Dinner on St. Patrick’s Day can be a green beer in a cramped bar, or it can be a culinary experience. Here are some creative options, from elegant to barbecue. Some of these Northern Virginia restaurants will require reservations or tickets for their special March 17 meals.
Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery
March 17
The Inn at Little Washington, recipient of three Michelin stars, and head chef and founder Patrick O’Connell, will continue the St. Paddy’s Day tradition of offering a special menu at its newly opened sister restaurant, Patty O’s Café. The four-course elevated Irish menu includes grass-fed Irish-style king lamb chop with mushy peas and minted bordelaise; Guinness beef stew with braised root vegetables on egg noodles; Galway Bay steelhead trout poached in olive oil with melted leeks and tomato tartare; and curried cauliflower steak with wild rice pilaf and green grapes. A selection of sweet treats completes the meal. Reservations required. 389 Main St., Washington
Wildfire Steaks, Chops & Seafood
March 16 & 17
Located in a quiet corner of Tysons Galleria and known for perfectly cooked steaks and high-end martinis, Wildfire is offering a corned beef and cabbage plate as well as chocolate stout cake this St. Patrick’s Day. Reservations The special will be available after 3 p.m. Thursday and all day Friday. If dining in, consider reservations. 2001 International Dr., McLean
La Côte d’Or Café
March 17
Named a 50 Best Restaurant by Northern Virginia Magazine in 2021 and 2022, this from-scratch French bistro has put together a special lunch menu as well as a prix-fixe three-course dinner. Each dish is a twist on an Irish classic such as a boxty potato Irish pancake with cheddar sauce; Irish lamb stew; and Irish apple cake with vanilla sauce. Reservations required. 6876 Langston Blvd., Arlington
The Bungalow Lakehouse
Through March 19
The St. Patrick’s Day menu at “The Lakehouse” is served in all three of its dining rooms and available all week. Annual favorites include the Irish Reuben spring rolls, bangers and mash, and Shepherd’s pie. Finish your meal with a slice of Bailey’s Irish crème cheesecake or a Jameson ice cream puff. Reservations suggested. 46116 Lake Center Plz., Sterling
Salamander Resort
March 17
The Gold Cup Wine Bar at the Salamander Resort has created a special menu in honor of the holiday. Guests can enjoy updated traditional dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, Scotch eggs, or Shepherd’s pie, as well as libations from a special whiskey menu and, of course, Guinness on draft. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg
Belly Love Brewing Company
March 17
With food prepared by Fleur de Cuisine, Belly Love Brewing will be featuring a four-course St. Patrick’s Day beer dinner. Paired with in-house brews, guests will be treated to dishes such as steak and Guinness handheld pies paired with Shut the Fook Up; Irish stew with creamy leek polenta paired with Narcissist; and stout chocolate lava cake with Irish whiskey Chantilly cream paired with Buzzed Bunny Bourbon Barrel Stout with coffee. Tickets required. 725 E. Main St., Purcellville
ResQ BBQ
March 17
This local Leesburg eatery is adding Irish-inspired items to its menu. On St. Patrick’s Day, specials include a Reuben with smoked pastrami; Shepherd’s pie with pulled pork; and two housemade desserts: Irish whiskey cake; and The Car Bomb, a Jamison-infused cake with Guinness ganache and Bailey’s whip. Corned beef and cabbage will be served all month. 528-B E. Market St., Leesburg
Feature image courtesy The Little Inn at Washington
For more stores like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
