Finn mac Cool's Irish Publick House   

The concept behind Finn mac Cool's Irish Publick House is nothing new in Ireland, but it's nothing short of revolutionary in Washington. Known quaintly as Finn mac Cool's, the Capitol Hill pub is the domain of the neighborhood, where young and old can meet to discuss politics or sports, or indulge in pints of stout. Even the chatter and pitter-patter of young children is encouraged here -- up to a certain hour. Finn mac Cool's owners Michael Collins and Paul Woodhull pride themselves on offering one of the most authentic Irish pub experiences in DC. For instance, instead of Guinness -- the typical Irish-bar brew -- the Finn serves Beamish, a beer brewed in Cork and not available on tap anywhere else in the city. There is also an attention to detail in the pub's decor, with rustic touches, such as distressed brick walls and a fireplace, and a surfeit of benches to ensure long conversations. On the weekends, when guitars and fiddles liven the scene, you may forget that you're not on holiday on the Emerald Isle. -- Melanie Mize Renzulli