¡Salud!

WASHINGTON, DC

Espita

Shaw

Espita Mezcaleria is Washington DC’s premier southern Mexican restaurant and Mezcal bar. They strive to take traditional Oaxacan and Southern Mexican flavors and push them outside the box of classic Mexican cuisine and beverages.

Taco City DC

Navy Yard

Close to the Navy Yard, Taco City DC’s delicious food is inspired by the Aztec/Mayan culture and today’s Mexican cultural traditions.

Photo Courtesy of: Oyamel

Oyamel

Penn Quarter

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo the Oyamel way at home! Bring home the best of their menu of antojitos and agave spirits with this special feast for four, featuring your choice of taco kits, quesadillas, and their signature guacamole and chips. There’s something for everyone to celebrate with this year.

District Taco

Dupont, Eastern Market, Metro Center, Tenleytown, Alexandria, Arlington, Dunn Loring, Tysons Corner, Riverdale Park, Silver Spring,

District Taco serves Yucatan style Mexican food that is fresh, simple and healthy. All of their dishes are made fresh daily from quality ingredients.

Guapo’s

Georgetown, Tenleytown, Arlington, Fair Lakes, Herndon, Manassas, Woodbridge, Bethesda, Gaithersburg

Founded by the Rincon family, who arrived in Virginia in the late 1970s, Guapo’s restaurants combine a great atmosphere with friendly staff and quality food throughout the metropolitan area.

MARYLAND

Gringos & Mariachis

Bethesda, Park Potomac

This authentic Mexican restaurant with a wide selection of tacos, tortas & burritos, homemade salsas and other Mexican classics quickly became a neighborhood favorite in Bethesda.

Tacos 5 De Mayo Restaurant

Hyattsville

Presented as a Humble kitchen offering authentic Mexican standards such as quesadillas, sopes, and enchiladas.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Photo Courtesy of Taco Bama

Taco Bamba Taqueria

Ballston, Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax, Springfield

Victor Albisu’s stand-up/counter-style restaurants serve Mexican street food and tacos in both traditional and chef-driven styles.

Tequila & Taco

Alexandria

Open for curbside pickup and now offering their signature fresh squeezed margaritas to go.

Urbano Mexican Fare

Alexandria, Mosaic District

Urbano focuses on fresh ingredients, excellent hospitality, and delicious Tex-Mex inspired food.

Tacos Los Primos (Foodtruck)

Arlington

Tacos Los Primos food truck can be found by Rhodeside Green Park. Whether you are looking for a quick bite for lunch or dinner for the whole family, they are a great place to get delicious and affordable Mexican food.

El Tio Grill

McLean, Falls Church, Great Falls, Gainsville

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From sizzling fajitas to melt-in-your-mouth enchiladas, El Tio is known for fresh, delicious Tex-Mex dishes and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

Cocina On Market

Leesburg

Enjoy seasonally inspired Mexican cuisine that focuses on the areas of Oaxaca, Puebla & Veracruz.

Señor Ramon Taqueria

Leesburg, Sterling, Chantilly, Reston

370 W. Broad St, Falls Church

Señor Ramon Taqueria opened in 2016 and their goal has always been the same, to bring authentic, street style Mexican food to Northern Virginia; using antique homemade recipes and the freshest ingredients.

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Local Events • Neighborhood Guides • July 2, 2020

6 Local Take-Out & Picnic Spots to Celebrate 4th of July in Greater Washington, DC

by Corcoran McEnearney

As we head into summer and July 4th celebrations, the new normal of celebrating at a distance will affect Independence Day gatherings, too. While large events may not be on this year’s menu, we’ve gathered a few places that are offering to-go options — plus nearby green spaces — so you can still celebrate with traditional summer foods and barbecues, even if it’s apart.

