Great friendly atmosphere. Fun crowd and lovely owner. Food was great and there were lots of choices on the menu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charles T
A friend called at 6:30 on New Year's Eve and asked if I wanted to join her for dinner that evening. She was not sure when she would finished her last appointment that evening but we settled on a 9:00 reservation I would make. Surprising to me, the Irish Inn had a table for 2 available. When I let my friend know which restaurant has provided me a reservation, she then disclosed that we would be three, including a dog that she was dog sitting, and told me she had recently eaten on the porch at the Irish Inn with the dog. I called the restaurant back and they easily changed the reservation from inside to the covered and heated porch. I arrived a few minutes early and was quickly seated and given a menu and water on. My dining partner arrived with dog about 30 minutes late. She and the dog were graciously seated and the dog was provided a treat and water in a dish. It was a cold evening and no one else was seated on the porch. In earlier, warmer years the porch was crowded with nicely dressed individuals going to celebrate the coming of the New Year at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park nearby. While the New Year's menu was not quite as varied as at other times, the duck entree (medallions) was different and delicious. We enjoyed the shared cheese cake dessert. The service was attentive even though we were the sole couple on the porch and the porch was generally cool though we were warm under the ceiling heaters. Though parking can be a bit tight on a beautiful spring weekend evening, it was not so late on New Year's Eve. The Irish Inn is noted for its traditional Irish fare, but there are always varied dishes that should please most people. I will return because the food is very good and it is convenient for a number of my Bethesda friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kelsey Thistlethwaite
I’ve driven past the Irish Inn at Glen Echo more times than I can count. One of those places you clock, file away, and promise yourself you’ll get to someday. Someday finally showed up. Date night. No grand plan. We slid into the pub instead of the dining room because that’s where places like this tell you who they really are.
Two stools at the bar. Cold beer arrived without ceremony, the way it should. The room hummed in that low, comforting way, old friends leaning in, coworkers decompressing, bartenders who clearly know who drinks what and why. It felt less like a restaurant and more like a well-worn living room that happens to pour a proper pint.
I’ll admit it: expectations for the food were modest. Then we read the menu. Deviled eggs. Wings. Shepherd’s pie. You don’t overthink choices like that, you just say yes. And suddenly, it wasn’t just bar food; it was care. Everything hit the table fast, but nothing felt rushed. The shepherd’s pie in particular demanded attention, rich but not heavy, deeply flavored, the kind of dish that makes you slow down without realizing you’ve done it. I took my time. I’ll be thinking about that pie for a while.
If you’re passing through Glen Echo, don’t just pass through. Stop. Sit at the bar. Have a pint. Eat something honest. Let the place do what it’s been quietly doing all along.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Haid
Bartender was extremely rude. Waitstaff wasn’t much better. Maybe should hire people that don’t seem mad to be working there!! Will never return or recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Paul Johnson
Awesome place for a good pint and great food- slainte!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron Aaron
I will not attend another car club event here. Our group ended up being 50% larger than expected, and they were able to seat us immediately at opening, but we were given nothing but water and rolls for the first hour. At that point, we put in our orders, but food did not come for another hour. Food was good, but the overall experience took 2.5 hrs.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
MARCOS ACOSTA
We didn't go for dinner , we went for drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Rash Brian
The Cream of Mushroom soup was fantastic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kristi Edwards
The Irish Inn used to be one of our favorite places to visit but yesterday our experience was absolutely miserable due to horrible service from the moment we walked in the door. My husband and I walked in the bar area around 2:45pm on Saturday afternoon; there were 3 open tables available. When we were reluctantly greeted by a surly waiter, and my husband inquired about getting a table for 2, this person’s response was “depends,” with no follow up. I was ready to leave there and then but eventually we were “allowed” to have a table because we were eating. This person remained our server and demonstrated the absolute minimum level of service a server could provide. He did not check on us, no offer for refills on drinks, and when he came to give us the check, he didn’t appear to be pleased that we were staying for coffee and dessert. The observation was made that he went out of his way to be incredibly friendly to customers who were clearly regulars to the restaurant. I also observed him admonishing a woman who had deigned to sit at an open table for only drinks and he had the audacity to say to her, “Don’t mess up my table.” I have no idea what has happened to this restaurant since the last time we were here but after this experience, and the $100+ check, and abhorrent service, it is likely our last.
