3126 12th Street, NE previously home to Brookland’s Finest

From a press release:

“Ruairi Deburca, Jacob Schoonover, and Ashley Lee are teaming up to open The Harp Cask and Kiln (The Harp), a modern Irish pub opening in Brookland on Friday, October 24. Located at 3126 12th Street NE in the former home of Brookland’s Finest, The Harp builds on the legacy of the popular neighborhood gathering place while introducing a new concept focused on quality food and well-made drinks with Irish influences, and welcoming hospitality. Deburca oversees operations, with Schoonover leading the beverage program and Lee heading the kitchen. (more…)


I enjoyed reading yesterday’s judging of the recently opened Churckey/Birch & Barley spots on 14th. Another recently opened spot I’m curious about is Againn which we first heard about back in Sept. ’09. Againn is located at 1099 New York Ave, NW. Their Web site says:

“A contemporary British Isles Bistro. A place to gather – your thoughts or with friends – and enjoy traditional British Isles pub cuisine presented in modern ware. Extensive single-malt Scotch, whisky, and beer selections, as well as fine wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and personal scotch lockers.”

You can see their menus here.

Any fans?


The Dubliner is located at 520 N Capitol St NW near Union Station. Filming the most recent PoPtrekker my partner in crime, Intangible Arts, was singing the praises of the Dubliner. I’m sad to say, I was fairly wrecked by the time we got there but I did enjoy my fried chicken salad. It has a great outdoor dining area and the inside had a classic pub feel.

You can see their menus here. Any big fans? For those that like it, do you prefer it more for the food or the bar?


Murphy’s is located at 2609 24th St NW. When I lived in Woodley Park this used to be one of my favorite spots. Recently I noticed lots of folks there during the day. So a couple of questions – is the food any good? Second, with Nanny O’Brien’s (in Cleveland Park) under new ownership, is Murphy’s the best Irish bar left in the city?