Can anyone recommend a really good Irish bar in the vicinity of the JW Marriott? Not looking forward to traveling tomorrow (especially to a meeting in a federal government building) so I thought I'd drown my fears with a pint or two. Any thoughts?

THere's one just across the street from Union Station. Can't remember the name, but maybe a DC native would know.

The Irish bar near Union Station is the Dubliner. It's in the ground floor of the Phoenix Park Hotel. Another fun bar, the Irish Times, is next door. And don't worry about being in DC; it's as beautiful as ever, and you'll be surprised how normal everything feels.

There are a couple spots in DC known for several Irish bars, Capitol Hill (as above) and upper Conn. Ave. However, I'd recommend Fado's Irish Pub at 808 7th St NW for you, as it's the closest to Marriott; that bar is large and they spent a lot on it for Irish artifacts, decor (and personnel), some they brought over from Ireland (furniture, etc) including artists. Good drink selection and they do have decent food (corned beef and cabbage, etc).

Fado's is a good location, and had a good atmosphere, but if you're looking for food, go somewhere else. I used to enjoy eating a meal there, but it's really gotten bad over the past few months, for some reason. Maybe the cook quit.

Very near Fado's is the Irish Channel. It's in the new Red Roof Inn. A lot of people who are sick of the crowds in Fado's have moved over there. Oh, and the food's better!

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll report back on Monday.

The Dublinner often has musical guests. Might be worth while to call.

Jury's is an Irish hotel chain that operates a property at Dupont Circle called (oddly enough) Jury's Washington. They have an Irish pub on the first floor which was built on the auld sod and moved there. Environment, food and drinks are pretty authentic

hi all,

i need to put in a strong vote for the Irish Times...on the hill, diagonally opposite Union Station, to the right as you exit the station.

i love that place...and if pete papageorge is singing, all the better....

have fun, have a pint for me.

Glad to learn that about Fado's as I was going to go there next week to meet someone and maybe eat.... guess I'd go elsewhere. I think Biddy's in Jury's is ok but not that close to the Marriott, of course Bennie is gone anyway.

Some in past years have claimed that some of the Irish bars contribute money to the IRA ... has anyone else run across the rumor, and is there any substance to it? Don't jump on me, and I do not mean to come across as negative, but for food, DC has better places. Why in an Irish pub, I wonder. Ciao

First off, the Irish Times is only fun if you're under 25 or looking to score with a college girl. The place has been closed down by the health department more times than I can count. I used to love it, when I was in college. I've grown up a bit since.

Leone-Unfortunately, many Americans (who consider themselves so-called "Irish Americans") have a very romanticized view of the IRA. I am very sympathetic with what they have tried to achieve, as I am Catholic from Northern Ireland (I now live in America), but since the 80s, the IRA has basically become gangsters who make a great deal of money through drugs. And it's not just the IRA. It's the other Republican and Protestant terrorist groups, as well.

But many Americans still see them as the freedom fights they used to be, and give them money through different front organizations, like NORAID. These groups often hold fundraisers or pass a jar around Irish pubs in America.

But since 9/11, money coming from the US has slowed to a trickle, as we Americans get a first-hand taste of terrorism. It is largely believed that this is what led to the IRA's historic move 9 days ago to start decommissioning. Of course, the Protestant terrorist groups won't give up their weapons, but there continue to be double-standards in Northern Ireland politics.

I'm back from DC and visited two of the bars mentioned. The Dubliner and the Irish Times.

For those of you who think that the Irish Times is an example of what an Irish bar is like you need to 1. grow up and 2. stop looking through stereotyped fogged glasses. Its a dive bar for drunk college kids -not a place for a mature adult to have a drink and take in some music. There is absolutely nothing Irish about this place - certainly not the music, not the atmosphere and not the decor (or lack thereof).

However, for those who recommended the Dubliner - thank you. Just what I was looking for. Nice dinner, pleasant service and decor. Very lively entertainment later in the evening. The duo that played had a good selection of true Irish music and avoided the cliched dribble for the most part (one gaff but I suspect it was a request). One member of the audience even danced a very well done hornpipe.

Oh by the way - How ignorant can you be to suggest that wanting to visit an Irish bar was for purposes of donating to an illegal activity - particularly in light of Sept 11.

Thanks for reporting. Leone, some people eat in bars because eating is not the sole focus of their evening, they are hungry, and it saves time, that's all. Every time you go out doesn't have to be a cosmic experience or a four-star meal, you know. I commented on the food because if you are busy all day in meeting or work and want to just relax in the evening and have a drink, you might not want to spend extra hours and time dining elsewhere. Is that so difficult for you to understand?

The Dublinner makes a very delicious supper of fish-and-chips. Wonderful, especially washed down by a Guinness or Beamish.

Christine, like yourself presumably, I eat in bars, so nope, it's not overly difficult to understand ...certainly not as confusing as your tone. But then the issue wasn't bars, was it? It was Irish bars, and being a veteran of the DC bar scene at one time, I am able to tell you that bars flying the Irish colours, or names, or whatevers, reeking in green beer on one of my kid's birthdays, with lines down the block, are quite capable of serving up, and in fact do deliver, some of the most indigestible food (I use that term loosely) imaginable, and I've quite an imagination. Perhaps exceeded only by that popular stomach dish in Scotish places (nay, I'll not name it ... some fool might order it). I'm a mix of both of those lovely countries, but yes, they still have miserable food, for the most part. The issue was that food. And IRA contributions at some of them, which I have on good sources. Ciao (just a smidgen of italian too, thankfully). Jump on me ... I am immune ... I've partaken of Irish stew, and lived to tell the tale. The process made me body-hardened. Now, can we leave this subject? Ciao, and have a nice day. L

And, Leone, some people frequent Irish bars because they love the taste of good Irish beer and the sound of Irish music. So, off with you!

Okay, Leone - by the same token, I shouldn't eat at Italian restaurants as they are run by the Mafia!!!

25 years ago there was an Irish Pub frequented by Washington press. Is that the Dubliner and is that still the case?