Tried beef stroganoff for first time. It was terrific. I usually get the corned beef and cabbage, chicken pot pie, or Sheppard's pie. I highly recommend them all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Russell Sage
I've been trying to find the atmosphere of a pub for a while now, and whilst this one is a bit on the costly end of the pubs of my childhood, it comes the closest so far on this end of the pond 🇮🇪
The people are lovely, the food is delicious, and the barman, Enrique, is an absolute maniac-in the best possible way. You could power a city block on his enthusiasm and love of the place and clientele. I believe I even heard one of the gents walking about with an Irish accent,-but didn't want to impose myself any more than I already was!
I've been eating with friends there for years. Another pal of mine plays live Irish music there. It's a nice piece of home, in its own uniquely American way (meaning the sports on the telly are local, etc).
I was a doorman for years, and this place will never need that. It's got the safety of a small neighborhood, with presumably Glen Echo as its small makeshift country village. Most are personable. and come to exhale and laugh unpretentiously
That said, I did find a few from Silver Spring on the bar end of the equation; and opted to eat there rather than sit in the more formal restaurant..
Try the fish and chips, or the mahi mahi!!❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven Katz
A local treasure. Great food and views of the Potomac.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
beyondTabu
We’ve passed by 100 times and decided to finally try it. It’s a pretty large group (kids and adults) and we were truthfully a bit loud (no alcohol).
The manager came over and angrily told us to be quiet. What kind of an Irish pub would it be without a rowdy crowd! 😆
Food was ok, but that manager annoyed us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Brian Woodbury
If I could give zero stars I would. Food was uncooked sent it back twice. Waiter was rude, manager just did not give a care, greeter could care less. Waiter said after we asked for the bill “ that might be better” Told us that the chef comped our entire bill because he did not have the time, and he does it all the time.
Great Fish & Chips!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great friendly atmosphere. Fun crowd and lovely owner. Food was great and there were lots of choices on the menu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A friend called at 6:30 on New Year's Eve and asked if I wanted to join her for dinner that evening. She was not sure when she would finished her last appointment that evening but we settled on a 9:00 reservation I would make. Surprising to me, the Irish Inn had a table for 2 available. When I let my friend know which restaurant has provided me a reservation, she then disclosed that we would be three, including a dog that she was dog sitting, and told me she had recently eaten on the porch at the Irish Inn with the dog. I called the restaurant back and they easily changed the reservation from inside to the covered and heated porch. I arrived a few minutes early and was quickly seated and given a menu and water on. My dining partner arrived with dog about 30 minutes late. She and the dog were graciously seated and the dog was provided a treat and water in a dish. It was a cold evening and no one else was seated on the porch. In earlier, warmer years the porch was crowded with nicely dressed individuals going to celebrate the coming of the New Year at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park nearby. While the New Year's menu was not quite as varied as at other times, the duck entree (medallions) was different and delicious. We enjoyed the shared cheese cake dessert. The service was attentive even though we were the sole couple on the porch and the porch was generally cool though we were warm under the ceiling heaters. Though parking can be a bit tight on a beautiful spring weekend evening, it was not so late on New Year's Eve. The Irish Inn is noted for its traditional Irish fare, but there are always varied dishes that should please most people. I will return because the food is very good and it is convenient for a number of my Bethesda friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve driven past the Irish Inn at Glen Echo more times than I can count. One of those places you clock, file away, and promise yourself you’ll get to someday. Someday finally showed up. Date night. No grand plan. We slid into the pub instead of the dining room because that’s where places like this tell you who they really are.
Two stools at the bar. Cold beer arrived without ceremony, the way it should. The room hummed in that low, comforting way, old friends leaning in, coworkers decompressing, bartenders who clearly know who drinks what and why. It felt less like a restaurant and more like a well-worn living room that happens to pour a proper pint.
