Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Irish Whisper

    3.5 (131 reviews)
    ModerateIrish Pub
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Irish Whisper Photos

    THE IRISH WHISPER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    More like The Irish Whisper

    Recommended Reviews - The Irish Whisper

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Fish and chips
    Lorrie W.

    Ambiance great, food awesome. Loved the Shepherds pie and fish and chips. Light batter and not greasy. They fill wine up to edge of glass. Prices good. If you come for happy hour 4pm it's all half price.

    Chicken Pot Cottage Pie
    Darrin F.

    Overall, above average, especially for National Harbor area which is frankly terrible for food and atmosphere. Nice bartender with knowledgeable recommendation for beer and chicken pot pie over fish and chips (bready) or shepherd's pie (hit or miss). She was right - it was good and small salad was fresh. It was happy hour so prices were low making this a recommendation and a place I would go back to (maybe). Atmosphere was dive bar- ish and felt like maybe better days were behind the place.

    Fish and Chips
    Kevin M.

    Great Irish Bar in the heart of National Harbor. The service was great. The food was perfect. I enjoyed the fish & chips and the time spent hanging out at the Irish Whisper!

    Fish and chips
    William S.

    Yet another restaurant within walking distance of the Gaylord Hotel and convention center. Looking for a place for dinner we decided to give this place a try. To some up the place in one word, LOUD!! Don't expect to have a nice quiet dinner nor carry on a conversation with anyone unless you expect to yell. The patrons were loud but the music was even louder...turn it down just a notch. The service was good as you had to seat yourself and the waitress was there taking your order within minutes. It took about fifteen minutes from order to food delivery. Food was presented nice and served hot. The fish had a good flavor and was battered lightly. Plenty of waffle fries with the meal. My guest ordered the Sheppard's pie and rated it as the worst she has ever had. Served with hamburger instead of the traditional roast beef. Potatoes on top of the pie were good. Beware a 15% gratuity is automatically added to your bill. Not a fan of the automatic tip! Unfortunately, it is so dark in the place I didn't see it until I got back to the hotel room. I will NOT return.

    Patrick Burger and waffle fries
    Shane H.

    We visited here on our trip to National Harbor and really liked it. I had the Patrick Burger and it was very good. My wife and I like the ambiance and decor inside. We came back later in the week for drinks and the staff both time were great. Very friendly and attentive.

    Whiskey flight
    Rachel E.

    Amazing Irish Bar! Great food, specially the wings! I had a whiskey flight for the first time ever which was an awesome experience. Bartenders were incredibly attentive and friendly. They have darts which was very entertaining as well. I will definitely come back!

    Fish and Chips
    Ms. Tiare G.

    I came across this place randomly while passing by on a Monday afternoon. As you walk in, you have to place your order at the bar and find your own seat. The food will be delivered once it is ready, and your drinks will be made on the spot. We ordered the fish and chips and the pretzel. We also had a beer and a mule. Their food portions were large. One order of food is good enough for two people to munch on. Honestly, we were full and couldn't finish the food we ordered. The pretzel was warm, soft, and large. The fish and chips were really good. I'm usually not a fan of fish and chips, but this was pretty decent. The fries were waffle fries and were crunchy and flavorful! I would definitely recommend this bar for a quick bite and some cocktails or beer.

    Quick service. Ok food. 50s music blasting for 3 friends of the bartender... could barely have a conversation. Not the ambiance I was going for at an Irish bar, with the deer head over the fire place! Off to some place else...

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Darrin F.
    30
    20
    31

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Small and cozy and (perhaps authentic) Irish menu. Great ambience. Not for annoying tourists!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shane H.
    171
    42
    17

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alli C.
    573
    1072
    3746

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim R.
    87
    36
    65

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tyler C.
    431
    1119
    5692

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    DOES NOT ACCEPT VERTICAL VIRGINIA IDS!!!!! Our whole group was 25+ years old, but had vertical IDs, so were unable to receive drinks.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jose T.
    30
    18
    8

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R. J.
    5
    5
    161

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Norm C.
    269
    563
    1938

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Locals hang out. Palatable burger, good fries, quick service, very expensive drinks. Best happy hour (menu 1/2 price). Classic Irish Pub.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - The Irish Whisper

