Description: My "history" with this place goes back to my college years in the 1970's -- not too long after the place opened, in fact. Back then -- and to this day -- the Dubliner offers a lively evening scene, with live music most nights. If you're fond of an Irish ballad or sing-along, then this is a place you'll probably enjoy. Located on a corner just across from Union Station, it's an easy place to get to, too, which makes it a favorite gathering place for groups of friends at lunch or after work.
In more recent years, I've joined a friend "of Irish
distraction" (as we say) here for St. Paddy's Day, which is something of a marathon event. Be forewarned: the Dubliner is downright
crazy on St. Patrick's, but if you're in the mood for celebrating the day in a room crammed with tipsy folk clad in green, then this is THE place to do that in DC. I've never been able to manage more than a couple of hours of the epic day, and stand in awe of my friend and her cohorts, who stake out a spot early in the day and are there until the wee hours.
However, on occasion I also join the same friend for a much quieter lunch at the Dubliner, when sanity rather than excess reign, and as this is much more the "norm" of what the average patron would experience, I'll confine my review to these sorts of visits.
As might be expected, the Dubliner has a fine selection of Irish ales, stouts, and lagers, many on tap and even more bottled. These go well with the wide selection of sandwiches and pub dishes, a few of which I can vouch for, such as the immense grilled Ruben (served on a tasty dark Russian rye bread), a nice shepherd's pie, standard fish-and-chips, and a flaky-crusted chicken pot pie.
On my most recent visit, though, minding my carbs and calories, I had a generous cobb salad with dressing on the side, accompanied by a perfectly unremarkable glass of sauvignon blanc. The salad was loaded with slabs of grilled chicken, so I felt I'd gotten my protein allotment for the week. In general, the Dubliner serves good, steady pub fare with no real surprises. The only complaint I had on this most recent visit is that we had a table wedged between the door and the busy entrance to the kitchen -- I hadn't picked the table and found my friend already seated when I arrived; otherwise, I'd have held out for something in one of the other dining rooms further away from the main bar.
Service is usually good though quite straightforward at the Dubliner, and on this most recent occasion our server was quick to bring our food and drinks. It was a busy Friday, not really the ideal place to linger over quiet conversation, but the sort of congenial atmosphere to put you at your ease. All in all, a good pub choice.
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