10 Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the District

Feeling lucky?  You’re certainly lucky you live in or near the District!  This year, locals have more options than ever to fête St. Patrick’s day — with food and drink specials nearly everywhere — and more than enough chances to don that emerald green.  Here are just a few of our unique favorites:

Irish whiskey is the way to celebrate at The Alex Speakeasy (1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW), with specially curated Irish whiskey flights and food offerings. Throughout the weekend, guests can choose from two different flights of tastings — with a full size pour — of their favorite for $15.

All of your favorite Irish dishes, like Irish Lamb Stew, Whiskey Salmon Fillet, and Shepherd’s Pie are on the menu St. Paddy’s weekend at Billy Martin’s Tavern(1264 Wisconsin Ave. NW).  But we suggest you head over on Sunday afternoon to hear Bagpiper Andrew Donlon, wearing his full Irish regalia, and playing from noon to 5pm.

Turn your mimosa green like the waters of Dublin’s Rive Liffey this St. Pat’s at Pennsylvania 6 (1350 I Street NW) From 11 am – 3pm, where you’ll enjoy melon green mimosas ($5) and unlimited pancakes topped with fresh whipped cream, maple syrup, and shamrock sprinkles ($12). If you’re looking to brunch in more traditional Irish fashion, order “Bangers & Hash,” and you’ll even get your fried eggs shamrock shaped.

Doyle (1500 New Hampshire Ave NW) at The Dupont Circle hotel (part of the Irish-owned hotel group, Doyle Collection, based in Dublin) offers an authentic tour experience — using the map of Ireland.  The bar will feature a whiskey tasting “tour” across different regions of Ireland alongside satiating dishes along the way.

City Winery (1350 Okie Street NE) is serving up a Shepherd’s Pie entrée ($21) and offering their proprietary sauvignon blanc with a special twist. Get a glass of the wine and say you want it green, and the restaurant will dye your glass green!

Stop by the Lucky Lounge at The Fairmont (2401 M Street NW) for fun St. Paddy’s photos with props like Leprechaun hats, sunglasses and headbands before posting up at the Lobby Bar and Loggia for Fish n’ Chips with a bottle of Guinness or Harp for only $10.

If you’re looking for a spot to hang out all day, Crimson (627 H Street NW) is opening the Whiskey Bar early at 1pm and will be featuring Smithwick’s, Jameson, Guinness Stout and Guinness Blonde along with Irish Coffee and specialty cocktails. Nosh on a special corned beef and cabbage with mustard and Irish potatoes in the Diner before heading to the bar.

Did someone say corned beef and cabbage… spring rolls?  Both City Tap Dupont (1250 Connecticut Ave. NW) and City Tap Penn Quarter (901 9th St NW) are offering delicious menu specials and fun giveaways. But we know beer’s the best part!  Order any beer of your choice in a half-pour and top it off

with Guinness. Find a shamrock sticker under your beer glass? You win a voucher for a free drink at a later date!  Plus, the first 24 guests that buy a Guinness beer on St. Patrick’s Day will receive a special etched glass with the City Tap and Guinness logos engraved.

Join the team of second generation Irish-American cousins at MurLarkey (7961 Gainsford Court, Bristow VA) as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day throughout the weekend with specialty cocktails during normal tasting room hours. Enjoy the Irish Swagger with MurLarkey tea whiskey, peach schnapps, lemonade, and mint, and the Pot of Gold with MurLarkey lemon whiskey, lemonade, and triple sec.