I’ll admit it: expectations for the food were modest. Then we read the menu. Deviled eggs. Wings. Shepherd’s pie. You don’t overthink choices like that, you just say yes. And suddenly, it wasn’t just bar food; it was care. Everything hit the table fast, but nothing felt rushed. The shepherd’s pie in particular demanded attention, rich but not heavy, deeply flavored, the kind of dish that makes you slow down without realizing you’ve done it. I took my time. I’ll be thinking about that pie for a while.
If you’re passing through Glen Echo, don’t just pass through. Stop. Sit at the bar. Have a pint. Eat something honest. Let the place do what it’s been quietly doing all along.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bartender was extremely rude. Waitstaff wasn’t much better. Maybe should hire people that don’t seem mad to be working there!! Will never return or recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Awesome place for a good pint and great food- slainte!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I will not attend another car club event here. Our group ended up being 50% larger than expected, and they were able to seat us immediately at opening, but we were given nothing but water and rolls for the first hour. At that point, we put in our orders, but food did not come for another hour. Food was good, but the overall experience took 2.5 hrs.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
We didn't go for dinner , we went for drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
The Cream of Mushroom soup was fantastic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
The Irish Inn used to be one of our favorite places to visit but yesterday our experience was absolutely miserable due to horrible service from the moment we walked in the door. My husband and I walked in the bar area around 2:45pm on Saturday afternoon; there were 3 open tables available. When we were reluctantly greeted by a surly waiter, and my husband inquired about getting a table for 2, this person’s response was “depends,” with no follow up. I was ready to leave there and then but eventually we were “allowed” to have a table because we were eating. This person remained our server and demonstrated the absolute minimum level of service a server could provide. He did not check on us, no offer for refills on drinks, and when he came to give us the check, he didn’t appear to be pleased that we were staying for coffee and dessert. The observation was made that he went out of his way to be incredibly friendly to customers who were clearly regulars to the restaurant. I also observed him admonishing a woman who had deigned to sit at an open table for only drinks and he had the audacity to say to her, “Don’t mess up my table.” I have no idea what has happened to this restaurant since the last time we were here but after this experience, and the $100+ check, and abhorrent service, it is likely our last.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Tried beef stroganoff for first time. It was terrific. I usually get the corned beef and cabbage, chicken pot pie, or Sheppard's pie. I highly recommend them all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been trying to find the atmosphere of a pub for a while now, and whilst this one is a bit on the costly end of the pubs of my childhood, it comes the closest so far on this end of the pond 🇮🇪
The people are lovely, the food is delicious, and the barman, Enrique, is an absolute maniac-in the best possible way. You could power a city block on his enthusiasm and love of the place and clientele. I believe I even heard one of the gents walking about with an Irish accent,-but didn't want to impose myself any more than I already was!
I've been eating with friends there for years. Another pal of mine plays live Irish music there. It's a nice piece of home, in its own uniquely American way (meaning the sports on the telly are local, etc).
I was a doorman for years, and this place will never need that. It's got the safety of a small neighborhood, with presumably Glen Echo as its small makeshift country village. Most are personable. and come to exhale and laugh unpretentiously
That said, I did find a few from Silver Spring on the bar end of the equation; and opted to eat there rather than sit in the more formal restaurant..
Try the fish and chips, or the mahi mahi!!❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A local treasure. Great food and views of the Potomac.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’ve passed by 100 times and decided to finally try it.
It’s a pretty large group (kids and adults) and we were truthfully a bit loud (no alcohol).
The manager came over and angrily told us to be quiet.
What kind of an Irish pub would it be without a rowdy crowd! 😆
Food was ok, but that manager annoyed us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
If I could give zero stars I would. Food was uncooked sent it back twice. Waiter was rude, manager just did not give a care, greeter could care less.
Waiter said after we asked for the bill “ that might be better”
Told us that the chef comped our entire bill because he did not have the time, and he does it all the time.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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