have you eaten in pubs you liked in washington dc?
we ate in many pubs in england and found the food/atmosphere to our liking and want to explore pubs in our capitol city.

Pubs in England are *very* different than pubs in the US. But one that I would recommend for good atmosphere/music and food would be Ireland's Four Provinces.

http://www.irelandsfourprovinces.com/

There's also a Fado's in Penn Quarter area, but that's a chain and wouldn't be my first choice.

I would also strongly recommend Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle. The pizza is fabulous, and the downstairs (Birreria Paradiso) has great beer.

www.eatyourpizza.com

For an American pub experience, check out RFD in Penn Quarter.

www.lovethebeer.com

RFD and Brickskeller are "related," but I much prefer the food at RFD (though it is by no means a culinary experience).

For fantastic beer and food both -- my first choice would be Brasserie Beck. But it's definitely more upscale than a pub and not as intimate as an atmosphere.

www.beckdc.com

I like Martin's Tavern on Wisconsin in Georgetown. It's also where JFK proposed to Jackie.

my mouth is watering after reading the menus and beer lists! thanks so much for your suggestions. just what i like!

How is the Capital City Brewery?