Shirlington VA Irish Pub
Sometimes the hardest part of making plans is finding one place that works for everyone. One person wants a proper dinner, somebody else wants to watch the game, and the rest of the table would rather stay somewhere with enough going on that the night does not end after the check arrives.
McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant gives Shirlington residents a nearby option for all of it. Located at 567 23rd Street South in Arlington, the pub combines a full Irish and American menu, a well-stocked bar, sports, weekly events, online ordering, and the kind of easygoing atmosphere that works whether you are stopping in for lunch or staying late.
Irish Pub near Shirlington VA
McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant is the kind of place that can be whatever the night needs. Grab a booth for dinner, meet friends over drinks, settle in for a game, or stay after the plates are cleared when one of the weekly events gets underway.
The kitchen and bar are both a real part of the experience, rather than one being an afterthought to the other. That makes the pub just as useful for a relaxed meal as it is for a longer night out with friends.
Sports Bar near Shirlington
Watching a game is better when everyone at the table does not have to order from a stripped-down game-day menu. McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant keeps major games on the screens while the full kitchen and bar keep running around them.
College football and other big games have a regular place in the rotation, giving the room a full game-day atmosphere without turning it into a stripped-down sports bar. Come specifically for the game or simply keep an eye on the score while you eat.
Irish Restaurant near Shirlington
The menu goes well beyond snacks beside a pint. Irish classics such as Beef Stew in a Guinness stout broth, Shepherd’s Pie, fish and chips, and other comfort-food favorites share space with burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, and starters.
That makes the restaurant easy for mixed groups where not everyone is ordering the same kind of meal. Come hungry for something traditional or keep things familiar with a burger and a beer.
Trivia Night
Shirlington has its share of nightlife, but Monday trivia at McNamara’s is its own draw. Five themed rounds run from 7 to 9, testing memory, pattern recognition, and pop culture. First and second place take home prizes.
Third place earns the right to set a topic for the next week, which keeps the standings interesting. Seats fill early, so come ahead of time, and reserve for ten or more. The trivia details are posted online.
Whiskey & Wine
Shirlington has options, but a Wednesday like this is hard to match. McNamara’s takes 50% off bottles of wine and 50% off select whiskey all day, which makes the midweek worth a visit. Even the Opus One is part of it, at 25% off.
It runs calm and social, more about the pour than the room around it. Open a bottle for the table or work through a flight. The whiskey and wine details are posted online.
Bingo Night
Shirlington has plenty to do, but Tuesday bingo at McNamara’s is its own draw. Eight rounds start at 7, prizes turn up all night, and there is no team to assemble and nothing to cram. You grab a card, order a drink, and listen for your numbers.
It is social first and competitive second, perfect for a weeknight. Bar seating is first come, so a large group should get there early to sit together. The bingo details are posted online.
Karaoke
Shirlington has nightlife, but the weekend mic at McNamara’s is its own kind of fun. Karaoke runs Friday and Saturday from 9, with regulars, newcomers, and brave friends taking turns. It is loud, upbeat, and never the same twice.
You might catch a real voice or a heroic attempt, and the crowd cheers either way. Sing or sit back and watch. The karaoke details are posted online.
Specials
Shirlington has its own restaurant row, but none of it counts a happy hour quite like this. McNamara’s runs 3 to 7 every day, $2 off food and drinks, cocktails and every appetizer included. Tuesday sets sandwiches with fries and a soda at $13 until 3, and Thursday does burgers for the same, a draft for an extra $5.
The monthly menu specials give regulars a reason to keep checking back, and they are posted on the specials page. Weekends add brunch from 10 to 2 with dollar mimosa refills for two hours and an entree, and a Sunday pour now at $6 Tito’s and Jameson all day.
Online Ordering
When Shirlington wants a night in, McNamara’s still shows up. The full menu is set for pickup or delivery across Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats, and the other major apps, from wings and burgers to the Irish staples.
Grab it on the way through or have it delivered, whichever fits. Delivery times track with demand, so give a larger order some lead time.
Special Events
Shirlington gatherings have a ready venue close by. McNamara’s private room seats up to 30 and takes on birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate meetups, with everything from the food to the bar handled in house.
It is private without feeling cut off from the pub. Go buffet-style or plated, whichever the occasion calls for. The private bookings details are posted online.
Shirlington Irish Pub FAQs
How do I get there from Shirlington?
East on I-395 to Crystal City and 23rd Street South, roughly ten minutes.
Is it near Reagan National?
About a mile from the pub to DCA, an easy add-on when you are near the airport.
Which nights run events?
Trivia kicks off Monday, bingo Tuesday, Whiskey and Wine Wednesday, and karaoke takes both Friday and Saturday.
Can larger groups book?
The private room seats up to 30 for birthdays and celebrations brought over from Shirlington.
Why Shirlington Residents Choose McNamara's Pub and Restaurant
Shirlington has its restaurant row, but a late Irish pub with nightly events and a kitchen that means it is a short hop east.
A weeknight booth, a family dinner, or a private celebration, McNamara’s covers the spread a quick drive from the village.