26 April 24

I’ve driven around NOVA looking for a good spot to have our next meetup and happened upon Ireland’s Four Provinces (or 4P’s).  Located on the corner of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and S. Washington St., 4P’s is easily accessible from all directions.  There is ample parking behind the building in a parking garage.

The menu is quite eclectic spanning the globe of delicious foods.  Start with the Ahi Tuna Salad and an appetizer of crispy onion rings or homemade guacamole.  Not exactly standard Irish fare and that’s great.  This is not a stale Irish-only pub.  But if you’re looking for good Irish food, I’m sure you’ll enjoy their beef stew or fish and chips.  The menu continues with a ‘Vegetables and Grains’ section, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches sections.  For dessert, you don’t have to stay in Ireland.  The Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake looks delicious!  But, if you prefer to stay closer to County Cork, Traditional Bread Pudding is also a tasty selection.  

We arrived on a very pleasant early June evening.  There weren’t many sitting inside because they were all on the patio which is quite large.  I asked if they are pet friendly and was informed that they only allow service dogs.  Alisyn, a college student, was our cheerful and competent waitress.  She started us out with a Diet Coke and Black and Tan.  We had the Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce as an appetizer.  Then I enjoyed the Shepherd’s Pie (my Irish pub standard).  I would say 4P’s has an excellent Shepherd’s Pie.  The missus had a cup of the Potato & Leek soup and the Baked Irish Sausage Roll.  We were quite happy with both selections.  The prices were quite reasonable.

Afterwards, we retired to their pleasant bar and was ably assisted by Johnny, an affable chap from Ireland.  I hadn’t had a Yellow Spot in a while so I ordered a dram of that.  I can happily report that they carry Redbreast 12-year-old (this week’s Whiskey of the Week) Nancy requested a James and Ginj (Jameson and Ginger Ale – one of her favorite cocktails).  Johnny said that although they had several bottles of different varieties of Jameson, they did not carry the regular Jameson.  I inquired as to why they don’t keep the regular Jameson, but I’m still not really sure.  There seems to be a story there.  Like they say about an Irish hangover, the only thing they remember is the grudge.  

Falls Church is VERY fortunate to have Ireland’s Four Provinces.  It’s a top-notch restaurant with an exceptional staff.  If you don’t live nearby, it’s worth the drive.

An old friend of ours owns the Lil City Creamery right across the street from 4P’s.  We stopped in after our tipple for some delicious ice cream.  There’s Mr. Brown’s Park very near the store with plenty of seating.  The two girls working that night were friendly and professional high school students.  They did a great job.  Whiskey and Politics is a firm believer in supporting local politics, local arts, local news, and local establishments that employ teens.  I highly recommend taking the family the Lil City Creamery for some ice cream.  Enjoy!