Washington, DC is chock full of ambassadors, engineers, and military officers who pride themselves on the security and betterment of the nation. People work hard in DC, oftentimes for the most esteemed and worthwhile causes. But as the old saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull diplomat: even the most diligent defense contractor needs to leave behind the meticulous surroundings of The District for new nightlife territory. Luckily for those in search, there is Old Town Alexandria, which lies just across the river from our Capitol Hill.
A grand, glimmering beacon of the old South, Old Town now houses museums, retail, and ale instead of ye olden apothecary and horse stable. But even if the true historic function of the buildings no longer exists, the city proudly retains its unique pastime charm. This appeal is why tourists' shoes pound the small cobblestone street grid by the thousands. Its mixture of legit American history (Thomas Jefferson briefly resided here) and contemporary nightlife evokes DC, but with a twist. The flurry of Old Town serves up energetic nightlife, revolutionary style as expressed by its top late night establishments.
Daniel O'Connell's Irish Pub
Irish-style pubs and taverns abound in Old Town. However, O'Connell's wins the prize for best atmosphere, hands down. The front room, referred to as "Brennan's bar," is all rich, dark wood and worn leather. The dapper decor is convincing: you don't have to guzzle stouts to imagine Dublin gents of yesteryear taking off their top hats around the antiqued barstools. The hints of history are further inculcated by actual antique furniture; for instance, the cabinetry that holds the liquor bottles used to house medicines in an old Irish pharmacy. Brennan's bar is also one of the only remaining Old Town bars with a smoking area, much to the joy of Marlboro Men and the dismay of health-freaks.
O'Connell's is packed with young, dynamic professionals on a Friday night. They pass easily from room to room in this labyrinth-like building of over 8,000 square feet. If you're in the mood for food while you're sauntering in and out of the dimly lit halls, you can ask one of the exceedingly friendly and conversational waitstaff for a bar menu, which includes Shepherd's Pie and guinness-braised ribs. No doubt you'll be sluggish in church on Sunday, wondering why in Jesus, Mary and Joseph you had so many Magner's Irish Ciders.
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Chadwick's
Chadwick's sits a bit reclusively on South Strand Street, right by the waterfront. The hidden locale matches the restaurant/bar's dressed-down, local watering hole personality. This is not the bar that Washington heavyweights ordinarily choose to frequent. It's more the kind of 'round the corner establishment that has a hell of a champagne brunch menu. So definitely throw on an old pair of jeans and ball cap before arrival, as there's no need to dress to impress. Just unwind and let that beltway blood pressure drop a little...
With kiddie items included on the menu, you might think that the bar selection would be pretty tame. But beyond the typical fare of Michelob and Budlight, Chadwick's has a collection of fourteen microbrews, as well as two feature beers every month. enough to give even the most ill-tempered nine-to-fiver something to look forward to. The bar itself is just a simple slice of Americana. When the swampy DC summers hit kill-yer-granny highs, seek out the hunter green umbrellas on the patio, and enjoy the breeze off the water. Capitol Hill will be still be waiting for you on Monday.
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Flying Fish
Most of Old Town nightlife is pretty straightforward; at times, straight-laced. But there are certainly off-the-beaten-cobblestone establishments that can quench the thirsts of the eclectic. Cmented firmly on King Street's well-trodden main drag, Flying Fish nevertheless has a few tricks up its starches sleeves. Truly exceptional sushi is served upstairs among streamlined scenery. Downstairs, personality overflows in the speakeasy-like basement. This is a bar where you can find some real diversity : tight-shirted hipsters mingle harmoniously with the high and mighty wonks every night of the week. 80's tunes are the music of choice most nights, and charismatic bartenders dressed like Charlie Chaplin a la "The Kid" hand over a full beer and wine selection. Take to the karaoke equipment if you're feeling brave. The joint is a little haphazardly decorated, with tile floors and scraped-up bar stools, but it only adds to the appeal. By the end of the night, the bar is still charged by last call.
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Murphy's Grand Irish Pub
The word "devotion" comes to mind when describing Murphy's Grand Irish Pub. That's because the regulars here have a die-hard attitude toward three things: music, football, and of course, beer. Traditional Irish songs waft nightly from the bar, buffeted by the dulcet echo of half-drunk locals. A favorite among the inebriated masses is the Unicorn song, which is pretty tragic if you take a listen (judging from the racuous, beaming singalong it elicits, no one else seems to mind). This rowdy establishment is also the unquestioned den of the New England Patriots. Locals throw on the jersey of their favorite player and cheer the Pats during every game, as they have for over a decade. With last year's perfect 16-0, no doubt the crowds will keep pouring in this season. Just bring an empty stomach, as there's ample corned beef and cabbage to go with your Guinness Stout.
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