St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year, which isn’t all bad news: Many celebrations start tomorrow and last through the actual holiday on March 17. Want to avoid the green-beer-chugging collegiate crowd? Plenty of bars and restaurants offer all-day happy hours, whiskey tastings, and special dishes for more adult revelry.
Pappy Van Winkle dinner at Bourbon Steak
2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
While Pappy bourbon isn’t Irish, this dinner is sure to please true brown-liquor lovers. Guests will sip five different vintages of Pappy Van Winkle, including Reserve and years 10 through 23, each paired with a course from chef John Critchley ($300 per person). Reservations required.
When: Monday, March 17, 6 PM
Live music and menu specials at the Brixton
901 U St., NW
Keep your fingers crossed for rooftop weather and head over for live music from the band Black Masala and plenty of food and cocktail specials.
When: Monday, March 17
Live music and Irish fare at Café Dupont
1500 New Hampshire Ave., NW
This hotel spot on Dupont Circle sets the mood with live Irish music on Saturday (1 to 10), and special cocktails and dishes such as fish and chips, Guinness-braised short ribs, and chocolate whiskey cake.
When: Saturday, March 15, through Monday, March 17
Mexican-inspired St. Paddy’s at El Chucho
3313 11th St., NW
Why not? Head in for a south-of-the-border spin on bangers and mash with chorizo, garlic-cilantro potatoes, and pork jus. You won’t find green beer, but naturally green margaritas are part of the all-night happy hour on Monday, along with $4 shots of Jameson.
When: Sausage special starts Friday, March 14; all-night happy hour runs Monday, March 17
Whiskey tasting and all-day happy hour at Jack Rose
2007 18th St., NW
Whiskey haven Jack Rose opens its terrace on Monday from 11 to close for revelry, including specials like $5 pints of Guinness, Jameson-spiked tea punch, and pours of whiskey. Colcannon cakes, fish and chips, and Irish-cheddar burgers are available for noshing. Serious whiskey connoisseurs can head down to the cellar from 6 to 8 for a first come, first served tasting of unusual Irish whiskeys and hors d’oeuvres ($40 per person).
When: Monday, March 17
Laid-back eats at Kelly’s Irish Times
14 F St., NW
This Capitol Hill institution is well-known amongst Irish pub fans, but thankfully you won’t find green kegs. Look for a special list of whiskeys, as well as eats such as Guinness stew and corned beef and cabbage. Another perk: no cover.
When: Friday, March 14, through Monday, March 17
All-day happy hour and eats at P.J. Clarke’s
1600 K St., NW
Listen to music from the DC Fire Department’s Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps while noshing on Irish stew and corned beef and cabbage. Happy hour runs from 2:45 to close with deals like $5 Jameson, Guinness, and Irish coffee and bar bites including the popular Irish egg rolls and Bailey’s cheesecake. Perk: $1,884 is the big prize in the day’s raffle.
When: Monday, March 17
Kegs, eggs, and more at the Limerick Pub
11301 Elkin St., Wheaton
Drop by this wee pub for kegs and eggs on Sunday morning and an à-la-carte Irish breakfast on Monday. A special menu includes classics like fish and chips and corned beef.
When: Sunday, March 16, and Monday, March 17
All-day happy hour at Logan Tavern
1423 P St., NW
Drink discounts last all day and night at this P Street spot, which offers specialty cocktails ($5 to $12) such as Irish coffee and apple vodka-based Emerald Isle Punch, plus half-price draft beers and food specials like fish and chips and mini sausage rolls. There’s also an Irish-themed quiz with a gift card prize.
When: Monday, March 17
Breakfast at Ri Ra Georgetown
3123-3125 M St., NW
Stop in for a traditional Irish breakfast on your way to work at the new Georgetown branch of this pub chain, which starts serving at 7. The festivities last all day with a corned beef and cabbage special, $6 Guinness cocktails, and plenty of live entertainment.
When: Festivities are ongoing through Monday, March 17
Irish date night at Society Fair
277 S. Washington St., Alexandria
If you’re craving recipes from chef Cathal Armstrong’s new cookbook, My Irish Table, there’s no need to break out the pots and pans. Pick up a “date-night bag” with dishes made from the book, including corned beef and parsley sauce, braised cabbage, Guinness, and more ($49 for two). A copy of the cookbook can be included.
When: Friday, March 14, through Monday, March 17
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
