A Pub for the Pike

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, May 7th, 2010

 

Irish Breakfast

P. Brennan’s occupies the space behind the old Arlington Hardware façade, but in order to create the interior’s mezzanine owners Greg Whelan and Brian Dolphin needed approval from the neighborhood’s civic associations.   The neighborhood was very receptive to the new pub, which left the Irish owners content as they wanted to create a contemporary version of the traditional Irish Public House that would be family friendly and bring the neighborhood together. 

Whelan and Dolphin, who also own McGinty’s Pub, want to cater to everyone, “from 21 to 81.”  That’s the feeling I got on Thursday night as I tasted small bites of Executive Chef Trent Conry’s menu and spoke with Whelan, his wife Emma, and General Manager/part owner, Mark.   The bar was just about full with suit types and sports fans while the main dining areas were filled with families of all ages.

The interior is reflective of their late friend “Little Pat” Brennan’s personality, whom the bar is named after.  A portrait of “Little Pat” greets you as you enter the restaurant. It’s painted by the same person who painted The Auld Shebeen, where Mark used to be a regular while studying at George Mason and Dolphin is still a partner.   The 47 foot bar, the stairs, and the pickets are handcrafted by an Irish carpenter.

Pat Brennan had just passed away in 2008 and the idea of a bar named after him was brewing when Whelan and Dolphin were presented with the opportunity to open a bar in a new location. They decided to go for it.  Fast forward 15 months, and P. Brennan’s is the first Irish pub on Columbia Pike, right across from Arlington Cinema & Draft House. It’s just one of several new additions as part of the Columbia Pike Revitalization.

Born and raised in pubs, Whelan says the hospitality industry fits him well.  He jokes Mark was their #1 customer (when Auld Shebeen used to be known as Ned Devine’s) and asked him to join them as they opened both of their McGinty’s locations and P. Brennan’s.  Who knew you could make the gradual switch from bar regular to part-owner. 

Executive Chef Trent Conry, formerly of Ardeo and 701, notes that everything on the menu is $20 or less, which is great for customers during this economy.  While it was a slight challenge to create the traditional Irish portion of the menu (Whelan and Dolphin are from different regions of Ireland), he has the flexibility to change the menu to accomodate the neighborhood. 

The restaurant will serve brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night dishes.  

DC Gluttony blogger, Khristina, and I enjoyed a tasting of Irish Breakfast, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Beef Stew, Wexford Lamb Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, Roasted Beet Salad, and Grilled Marinated Calamari.  It’s not your typical bland Irish food (no offense to anyone who is Irish, but I’ve had some bad Irish food in the past) as Chef Trent puts his personal touch on each item. 

Emma’s favorite dish is the calamari while Greg enjoys the Fish & Chips since it reminds him of being back in Ireland.  Of the ones I tasted, my favorite was the Irish Breakfast.

P. Brennan’s has a variety of wines and beers, including 16 drafts on tap.  Weekly live entertainment is in the works, with traditional Irish music on Sundays and trivia on Tuesdays.  P. Brennan’s plans on having events during the World Cup, perhaps even in spite of France and the Thierry Henry handball scandal.  Looks like I may have found a new watering hole during the Cup.

P. Brennan’s official Grand Opening is this Saturday, May 8^th at 7p.m.  The event will feature live, traditional music and a performance by Eddie Pasa at 9p.m.  Prizes will be availabe throughout the night. “Little Pat’s” wife will be in attendance as will co-owner Brian Dolphin’s family from Ireland. 

(Note: the food portions presented here are much smaller than the menu portions as we were given a tasting menu).

–Aisha Salazar

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