Bar of the Month: Kate's Irish Pub

written by
Patrick Walsh

For as much as suburban life offers many positive attributes — neighborhood watch, homeowner’s association payments, a lawn to constantly maintain, etc. — it also poses a large number of conundrums for any person with a semi-average social life, the most notable being “how am I going to get to DC or Alexandria every Friday and Saturday night?”

For a little more than five years, Kate’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (6131 Backlick Road, right next to Fischer’s Hardware store), has provided refuge from the day-to-day regularity of suburbia without requiring the long and sometimes arduous journey into the District.

Whereas many traditional Irish pubs go through extreme lengths to cram Irish culture and nostalgia down your throat, Kate’s manages to provide some old-world charm without isolating those patrons simply looking for a hangout spot sans the clovers. Of course you’ll still find Guinness flags flying, but the real Irish presence is found within Kate’s menu as opposed to simply on the walls.

In most instances, the term “pub food” tends to be synonymous with “deep fried.” However, Kate’s goes the extra mile to ensure your fare is traditionally Irish without the traditional artery clogs. Highlights include the corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips featuring fresh cod and house made Irish chips. Once again, Kate’s caters to all tastes and provides ample selections to satisfy whatever craving you may have, Irish or otherwise.

In a further effort to appease the masses, Kate’s offers a slew of entertainment to be enjoyed while you dine. Televisions, usually showing local and national sporting events, are strategically planted around the very roomy dining and bar areas, and a stage near the door provides the perfect view of nightly live music in the forms of karaoke, professional artists and open mic performers. In addition, Kate’s makes available wireless internet access for anyone looking to get a little work done on their lunch break or just trying surf the net.

On a mission to do more than just sit and eat? Kate’s also organizes dart, hockey and softball leagues as well as an all day annual bowling tournament benefiting breast cancer research and awareness.
As can be expected, plenty of happy hour and football related drinking specials are available. Ask about the beer of the month or just enjoy any of the basic domestic and imported selections.

In an effort to combat the burbs, Kate’s goes out of its way to showcase something for everyone. Obviously DC has its own charm, but there is something to be said about a place down the road where you can forget about trimming the hedges and watering the lawn, if only for the time being.

Kate’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
6131 Backlick Road
Springfield, VA
703-866-0860
www.katesirishpub.com