The Irish aren’t exactly known as culinary superstars the way, say, the French and Chinese are. But gastronomy on the Emerald Isle has picked up in recent decades. The cuisine’s classics served in this country, too, are standards for a reason. This month, as we celebrate Irish heritage, perhaps it’s time to reappraise that corned beef and cabbage. Here are the places to do it.
The Auld Shebeen
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, no matter what time you eat it. That’s especially true of a full Irish breakfast. At Mick Boyle and Dominic Keane’s beloved pub, named for the classic Irish speakeasies, you can find exactly that. The heaping plate includes sausage, thick-cut rashers of bacon, and both black and white pudding, so there’s no chance you’ll feel shortchanged as you dig into your eggs, potatoes, and grilled tomatoes. 3971 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax
Ireland’s Four Provinces
Owner Colm Dillon, a native of County Cork, has a long background in hospitality that shows in the warm welcome he gives to each guest at his pub. Not every dish is Irish here, but the greatest hits are all prepared with gusto, including a wavy-topped shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash with baked beans. 105 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Old Brogue Irish Pub
Since 1981, the Kearney family has been turning out Irish fare from this tiny kitchen. This is one of the only places in NoVA we’ve found to get a boxty. The potato pancake is a classic dish that can wrap practically anything. Here, it’s beef Bourguignon, made with slow-braised beef tenderloin, pearl onions, and mushrooms. 760 Walker Rd., Great Falls
Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub
What earns this spot in Shirlington its title of “gastropub?” The care applied to the food, which includes sourcing the best ingredients from near and far. Intensely Irish dishes like bacon and cabbage with Jameson mashed potatoes prove owner Mark Kirwan’s worth as a County Tipperary native, but we also love the nod to England in the form of Beef Wellington. 2800 S. Randolph St., Ste. 110, Arlington
Feature image by Rey Lopez
This story originally appeared in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
