Capitol Hill has no shortage of neighborhood spots, but sometimes you want the full Irish pub experience: a real kitchen, sports on screen, weekly events, late-night energy, and a room that works just as well for dinner as it does for drinks with friends.
McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant is a short trip from Capitol Hill at 567 23rd Street South in Arlington, near Crystal City and about a mile from Reagan National Airport. It is an Irish pub and sports bar with classic Irish food, burgers, wings, whiskey, wine, weekend brunch, online ordering, and a full calendar of events throughout the week.
Irish Pub near Capitol Hill DC
McNamara’s gives Capitol Hill an easy nearby option for Irish food, drinks, and pub atmosphere without heading deep into the city. The room is relaxed early in the day, family-friendly for lunch or dinner, and livelier later when the games, trivia, karaoke, or weekend crowd pick up.
Whether you are coming in after work, meeting friends for dinner, watching a game, or planning a casual night out, McNamara’s keeps the feel of a neighborhood pub with enough going on to make the trip worthwhile.
Irish Restaurant near Capitol Hill
A good Irish pub starts with the kitchen. McNamara’s serves Irish favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, Irish breakfast, and other pub classics, along with burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, and shareable starters.
We are perfect for a full dinner, a quick lunch, a lighter meal, or a table that wants a little of everything. The food on the menu is hearty, consistent, and built for the kind of place where people stay for another round after the plates are cleared.
Sports Bar near Capitol Hill
McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant is also a strong choice for sports near Capitol Hill. The pub shows major American sports including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, college games, and big international matches.
Come early for a meal with the family, meet friends for kickoff, or settle in at the bar when the night gets louder. The setup works for casual fans and regulars alike, with plenty of reason to stay through the final whistle, buzzer, or inning.
Trivia Night
Monday trivia gives the week a proper start. Our trivia runs from 7 to 9 p.m. with five themed rounds covering memory, pop culture, general knowledge, and the kind of odd questions that keep the table arguing in a good way.
The top two teams win prizes, and the third-place team gets to choose a category for the following week. Seating can fill up, especially for larger groups, so it is smart to arrive early or reserve ahead if your team has ten or more people.
Whiskey & Wine
Wednesday is one of the best nights to visit McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant. The pub offers 50% off bottles of wine and 50% off select whiskey all day, with Opus One at 25% off.
Whiskey and wine is a good midweek option when you want something relaxed but still worth going out for. Share a bottle with the table, compare a few whiskey pours at the bar, or make it a quieter dinner that turns into a longer evening.
Karaoke
Karaoke brings the weekend energy every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9 p.m. Regulars, first-timers, and friend groups all take turns with the mic, which keeps the night unpredictable in the best way.
You can sing, cheer from the table, or simply watch the room come alive song by song. It is casual, loud, fun, and never exactly the same twice.
Bingo Night
Tuesday bingo is simple, social, and easy to drop into. The first of eight rounds starts at 7 p.m., with prizes throughout the night and no team required.
It is a good weeknight plan for people who want to be out without making the night complicated. Grab a card, order food and drinks, and let the numbers do the work. Bar seating is first come, first served, so groups should plan to arrive early.
Specials
McNamara’s runs specials throughout the week, making it an easy choice for lunch, happy hour, brunch, or a casual night out. Weekday happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. with $2 off food and drinks, including cocktails and appetizers.
Tuesday lunch features a sandwich, fries, and soda for $13 until 3 p.m. Thursday gives burgers the same treatment, with the option to add a draft beer for $5. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with mimosa refills available with an entree. Sunday also brings all-day Tito’s and Jameson specials.
Monthly food and drink specials rotate, so there is usually something new to try.
Online Ordering
You do not have to dine in to get McNamara’s. The pub offers pickup and delivery through major ordering apps, with Irish classics, burgers, wings, starters, salads, and more available to order.
Pickup works well when you are already nearby, while delivery is a good option for a night in around Capitol Hill. Availability may change during busy times, so larger orders are best placed with a little extra notice.
Special Events
McNamara’s also offers private event space for groups of up to 30 guests. The room works well for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, small wedding receptions, corporate meetups, holiday gatherings, and group dinners.
It gives your party a private setting while still keeping the food, drinks, and atmosphere of the pub close by. Choose a buffet-style setup or a plated dinner depending on the special event, and let the McNamara’s team help keep the event simple.
Capitol Hill Irish Pub FAQs
Is McNamara’s good for private events?
Yes. McNamara’s has a private party room that seats up to 30 guests. It works well for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement celebrations, corporate meetups, wedding gatherings, Irish wakes, holiday parties, and other small private events.
Does McNamara’s offer online ordering?
Yes. McNamara’s offers online ordering, making it easy to order Irish classics, burgers, wings, sandwiches, starters, and other menu items for pickup or delivery when available.
Is McNamara’s family-friendly?
Yes. McNamara’s is welcoming for families, especially earlier in the day for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Later nights are livelier, especially during karaoke, events, and big games.
Does McNamara’s have parking?
Yes. McNamara’s website notes that street parking is available. Guests should allow extra time during busy evenings, weekends, and event nights.
Why Capitol Hill Residents Choose McNamara's Pub and Restaurant
For the Hill, the river is a small price for a late Irish pub with a real kitchen, a long whiskey list, and a reason to show up any night of the week.
A weeknight table, a family dinner, or a group celebration all travel well across the bridge.