Whiskey Walkabout: Whiskey and Politics Visits The Auld Shebeen

21 Mar 24            https://theauldshebeenva.com/

We moved to the DMV area in 2012 and immediately set about looking for good restaurants.  Soon after we found The Auld Shebeen and have been regular patrons ever since.

When I first described the Whiskey and Politics website to my wife, she astutely observed that the meetups would be an important part of this.  It would bring the website to life and allow folks who are interested in their communities to make human connections over another common interest – the whiskey.  I readily agreed and pondered where the best place to start the meetups would be.   Without hesitation, she said, ‘The Auld Shebeen’ and she was right.  Located nearby on Rt 123 and in the middle of where our friends and coworkers live, it’s a great place to get this project off the ground.  It’s easily found by anyone in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, and not too hard to get to from Arlington County either.

On a Monday evening in early February, we decided to see what the Shebeen was like.  The goal is to hold these events on a night when bar traffic is light so we can have relaxed conversation.  While I wouldn’t say their traffic was ‘light’, it was clear that Monday was going to be a good time to hold the event. 

After ordering a whiskey, I struck up a conversation with Tim, the bartender and manager for the evening.  Still trying to work through my ‘elevator pitch’ describing the website, I struggled to explain my goal.  Tim readily understood and had good ideas.  He suggested the week after St. Patrick’s Day.  We settled on 25 March.  What seemed theoretical, now had a date set to it.  I was excited.

What is a ‘shebeen’?  From their website:

“In Ireland, a Shebeen was an after-hours speakeasy where once inside, you would find good familiar conversation, friends, food, and drink. Fascinating history surrounds these pubs, and will forever be a part of Irish lore.”

I work with a guy who grew up in South Africa.  When I told him about W&P, he was immediately interested.  I told him our first meetup was at The Auld Shebeen.  In a text he said, “Interesting it’s called shebeen.  That’s what bars are called in South Africa.”  I explained that it’s Irish for ‘speakeasy’.  He replied, “Makes sense.  It’s essentially the equivalent of a speakeasy there too…I always thought it was a local word.”  The Irish have influenced illicit pubs across the world!

The Auld Shebeen is celebrating their twentieth anniversary this year.  Considering the quality of their food and the exceptional service, they’re going to be around for years to come.

I’ve been to many pubs in Ireland and the Shebeen is nicer than most of them.  The interior is exceptional even for an Irish pub.  Many of the walls are sponge painted.  I did that in my basement too – it’s much harder to do than it looks.  Rich stained wood abounds, hunter green with red trim, pressed tin ceilings all lend to a warm, inviting pub.  It’s a wonderful venue for events and parties.  The Yeats Library is a cozy little room and perfect for small get-togethers.  The basement  can fit up to 175 guests.  

As their home page says, 

“Our menu combines traditional Irish recipes and American cuisines. We offer many Traditional Irish dishes such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and our signature Guinness Beef Stew, as well as many house specialties.” 

I wish I could tell you about all their delicious food, but I’ve only had their Shepherd’s Pie.  When I go to an Irish pub I always get the shepherd’s pie – can’t help myself.  The benefit is that I can compare/contrast with all the pubs I go to.  I can assure you, The Auld Shebeen’s shepherd’s pie is fantastic.  Really delicious.  We also love their Irish Spring Rolls (“Lightly fried and filled with corned beef, cabbage, and Dubliner Irish cheddar, served with a warm spicy mustard dipping sauce”).  My wife has had their Irish Sausages and Mash, and their hamburgers.  She speaks highly of both.  The next time I go, I’m definitely going to end the meal with a Strawberry and Irish Cream Shortcake (Housemade shortcake layered with Bailey’s flavored cream and strawberry jam, topped with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. – yum!)  The menu has something for everyone.

Proving their Irish authenticity, there’s live music several nights a week.  Honestly, it’s like stepping into any Temple Bar-area pub.  And once a week they have my wife’s favorite – trivia.  Not only do they have an excellent assortment of Irish beers on tap, there’s a rotating list of different Irish whiskies on tap too!  There’s nothing like a Harp and Guinness Black and Tan.  And there’s nothing like a quality Irish whiskey.

I’ve been trying to grasp a good definition of a ‘whiskey bar’.  I’ve come to the conclusion that the words, ‘whiskey bar’ don’t need to be in the title.  I think it’s more subtle than that.  One hint is that they have a separate whiskey menu.  That’s a good clue.  The other is that they have a good selection of whiskey flights.  The Auld Shebeen has a whiskey menu and no less than eight enticing flights allowing you to compare different Irish whiskies, scotches, ryes, and bourbons.  With names like “Pot Still”, “Across the Glen”, and “Southern Hospitality” you can be sure they competently cover more than just Irish whiskey.  

The Auld Shebeen is a wonderful restaurant and an important whiskey bar in Fairfax County.  Don’t miss it.