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Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub

3.8 (292 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub Photos

Business Info

IRISH CHANNEL RESTAURANT & PUB ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub

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Reviews With Photos

Tara R.

The last time I was here was mid November and I stopped in for a couple beers and lunch. My husband and I split a reuben with fries. I had been here a few times before as it is a big pre-game bar for the Washington Capitals. When we were in last, the bartender, although extremely friendly, probably needed to brush up on her sanitation standards. Right in front of us she was chopping fruits for drinks. Numerous times she took a break to blow her nose, cough and or sneeze and wasn't washing her hands before resuming cutting fruit. My husband and I kept looking at each other like WTF. Still to this day when we talk about this bar we joke "Don't get the fruit".

The Guinness
Jessica O.

Rating Context: For all my foodies- don't come here for food. Come here for late nights, chill vibe, chill servers, and live music. The food is a throw on. But as a foodie, it's so heavily weighs in on a review!! It was actually not too difficult to find street parking on a Friday night nearby. Our rather sizable group of 7 came in and were seated right away. Colby was playing live and he was very good!! We loved his song selection and he wasn't too loud. He did great covers and we just really enjoyed the time together. I love that our server knew he took his craft seriously. She shared her recs and was just very chill. The food portions weren't bad but it's not many choices and it's just okay. Nothing to write home about -- it got the job done.

Smithwick's on tap was the highlight for me.
Blake H.

We decided we wanted something from one of the Irish Pubs we saw around Washington, DC. I really wanted a Smithwick's draft and everything else would be a bonus. We decided Irish Channel was the closest and had decent reviews so we stopped in and ordered a couple of beers and a Reuben sandwich. Overall, it was a decent sandwich, not bad but nothing to write home about. The service was okay, but it felt like we were a burden until it came time for our check, then it was cheerful and helpful. If you're staying in the attached hotel, it would be a good option for a quick meal and a beer. If you want something similar to what you had when you visited Ireland, keep looking. It's an Irish Pub in name only. For a neighborhood bar it's great I would be here at least once a week if I lived in the area. But adding one Guinness option, Smithwick's and a couple of dishes does not make it what I thought it would be, which is on me and that's okay.

Corn beef sandwich
Will M.

Irish pub with a little sports bar vibe mixed in. A lot of tvs and a few blocks from Capitol One arena. Guinness hit the spot. The corn beef was solid but wasn't bursting with flavor. Asked for onion rings with the sandwhich but it still came with fries. Still a cool spot to pregame cap one or a post game

Dave D.

We were in DC for a hockey game and we wanted a special place filled with excitement to get our energy going for the game. An Irish pub ... perfect! Close to Capital One and the hotel ... check. So, we chose the Irish Channel. It's always weird to attempt to explain that some things were so right but other elements fell flat. But, if you notice the review is four stars and that's the good news. So, first the bad ... there was absolutely NO ENERGY in the pub. None ... you could almost hear a pin drop and this was the "dinner" hour immediately before a hockey game and the pub was filled with folks wearing Washington's red jerseys. So, my only critique of the pub's management ... put on some music and create some energy. Perhaps this was an anomaly but my brother and I were in GAME MOOD so even while definitely noting the lack of energy we went on with our meal. I should note that this is NOT FINE DINING but very few folks reading a review about an Irish Pub are seeking perfected table cloths with those oddly starched napkins creased in ways that napkins should never have to be folded because they are after all napkins. The decor and set up might match a pub from the streets of Dublin or Killarney. We didn't have table service but the bartender was SUPERB! As I scanned the brews that are available my mind blurred perhaps more a result of having been on the road for a couple of hours and the quiet of the pub but he looked at me and asked ... "What do you like?" Thankfully, my mind was clear enough to describe my FAV kind of IPA and he smiled saying "I have the perfect choice for you." And, he did ... made me happy from the first sip to the last drop! The menu is "typical" but we each had something in mind. My brother went for the FISH & CHIPS (As Buffalonians, our definition of a fish fry or fish and chips always includes haddock but even when you wear Buffalo sports' gear you can't expect haddock.) and I chose the Guinness Stew. Although our bar keep disappeared after providing that superb IPA for me the service never lessened. Each staff person we interacted with was conversational, upbeat, and ready to answer our questions. I guess I have been missing Guinness Stew because I smiled as my meal was placed before me and yes, it tasted so good. Melt away beef and a tasty rich broth. My brother was very happy with the fish and chips. So, THE BOYS who each had drive hundreds of mile for a hockey game left the pub full and ready for the game knowing that in the arena we'd be loud even if the Washington fans consider quiet the way to prepare for their team's games.

Inside
Dan S.

Came here to watch a Spurs game over breakfast. And yes I ordered a proper Guinness for breakfast. It was delish. As for the food, it was solid. I enjoyed the breakfast burrito though the potatoes were a bit bland. Service was very nice and it was a great place to watch the game.

GUINNESS

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

Good food and service. Guinness could have been colder but was still good. The shepherds pie was delicious

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3 months ago

The guy behind the bar, Rory (some guys call him Cobra) pours the best pint of Guinness in DC. Decent spot.

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1 year ago

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4 years ago

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Deborah H.

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1 year ago

Love the food here. Have to try the spice bag! Attentive staff. Great atmosphere. Cold draft beer. We will definitely be back.

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Ask the Community - Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub

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Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub - irish_pubs - Updated May 2026

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