Old Town VA Irish Pub
Old Town Alexandria has no shortage of places to eat and drink, but a night out does not always have to stay on King Street. A short trip toward Crystal City opens up another option for Irish food, live sports, weekly events, and a pub atmosphere that can carry dinner into the rest of the evening.
McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant is located at 567 23rd Street South in Arlington. We welcome guests coming over from Old Town for everything from a relaxed meal and a pint to trivia, bingo, Friday and Saturday karaoke, and private gatherings.
Irish Pub near Old Town VA
Our pub is built around the idea that good food, a well-stocked bar, and something worth coming back for should all exist under the same roof. You can stop in for a traditional Irish meal, watch a game, meet up with friends, or plan your visit around one of our weekly events.
Sports Bar near Old Town
Watching a game is better when you do not have to settle for bar snacks as dinner. We pair live sports with a full kitchen and bar, so you can order a proper meal and stay through the final whistle, buzzer, or inning.
We show major professional and college sports throughout the year, including football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and other big matchups. Whether you are following one team closely or just want the game on while you catch up with friends, there is room for both.
Irish Restaurant near Old Town
Irish cooking is a central part of what we do, not an afterthought attached to the bar. Our menu includes favorites such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and fish and chips, all made for more than a quick bite.
There are also burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, starters, and other pub favorites, which makes it easier when everyone at the table wants something different.
Trivia Night
Mondays bring five rounds of trivia from 7 to 9 PM. The categories change throughout the night, so winning usually takes a team with a good mix of knowledge rather than one specialist trying to carry the table.
Prizes go to the top two teams, and third place gets to select a category for the following week. Groups of ten or more are required to reserve a table ahead of time, and arriving early gives everyone time to order before the first round begins.
Whiskey & Wine
Wednesday is a good night to slow the pace down. Select whiskey and bottles of wine are offered at half price, giving you an opportunity to try something new or spend a little more time with a favorite pour.
Pair a whiskey with dinner, split a bottle of wine with the table, or simply claim a seat at the bar and enjoy a quieter midweek visit. See the current whiskey and wine details before you come in.
Karaoke
Friday and Saturday are the nights to take the mic. Karaoke starts at 9 PM, with a playlist that can move from classic rock and country to throwbacks, pop favorites, and whatever someone decides the room needs next.
You can sign up to sing, encourage someone else to do it, or enjoy the performances from your table. Either way, karaoke works because the room gets involved.
Bingo Night
Tuesday bingo gives you something to do while dinner and drinks are on the table. Eight rounds are played during the evening, with prizes awarded along the way and no need to organize a team beforehand.
It is easy to join whether you come regularly or have never played here before. Grab a card, find a seat, and follow along as the numbers are called. Bar seating is first-come, first-served, so groups may want to arrive early.
Specials
Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 7 PM, with $2 off food and drinks, including cocktails and appetizers. That gives you a useful window whether you are meeting someone after work, coming in before an evening event, or simply looking for an earlier dinner and a drink.
Other food and drink features can change throughout the year, so it is worth checking the specials page before you visit. That way you can see what is currently running instead of relying on an old special that may have changed.
Online Ordering
When you want the pub at home, ordering is easy. McNamara’s offers the full menu for pickup or delivery through Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats, and the other major apps, with burgers, wings, starters, and the Irish staples in play.
Pickup is simple on the way through, and delivery handles the rest. Delivery windows vary with demand, so a bigger order is best placed early.
Special Events
Our private bookings give smaller groups an option for celebrations, work gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, and other occasions where having everyone together matters.
The space accommodates up to 30 seated guests, and food and drinks can be handled in-house. We work with groups on timing, setup, and menu preferences so the event feels organized without becoming overly formal.
Old Town Irish Pub FAQs
How do I get there from Old Town?
North on Route 1 or the GW Parkway to Crystal City and 23rd Street South, or the Blue and Yellow lines up to Crystal City.
Is McNamara's a good place for dinner if some people do not want Irish food?
Yes. Traditional Irish dishes are an important part of our menu, but we also serve burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, starters, and other familiar pub favorites.
What nights have entertainment or weekly events?
We host trivia on Monday, bingo on Tuesday, Whiskey & Wine on Wednesday, and karaoke on Friday and Saturday.
Can I book it for a group?
The private room seats up to 30, fine for a celebration brought up from Old Town.
Plan Your Next Night Out at McNamara's Pub and Restaurant
Sometimes dinner is the plan. Other times it is only the beginning. You can join us for Irish food and a pint, stay for a game, make trivia part of your Monday routine, or see who ends up with the microphone on Friday or Saturday.
If you are coming from Old Town and want a pub that gives you more to do than order another round, make the trip to Crystal City. Bring the family, meet a few friends, or reserve space for a group and enjoy the kind of night that does not need much more planning once you get here.