The Real Green Around DC on St. Patrick’s Day

Lisa Byrne | 03/14/2011

Let’s start with a quick lesson to all folk who’ve never been to Ireland or know someone who’s Irish. Read and repeat, then spread the word: Paddy. The word is Paddy. It’s spelled with two d’s and has never, ever, ever been uttered as ‘Patty’ on the green isle! Patrick is an Irish name that is commonly abbreviated as Paddy or Pat. But poor Pat was never called Patty…in Ireland we think that’s what American’s call hamburgers. I shudder when I pass a bar with a tacky green beer sign and the awful two T’s in poor Paddy. That said, it’s yet to stop me entering said bar! Every joint in town has a special this Thursday, anything to entice you to imbibe. So here’s just a few of my personal suggestions for the real green on Paddy’s Day in DC and yonder…

Irish Bars (why would you go to any other one?!)
Firstly here’s how I define an ‘Irish’ bar in America: Actual Irish people work there, like the kind you refer to as ‘off the boat Irish.’ That is all. You can brew whatever you want, call it O’Drink Here, slap up your green shamrocks and play Christy Moore on the jukebox – but if there isn’t an Irish lilt taking my cash, I’m not buying!

Fado’s, Chinatown: I love this time of year. In the middle of the Six Nations Rugby Cup comes St. Patrick’s Day and Fado’s will be stuffed to the gills with beery eyed boys and green bead clad gals (seriously people, it’s not Mardi Gras, it’s a saint’s holiday that we just happen to drown with alcohol). They are opening the doors at 7:00 AM and have a full line up of live music.
James Hoban’s, Dupont Circle: A mix of suits and boots, this place draws a varied crowd and puts on a good show. They’ll be hosting a tent and live music starting with breakfast at 8:30 AM.
Ireland’s Four Courts, Arlington: Just off the Courthouse Metro you’ll wait in line to get into this local. They charge you hard, pack it good, and pour it in plastic. That said it’s one of my faves. Live Irish music throughout the day, heated tents, fun energetic Irish staff, decent food and a good pint.
Samuel Beckett’s, Shirlington: The latest addition to the Irish bar scene, this is by far my go-to spot for the best of all things an Irish bar has to offer. Just opened this year, Beckett’s is a rocking hit to date. Decked out in authentic Irish decor, staffed from the boat, Magners a plenty – and somehow they even managed good, no great, food. (Sidebar: It’s not Irish per se, but if you check in here you must order a bowl of Chili, just take my word on that one).

End Note:
We don’t actually drink green beer in Ireland, Patty must have started that trend here. That said, whatever you consume this Thursday please leave your car at home! From 4:00 PM Thursday through 4:00 AM Friday, WRAP’s 2011 St. Patrick’s SoberRide Campaign will be in effect, offering free car rides for up to $30 fares. Call 1800-200-TAXI or AT&T customers can call #TAXI.

Image via Flickr (Creative Commons) by marco83