Kelly's Irish Times
Category: Irish Pubs, Neighborhood Bars, Late Night
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Price: $$
Address: 14 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001
✨ Vibe
A legendary and boisterous Capitol Hill landmark established in 1978, offering an authentic slice of Irish hospitality with a high-energy atmosphere that has earned it a spot among the best bars in America.🍸 Best For
Late-night wedding afterparties, Capitol Hill happy hours, New England Patriots game days, comedy enthusiasts, and police and first responder gatherings.🔥 Highlights
- Award-Winning Pedigree: Recognized as a top 10 Irish pub by USA Today and named one of the "Best Bars in America" by Esquire, this storied venue features a premier whiskey bar boasting 23 Irish varieties and 29 Kentucky bourbons.
- The Olive & Arrow Speakeasy: Hidden beneath the main pub is the Olive & Arrow basement speakeasy, a cozy retreat that serves as a hub for the DC comedy community and hosts seasonal events like the Comedy Holiday Extravaganza.
- Classic Pub Comforts: The kitchen serves up hot, fresh favorites ranging from regional classics like Guinness Irish Stew and Corned Beef & Cabbage to their highly-praised crispy tater tots and fresh fish and chips.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, which features drink specials popular with neighborhood staffers and interns.
- The pub is the official home for the New England Patriots Fan Club of DC and hosts significant annual celebrations during Police Week every May.
🔄 Weekly Events
📣 Official New England Patriots Fan Club of DC
The official gathering spot for Patriots fans in Washington DC to watch games throughout the NFL season.
🏆 United Social Sports Leagues
Kelly's Irish Times serves as a host venue for United Social Sports leagues and post-game social gatherings.
📰 In the News
Local Event: Comedy Holiday Extravaganza
Kelly's Irish Times hosts seasonal performances such as the Comedy Holiday Extravaganza, featuring a lineup of local stand-up, improv, and sketch comedians. The venue also features a basement speakeasy called Olive & Arrow, which offers a specialized menu of holiday cocktails and serves as a gathering spot for the DC comedy community.
Watch Alex Warren and Myles Smith lead a sing-along in a DC pub
Kelly's Irish Times hosted a surprise pop-up performance by artists Myles Smith and Alex Warren in December 2025. The duo led hundreds of fans in a cappella sing-alongs of their hits "Ordinary" and "Stargazing" during the impromptu pub appearance.
Missed Connection – Kelly’s Irish Times
Kelly's Irish Times is featured as the setting of a social 'missed connection' where two patrons shared a brief conversation at the bar before one departed for a train. The post highlights the venue's atmosphere as a convenient spot for after-work drinks and meeting others near the transit hub.
An Intern’s Guide to Happy Hour in D.C.
Kelly’s Irish Times is a long-standing Capitol Hill staple that offers a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring $1-off drink specials. The pub serves a wide selection of draft beers and Irish whiskeys alongside classic fare such as Guinness stew and corned beef and cabbage.
Kelly’s Irish Times Building For Sale and rarely has there ever been a more brutal, coming/potential, end of an era
Kelly's Irish Times is facing a potential end of an era as the historic building at 14 F Street NW has been put up for sale. The legendary pub has occupied the 6,000-square-foot space near Union Station for over 40 years, representing a significant real estate opportunity in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Recent Reviews from Google
A Pint of Shelter: Dodging D.C. Storms at Kelly’s The Irish Times Kelly’s The Irish Times on Capitol Hill was the perfect place to swerve into to avoid an incoming storm approaching Washington, D.C....
Huge potential and lovely old pub but a bit run down and grimy atmosphere inside... Sorry, just being honest. And obviously as it's near central DC, it is v expensive. It seems a bit of a strange...
First time here and though it is a tribute to the men and women in blue, we probably won’t be back. The staff wasn’t very engaging and the atmosphere needs a major renovation. We did enjoy looking at...
We chose Kelly’s Irish Times as the spot for our wedding afterparty and it was the perfect choice. If you're staying near Capitol Hill (especially on NJ Ave), I highly recommend heading here for your...
Yum! Food, service and prices are great. It's an older bar with plenty of seating indoors and some seating outdoors too. I tried the chicken tenders, burger, fries and tots. If you like tots, this is...