Liberty Barbecue

Photo courtesy of Liberty Barbecue

Offering a 4th of July Bundle ($135/serves 8-10), the smoked menu includes two meats, three sides, 12 mini corn muffins, 12 deviled eggs, 12 potato buns, house-made pickles and signature sauces. You can also add on smoked wings, a rack of pork ribs, pickle-brined fried chicken, salads, small bites, and desserts.

Park: Madison Park, 334 Lawton St, Falls Church

J. Gilbert’s

6930 Old Dominion Dr, Mclean

Neighborhood McLean favorite J. Gilbert’s invites guests to roll up their sleeves and put on a bib to enjoy their Seafood Boil Kit ($150/serves 4-6), featuring shrimp, lobster tails, crab legs, clams, sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes and seasonings, plus bibs and newspaper.

Park: McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolly Madison Blvd, McLean

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon

If going for an afternoon drive is in your plans, then consider heading out to Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Inn, a great place to celebrate July 4th on the land of the nation’s first president. Open for tours 365 days a year, the Inn’s July 4th Picnic includes your choice of grilled barbecue chicken or rack of ribs, plus sides of grilled shrimp salad, cornbread salad, summer slaw, and sliced ciabatta bread, and s’mores kit or apple pie to finish, with beer, wine and mixed drinks available for an additional cost. ($25.99/person)

Park: Mount Vernon Bowling Green (on the Mount Vernon Estate property)

Roots 657 Restaurant

42301 Spinks Ferry Rd, Leesburg

Photo courtesy of Roots 657 Restaurant

Out in Loudoun County, you’ll find the Roots 657 Restaurant, which is offering a weekly rotating menu of family-style prepared meals that you can pick up and have on hand. For this Independence Day, the restaurant presents a 4th of July Special, featuring their famous ribs, paired with corn pudding and coleslaw ($19.99/person for half rack, $34.99/whole rack). While you’re picking up the ribs, be sure to grab some Maryland Corn & Crab Soup or Smokehouse Chili, sold by the quart.

Park: Lucketts Community Park, 14560 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg

Ted & The Bully Bar

1200 19th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Celebrate July 4th in the heart of D.C. at Dupont Circle’s Teddy & The Bully Bar, which pays tribute to the nation’s 26th president with their simple, classic American comfort food menu. For the 4th, the restaurant is offering Bottomless BBQ. On the menu, you’ll find grilled hotdogs, short rib burgers, cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken and ribs, plus corn, mac & cheese, baked beans, southern-style coleslaw, caesar salad, and potato salad, with watermelon and banana pudding for dessert. Specialty cocktails available. $18/ages 12 and younger, $25/food-only, $41/food and cocktails.

Park: Farragut Square, 912 17th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

11825 Grand Park Ave, Bethesda

Photo courtesy of Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Bethesda’s Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar is making it’s July 4th celebration an all-day affair. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.,m., patrons will be able to enjoy cocktails and small plates, plus salad, tacos, pizzas, and more.

Park: Wall Park, 5900 Executive Blvd, Rockville

Have additional take-out options and great picnic spots in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia? Leave us a comment!

Neighborhood Guides • March 24, 2020

Coronavirus Resources for Students, Seniors, Restaurant Workers, and Healthcare

by Corcoran McEnearney

With the world still under quarantine for COVID-19, many restaurants and community programs have taken steps to make sure those in need are taken care of. These individuals include students, seniors, hospitality industry workers, and first responders who are working tirelessly during this time of uncertainty. It’s heartwarming to see so many companies, small and large, banding together to make sure people are getting the essentials they need to get through these next couple of weeks. We’ve put together a list of local businesses and programs that are providing a variety of services in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you know of additional resources please leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to keep this list as current as possible.

Washington, D.C. | Maryland | Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Image Courtesy of MGM Roast Beef

Hook Hall

3400 Georgia Ave NW.

Offering care kits and family meals daily from 6-8 pm for furloughed industry workers in the DMV. Also distributing meals for E.L. Haynes families daily from 8-10 am and 3-5 pm

MGM Roast Beef

905 Brentwood Rd., NE

Offering free sandwiches or salads for kids 12 and under, and free meals for hospital workers.

