Arlington Ridge runs along the bluff above Crystal City, a quiet residential pocket close to the National Landing offices and the river. It is the kind of neighborhood that wants a good pub within walking distance.
McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant waits at the bottom of the hill at 567 23rd Street South, a short way into Crystal City and barely a mile from Reagan National. It is an Irish pub with the games on, family-friendly and open well past most kitchens’ bedtime.
Irish Pub near Arlington Ridge VA
McNamara’s covers the full stretch — food, sport, events, and a reason to be out on any night of the week. Here is what is on offer just down the hill.
Irish Restaurant near Arlington Ridge
A real Irish kitchen is just down the road from Arlington Ridge. McNamara’s runs the classics, from fish and chips to bangers and mash to an Irish breakfast served any hour, and pairs them with burgers and salads. The food comes first here, always.
Settle in for dinner or stop by for lunch, with lighter plates available if that is what you are after. Everything on the menu is honest cooking, done consistently.
Sports Bar near Arlington Ridge
The game is practically next door. McNamara’s carries all the major American sports on its screens including NBA, NHL, MLB, and football of every kind. So there is almost always something worth watching.
The room is family-friendly early and livelier later, which suits both a quiet dinner and a loud finish. Come for the first half or stay for the buzzer.
Trivia Night
Arlington Ridge has trivia practically next door, and Monday makes the case for it. Five themed rounds run from 7 to 9, covering memory, pop culture, and the kind of obscure trivia that wins or loses a night. The top two teams walk away with prizes.
Finish third and you get to set a category for the following week, which is its own quiet reward. Seats go quickly, so come early, and reserve if your team runs to ten or more.
Whiskey & Wine
Wednesday is worth the trip down the hill. McNamara’s runs 50% off wine bottles and 50% off select whiskey all day, turning a quiet midweek into a reason to stay out. The Opus One drops 25%, in case you have been waiting for an excuse.
It stays relaxed and unhurried, more about the pour in your hand than the room around it. Share a bottle or compare a few whiskeys and wine side by side.
Karaoke
Karaoke runs Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m., with regulars and first-timers trading the mic and a crowd happy to back them. It is upbeat and unpredictable, in the best possible way.
You never quite know what the next song will be, which is exactly the appeal. Step up or settle in and watch.
Bingo Night
Tuesday bingo is two minutes from Arlington Ridge and a better reason to be out than most. The first of eight rounds starts at 7, with prizes scattered across the night. No teams, no studying, just a card and a little luck.
It is built to be social before it is competitive, the kind of night you can drop into without a plan. Bar seating is first come, so bring the group early if you want to sit together.
Specials
Weekday happy hour runs 3 to 7, with $2 off food and drinks, cocktails and appetizers included. Tuesday turns a sandwich with fries and a soda into a $13 lunch until 3, and Thursday gives burgers the same treatment with a $5 draft.
Weekend brunch fills the 10 to 2 window Saturday and Sunday, where one mimosa buys dollar refills for two full hours with an entree, and Sunday adds $6 Tito’s and Jameson all day. New menu specials rotate monthly.
Online Ordering
When you would rather stay in, the food can come to you. McNamara’s runs online delivery through the major apps including Seamless, Grubhub, Uber Eats and more, with the full menu of Irish plates, burgers, wings, and starters on offer.
Pickup suits a quick swing by, and delivery covers the nights you are settled in. Availability moves with how busy things get, so give a big order a little head start.
Special Events
Arlington Ridge has a private event space practically around the corner. McNamara’s room seats up to 30 and hosts birthdays, anniversaries, corporate meetups and other special events, with the kitchen and bar covering everything so you are not juggling vendors.
It is private enough for a real gathering and still part of the pub. Pick a buffet or a plated dinner to match the occasion.
Arlington Ridge Irish Pub FAQs
How close is McNamara's to Arlington Ridge?
McNamara’s is just down the hill toward Crystal City, two or three minutes by car or a walkable stretch to 23rd Street South.
Is McNamara's family friendly?
Yes. The pub is family friendly earlier in the evening before it gets livelier later in the night.
Does McNamara's show soccer?
Yes, along with NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL. If you have a specific match you want to catch, call ahead to confirm.
What is parking like?
A small lot sits behind the building, with street spots and a paid lot a block back once it fills.
Why Arlington Ridge Residents Choose McNamara's Pub and Restaurant
For the Ridge, the appeal is simple: a genuine Irish pub with a full week of events and a kitchen worth the short walk down the hill.
A quiet booth, a family meal, or a celebration in the back room, McNamara’s handles them all without ever feeling like a chain.