Irish Channel: Photo by Nicole Pearo
The Irish Channel may have been better known as the bar in the Red Roof Inn up until a few months ago: one block off the beaten path of bustling Chinatown, discreet, not flashy. But the neighbors knew better. For them, it’s always been a respite for good beer, friendly service, and Irish bar food.
On any given night, the barstools are full. Early in the week, neighbors pour in from the massive apartment complexes at Mass Court, Avalon, and the Meridian. During happy hour, law students and clerks escape to Irish Channel to relax after a busy day in the County Courts. During Caps games, season ticket holders flood the place. They know that the announcer, Wes Johnson, will be in after the game. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for them. On weekends, Oregon alumni gather to cheer on their alma mater while indulging in good drink specials and bar food.
The renovations earlier this year made some major improvements. The expanded room, the new high-top tables, the low stools, the big screen TVs, and the improved sound system did nothing to disrupt the ambiance of the friendly bar, it just made it better. The menu had a slight revamp, but the staff, as everyone points out, has stayed the same. Many of them have been around since the place opened 10 years ago.
When On Tap asked Cormic, a member of the bar staff from Northern Ireland, how it compared to Irish pubs back home, he said “It’s the same in that everybody knows everybody. There are a lot of good friends here.”
Pete, a common visitor to the bar, echoes that sentiment. “In Britain, it would be called the local. It’s a place where a bunch of people hang out. This side of the bar, that side of the bar. It doesn’t matter. We’re all friends here.”
Comradery aside, there are plenty of reasons for people to stop in. Irish folks songs and rock cover bands act as the soundtrack with live music every Tuesday-Saturday night. Drink specials abound, with $1 off all drafts 5-7 p.m., and food and beer specials from 7 p.m. to close throughout the work week.
An Irish bar that’s endorsed by Irishmen and Englishmen means it’s got to be good.
The Irish Channel DC: 500 H St NW, DC: 202-216-0046; www.irishchannelpub.com/dc
What the people are saying:
“It’s not a dive, the kitchen is spectacular. You won’t find anything here you wouldn’t want to come back for.”
“I live in Pittsburgh but work in DC. Which means I’m on an expense account. I could eat anywhere I want. I come here. I love the burger.”
“Where else are you going to go if you live in the neighborhood? It’s the only place off the beaten path.”
“Maybe not a place to bring your boss. More of a place to bring your co-workers.”