Milk & Honey

1245 H St. NE | 10280 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD | 12500 Fairwood Pkwy, Bowie, MD

Offering free breakfast to homebound students at its Bowie, College Park, and H Street NE locations, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Po Boy Jim

709 H St. NE

Providing free kids meals from the kids menu daily while DC schools are closed at their H Street location.

Rasa

1247 First Street SE | 485 K Street NW | 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA, 22202

Offering free take-out meals for all school children under the age of 18, hospital workers who can provide a valid ID, and its own staffers and their families.

Santa Rosa Taqueria

315 Pennsylvania Ave., SE

Offering students chicken and veggie tacos with chips and salsa.

Succotash

915 F St NW

Offering free dinner for those in the hospitality industry who have been laid off or has had a significant reduction in hours or pay. Available between 5 and 8 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the Penn Quarter location

Meal locations for DC students

Meals will be available for all students every weekday at locations throughout the city.

Maryland

Image Courtesy of Little Miner Taco

Gusto Farm to Street

4733 Elm St, Bethesda, MD | 8512 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD | 14385 Newbrook Dr, Chantilly, VA

Offering 50% off to restaurant and bar employees who have had their paychecks impacted (just show proof of employment). Providing free meals to the families of their team members. Free kids meals on Mondays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly

5268-H, Nicholson Ln, Rockville

Serving brown bag takeout meals to school kids (up to 18 years old), Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 1 PM.

Little Miner Taco

3809 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722

Providing free kids meals from the kids menu daily while DC & MD schools are closed.

Prima

7280 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda

Serving free meals to kids for long as Montgomery County schools are closed.

Virginia

Image Courtesy of Del Ray Pizzeria

Arlington County

Bayou Bakery

1515 N Courthouse Rd

Offering free lunches for kids between 10 – 12 pm on weekdays.

Gaijin Ramen Shop

3800 Lee Highway

Offering delivery of free vegetable ramen soup to seniors

Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe

672 N. Glebe Road

Offering free meals to school-aged kids and free delivery for seniors

Good Stuff Eatery

2110 Crystal Drive | 3291 M St. NW, Washington, DC | 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

Offering free meals to students between 5 and 17

Jaleo Crystal City

2250-A Crystal Drive | 480 7th Street NW, Washington, DC | 7271 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Offering free meals to students. Also offering 20% off Gift Cards in which 100% of the proceeds go to the employees.

Joe’s Place Pizza & Pasta

5555 Lee Highway

Food and Financial Assistance

Offering free cheese pizzas and fresh salads to those most affected by the school closings and job cutbacks from 5-7 pm on weekdays.

Medium Rare

3601 N. Fairfax Dr

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Delivering free meals to quarantined seniors over 70 in the D.C. area.

Meridian Pint

6035 Wilson Blvd

Offering a free kids meal with every adult entree purchased from 5-8 pm.

We the Pizza

4201 Wilson Blvd | 2100 Crystal Drive | 305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

Offering free slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza or four wings and a side salad to kids under 15 as long as schools are closed.

Alexandria

Del Ray Pizzeria

2218 Mount Vernon Avenue

Offering 25% off all carryout orders for restaurant workers with a recent pay stub. Also acting as a dropoff and distribution location for nonperishable food and home goods for affected restaurant workers.

Alexandria Restaurant Partners

50% of all gift card sales will go into a dedicated employee relief fund. As a special thank you, you will also receive a 20% bonus gift card for use at any of the ARP restaurants.

Senior Services of Alexandria

206 N. Washington Street, Suite 301

Meals are being delivered to homebound, isolated older adults with extra preventive measures instituted to keep both volunteers and seniors safe.

Loudoun

LCPS Meal Delivery Stops | Mon-Fri | 8 AM – 1 PM

Each student will be allowed breakfast and lunch and they can choose to take both meals simultaneously.

Mobile Hope