Three Bars, Three Stars

Jimmy McNey of Harrington’s

Jimmy McNey was born and raised in Southern Maryland, and he’s found a place at the National Harbor that suits him just fine: either at the bar or behind the bar of Harrington’s Pub & Kitchen. Between the live Irish bands and dancing girls, it’s no wonder he looks forward to going to work each day.

On Tap: How long have you been bartending at Harrington’s?
Jimmy McNey: I helped open the restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day last year. We were literally finishing up as they opened the door.They really wanted to be open for St. Patrick’s Day!

OT: How did you get into bartending?
JM: I was a server at Applebee’s. One night it got so busy I had to jump behind the bar and start making my own drinks. I told the manager I wanted to move to the bar. The day after my twenty-first birthday I showed up and started bartending…on a really bad hangover.

OT: What is the best part about working here?
JM: I love it here. There is no one thing. But I come into work and I’m happy to be here. I’ve never worked somewhere like that before. It’s also pretty cool that girls dance on the bar on weekends.

OT: Where would you be found when you are not working?
JM: Probably here, sitting at the bar. It just goes hand in hand with how much we all really like it here.

OT: What is your favorite drink, when you aren’t on duty?
JM: Shots of Jameson and Coors Light bottles.

Catch Jimmy behind the bar Wednesday and Sunday nights at Harrington’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harrington’s is the National Harbor’s resident Irish Pub. But with live music, pour-your-own Guinness taps at the table, and rowdy weekend nights, it’s so much more than that, too. On St. Patrick’s Day, beat the clock specials will begin at 8 a.m., along with kegs and eggs. Specials on Coors Light, Blue Moon, Guinness, and Car Bombs will be featured throughout the day. Although nothing has been confirmed, there may even be a leprechaun sighting. If you’re lucky!

Harrington’s Pub & Kitchen: 177 Fleet St. MD; 301-909-2505; www.harringtonspubandkitchen.com

Paddy Doody of O’Sullivan’s

Paddy’s name is synonymous with O’Sullivan’s, and not just because of St. Paddy’s day. Patrick Doody moved to the States from Limerick City, Ireland six years ago and started at O’Sullivan’s shortly thereafter. He takes pride in O’Sullivan’s status as the neighborhood pub. No doubt that it is due to the friendly repertoire he keeps up with the regulars.

OT: How did you get into bartending?
Paddy Doody: Originally in college I studied acting and performance arts. Like every failed actor, I ended up running a restaurant and bar!

OT: What is your favorite drink, when you aren’t on duty?
PD: I’m a Guinness drinker. Plain and simple.

OT: As an Irishman, how would you rate O’Sullivan’s Guinness?
PD: Hand on my heart—I think my Guinness is the best in town. We’ve taken a lot of care to get it right. It’s all about the shortness of the line.

OT: How is this bar similar to Ireland?
PD: It’s very similar to a small bar you would walk into in West Kerry or rural Ireland. You never know when someone will break into song or get into a great conversation.

OT: Do you have a “most memorable” St. Patrick’s Day?
PD: I used to run a club in Dublin. And on one particular St. Paddy’s day, the boys from U2 showed up. It was my first time meeting Bono and the guys.

Catch Paddy behind the bar Tuesday through Saturday nights at O’Sullivans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O’Sullivan’s is a family-owned and neighborhood-loved Irish pub in Clarendon. Open until 1:30 a.m. every night of the week, locals know it’s a great option for the last beer of the night, but just as perfect for good conversation on a cold night. On St. Patrick’s Day, they’ll open at 7 a.m. with drink specials and live music. In addition to St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, they will also celebrate the fact that Ireland happens to play England in the Six Nations at 1 p.m. It’s sort of a trifecta.

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant: 3207 Washington Blvd. VA; 703-812-0939; www.osullivansirishpub.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kregg Schusterof Star and Shamrock

Kregg Schuster has the confidence of a New Yorker and the fun personality of a South Floridian. He may have started on H Street without much experience, but he’s quickly become Star and Shamrock’s go-to guy. The upstate New Yorker plays rugby when he can, and tries to hold on to the laid-back vibe of the South.

On Tap: What brought you to DC?
Kregg Schuster: My cousin owns a few bars in DC. He needed some help. I was having a little too much fun in South Florida as a wine distributor salesman and thought it would be a good move. I started here full time in June 2010, when they opened.

OT: How did they get the concept for a Jewish/Irish pub?
KS: One of the owners is a Jewish man married to an Irish woman. They are both from North Jersey/New York area. They wanted to bring the best of both worlds here.

OT: Can you describe the regular crowd at Star and Shamrock?
KS: It’s less stuffy than most bars in DC. Not a lot of suits. More alternative style. Of course it differs on any given night. During the week we have a lot of neighbors come in and on the weekends, we get the spill over from Rock ‘n’ Roll hotel.

OT: What is the best item on the menu?
KS: The Clogger. It’s an intense sandwich—you might have to do a few laps around the block afterwards to make up for it but it’s amazing. Beef brisket on a Kaiser roll with provolone gravy and mayo. It’s well worth the heart attack.

Catch Kregg behind the bar Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Star & Shamrock.

It’s hard to find something that hasn’t been done before in the DC bar scene. But when Star and Shamrock opened on H Street as a Jewish deli and Irish pub, it was a truly original idea. The sandwiches stuffed with fresh deli meat go perfectly with a cold Guinness or even a fig-infused Jameson on the rocks. The low-key pub has made a welcome addition to the H Street offerings; it may be the best bet in town to try unique Irish cocktails in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Star & Shamrock Tavern & Deli: 1341 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-3833; www.starandshamrock.com