By the Gastronomes

After an extensive build out of the space at 112 King Street – formerly the popular Bullfeather’s Restaurant – the doors opened to Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant & Bar on St. Patrick’s Day 2006. The management had removed all of the furniture except one table in the back of the main bar and stored everything in a box truck parked out front (clearly that was before 100 King became a pedestrian mall). We were lucky enough to be some of the first people in the front door and sat at the aforementioned table.  They must have had a premonition, since it was standing room only and folks were shoulder to shoulder after a few hours. Needless to say, it was a very successful grand opening.

O’Connell’s was founded by Dublin resident John Brennan and former partner, Billy Sullivan, and is today run by John’s daughter, Kate, who is also the General Manager. Kate is doing an excellent job at O’Connell’s along with all of their very capable staff.

The fact that Brennan and Sullivan brought a life-long collection of antiques from churches, museums and other historic structures in Ireland to be placed in the new restaurant including the back bars sets OC’s a part from other Irish establishments in the area. One of the first things you will notice upon entering the restaurant is their attention to the details. It is truly a step back in time and you feel as if you are in a pub in Ireland. There is a smaller bar as you enter with furnishings from an apothecary. After climbing two steps, you enter the main bar and dining room. Keep in mind that the back bar is hundreds of years old – yes hundreds. Be sure to check out all of the artifacts on the shelves and walls. For those chilly spring days, they have a gas fireplace with high tops in front available to warm you up.

O’Connell’s also has a second floor for dining that is open and looks down into the main dining room. Also on this floor are the Fitzgerald Room and Bar and the O’Sullivan Room and Bar. Both are utilized for special events and private parties. The upstairs is decorated with antique furnishings as well with a pulpit from a church over-looking the downstairs dining area. On nice days the, second floor bar has a deck for outdoor dining and drinking in addition to the sidewalk dining out front.

The bar at O’Connell’s is extensive with numerous Irish whiskies in the line-up. And for all of you beer lovers, they have 16 on tap and too many to mention in cans and bottles. The wine list is also pretty comprehensive with a flavor profile for all.

O’Connell’s offers “Auld Favorites” like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Full Irish Breakfast, Bangers and Mash, Guinness Burger, Lamb Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage in addition to other American offerings including one of the best Chicken Pot Pies in the area and one of our favorite dishes – the Whiskey Sizzler. The Sizzler is a bit like Mexican fajitas in that it is a combination of sauteed red peppers and onions and your choice of chicken, shrimp or vegetables served “sizzling” on a cast iron platter. What sets it apart from fajitas is the whiskey peppercorn wine sauce that it comes in.

It is served with a side of Basmati rice – same principal as the tortillas that are served with fajitas. This dish has been on the menu for a couple of years and is well worth checking out. My dining companion is a huge fan of the Chicken Pot Pie but since she had it the last time we dined here she opted for the Shepherd’s Pie in the spirit of the upcoming holiday. This dish is a savory combination of ground beef and vegetables in very flavorful sauce served piping hot with mashed potatoes covering the top that have been browned just a bit under a broiler. Another dish that has piqued our interest in the last year is the “Spice Bag”. This combination of crispy fries tossed with seasoned chicken strips, bell peppers, onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes served with a side of dipping sauce is literally served in a paper bag. It is enough for two people and goes really good with a pint of Guinness.

O’Connell’s offer great happy hour prices, brunch on weekends, live entertainment and my favorite – the Six Nations Rugby tournament play in real time. I bet you were wondering how I was going to weave rugby into this story. In fact, at the time of this writing Six Nations 2025 is underway and Ireland is at the top of the heap with France gaining a bit of ground. The final round will be played on March 15^th with the first match between Ireland and Italy starting at 10:15 am – doors open at 10:00.

In tandem with one of the original Irish restaurants established in the late 1970’s, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub in the 700 block of King Street, this establishment has become one of Old Town’s favorite gathering places as the Irish hospitality is welcoming and the food and beverage outstanding. I can proudly say that I am lucky enough or maybe just old enough to have been at both Murphy’s and O’Connell’s opening days and needless to say, have been regular at both ever since.

Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant & Bar

112 King Street

Old Town Alexandria

703-739-1124

DanielOconnells.com