    You might also consider

    Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar - Cheese Platter

    Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar

    3.6(690 reviews)
    2.0 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$

    Let's talk about Daniel O'Connell's Irish Pub, because clearly, there's a leprechaun in that…read morekitchen guarding a pot of gold... and that gold is corned beef. I ordered the corned beef and cabbage on DoorDash, fully expecting the usual takeout roulette: soggy cabbage, tired meat, and a mild sense of regret. Instead? I got hit with a full-on Irish blessing disguised as dinner. The corned beef was so tender it practically whispered "top of the mornin'" and fell apart on command. No knife, no effort--just fork, bite, and immediate life improvement. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked like someone back there has ancestral pride on the line. And the cabbage? Listen... cabbage is usually just there for emotional support. Not this time. This cabbage had purpose. This cabbage had ambition. By the end, I wasn't "finishing my meal"--I was chasing the last bites like I'd just spotted the end of a rainbow. Container: empty. Dignity: questionable. Satisfaction: unmatched. If this is what survives a DoorDash trip through Old Town, I'm convinced eating it fresh in the pub might unlock hidden Irish heritage I didn't even know I had.

    My husband and I dined here last Sunday after church and it was AMAZING! We were put on the…read morewaitlist and told it could take 15-20 minutes and it took maybe 5 for us to be called back. We were sat on the rooftop and were able to enjoy the beautiful weather. Our waiter was fantastic and made sure we had everything we needed. We both ordered the fish and chips and it was absolutely DIVINE. The fish was well cooked and was super flakey. The fish is a very good size and the fries and slaw were also very good. That homemade tarter sauce honestly set the fish off! We will definitely be back sooner than later!

    Photos
    Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar
    Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar
    Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar

    See all

    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant

    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant

    4.5(543 reviews)
    6.6 miColumbia Heights
    $$

    Went here last night for some beers and chicken pot pie after work. A bit pricey but honestly the…read morepot pie was so good I would 100% come back just for that. Service was wonderful. She was really sweet and took care of my table, gave my friend and I recommendations and checked up on us. A very casual/bar setting.

    Made a same day reservation on St. Patrick's Day and was able to get a table for 2 (nice). This was…read moreour first visit. We parked in the rear parking area, it shares the lot, so definitely could get tight when crowded. Rear entrance was locked so had to go around to main street entrance. Friendly greeting at the door, seated immediately and waters brought over as soon as we scooted our chairs in. Super friendly & attentive staff. We went with the St. Patrick's Day menu. Donegal Fish & Chips- Probaby one of best fish that I have enjoyed. Fish was not too crispy or greasy, nice and flaky- 5 Stars Corned Beef & Cabbage was pretty good, not the best nor the worst - in the middle. Presentation was nice. Overall - great Staff & ambiance, parking available, reservations available. Fish & Chips were very good (not a huge portion of chips). A wee pricey for lunch for us on a regular basis with the portion size. 2 Lunch orders, 1 beer in a plastic cup, was a little over $70 (not with tip). Probably a one and done for us.

    Photos
    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant - The Celtic house Irish pub: live music!!!!!

    The Celtic house Irish pub: live music!!!!!

    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant - Fries

    Fries

    The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant - Rear Entrance with parking area for shopping center

    See all

    Rear Entrance with parking area for shopping center

    Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Southern Rolls

    Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub

    3.7(439 reviews)
    5.6 miShirlington
    $$

    We have been to Samuel Beckett's many times over the decades, and it remains a reliable, simple,…read morevalue option for dinner or drinks or brunch in Shirlington. Not special, but reliable, with something on the menu to please anybody. It's not our first choice for food (this isn't exactly a chef-driven restaurant), but if you like Irish fare, they do a respectable job with all of that: corned beef, bangers & mash, lamb, fish & chips, etc., plus burgers and "bar food"-level salads and the like. Samuel Beckett's deserves extra points for NOT raising prices to the same degree as some of its Shirlington neighbors. For a table service restaurant these days, it's a greater value than it's ever been, and that's much appreciated.

    We had a reservation after a show at Signature, and were seated promptly. It's decorated with old…read morebooks and it's charming. Our drink orders were taken promptly. We shared the Irish baked brie. This was tasty but definitely could have been warmer. I had the Lamb Stew as my entree. It was just OK. I prefer a creamier sauce, and the lamb wasn't as tender as I expected. The Irish brown bread (thin slice) that accompanied it was tasty, but the butter was not Kerrygold as the menu states. I'll select a different entree if I return. My friend had Shepherd's Pie which she enjoyed. She also ordered the bread pudding. I had a bit but it was too sweet for me. We did enjoy the ice cream that came with. Karlen, our waiter was attentive, and offered to split the cost of our appetizer. Much appreciated!

    Photos
    Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Seating

    Seating

    Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Southern Rolls

    Southern Rolls

    Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Bar area

    See all

    Bar area

    Union Street Public House - Braised Short Rib

    Union Street Public House

    3.5(685 reviews)
    1.9 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$

    Was in town for a work conference, and headed to USPH for dinner with a few vendors one night!…read more Parking is a bit tough in the area, but we were able to find garage parking with not too far of a walk! The space itself is historic and fun, which matches the overall vibes of the neighborhood. Our server was on top of things throughout the meal, even with a large group and many special requests! The menu is a mix of fun takes on classics, with everything that we had tasting great! I had the Shrimp Po Boy, which was a sizeable serving and tasted great! I loved the thick, crispy fries on the side! Finished the meal with the lemon cake, which was a refreshingly sweet finisher! Overall, a really solid spot for casual, comfortable food in the area!

    Union Street Public House has quickly become one of our go to spots in Old Town. The place has this…read moregreat mix of historic charm and relaxed comfort, and the overall vibe just feels right for a night out. It's lively, warm, and easy to settle into. Both times we've gone, we've ended up in the whiskey bar section. It's cozy, a little tucked away, and honestly the perfect setting for good drinks and good conversation. We also got lucky on both visits because Jessica took care of us each time. She's fantastic. She's witty, sharp, and knows the menu and the whiskey list inside and out. She makes choosing drinks or food feel effortless and fun, and she brings a ton of personality without ever overdoing it... she reads the group pretty well. The cocktails are excellent, but the whiskey selection is where they really stand out. You can tell the bartenders know what they're doing. The pours, the recommendations, the way they talk about the bottles on the shelf, it all shows real skill and pride. The food has been consistently great. We've tried the burgers, the chicken sandwich, the braised short rib, and the crab dip, and every single one has been a hit. Flavorful, well made, and worth coming back for. The only thing I probably wouldn't order again is the pulled pork. It wasn't bad, just not the style or flavor profile I look for in a place like this. Do it.

    Photos
    Union Street Public House - Wide shot of the bar

    Wide shot of the bar

    Union Street Public House - Crab cake sandwich

    Crab cake sandwich

    Union Street Public House - Chicken blt

    See all

    Chicken blt

    Kirwan's On The Wharf - Irish espresso martini with Paddy's cold brew, kahula, espresso, and Demerara.

    Kirwan's On The Wharf

    3.4(623 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$

    Enjoyed the patio season and some nice views of the Wharf. Service was quick and I got the seafood…read morechowder ($16) with calamari, shrimp, etc. and came with a side of Irish brown bread with butter. The chowder was a good size and was very filling. I also got one of the non-alcoholic strawberry coconut mojitos. 2026 #18

    This restaurant has the most horrible system for seating patrons I have ever seen in my life. There…read morewas a line for walk-in groups so we waited in that. We noticed many groups of 3-5 were getting seated immediately. When it was our turn they checked for any open tables and said there was none at the moment and suddenly it's a 1.5 hr wait. We put our names on the wait-list thinking there's no way it can be that long. So we wait nearby and watch as they continue seating more parties that are walking in, and not sending me a table-is-ready text. Completely neglecting the wait-list and giving tables to parties that show up when a table happens to be available. Make it make sense???? My party and I were getting increasingly hangry but we didn't say anything just yet. The hostess and the owner could feel how upset we were just standing there watching table after table of newly arrived parties getting seated while we waited for 45+ minutes. FINALLY they decided to seat us, but that wouldn't have been the case if we weren't standing right there making sure we were seen. THEN another hostess came by after we sat down and tried to give our table to another party but the one who sat us had to stick up for us and said something like we were waiting longer. What a holy freaking mess???? Food and drinks were great but service has a LOT to improve on.

    Photos
    Kirwan's On The Wharf - Kirwan's Lamb Burger

    Kirwan's Lamb Burger

    Kirwan's On The Wharf - Beckett's Burger

    Beckett's Burger

    Kirwan's On The Wharf - Lamb sandwich with sweet potato fries

    See all

    Lamb sandwich with sweet potato fries

    The Irish Whisper - irish_pubs - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...