Happy Hours in Silver Spring

911 Ellsworth Dr Silver Spring, MD  20910 301-587-1270 Themes/Styles:  European / Irish / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility:  Tolerable About 1.5 miles from I-495. Garages are cheap (less than $1/hour) and have plenty of spaces, but are not well marked if you haven’t been there before.
Metro Accessibility:  Tolerable About half a mile from Silver Spring Metro station (Red Line).

What is McGinty's Public House?

McGinty’s is an Irish pub along a side street in downtown Silver Spring. The first floor has the “snug bar,” the cozy downstairs bar. There are about 6 stools at the bar, a couple booths and some bar tables, 2 dart areas, and a fireplace. Upstairs is the “cottage” restaurant and, further back, the larger upstairs bar. The upstairs has booths, tables and probably around 30-40 stools at the bar itself. Outside Area:  No. Entertainment:  Yes.  One plasma tv downstairs, 7 upstairs; 2 dart boards downstairs tucked in the back by the bathrooms.

Our Review

The food was delicious with a wide variety to choose from including the classic Irish cuisine. Service was very quick and attentive, and their happy hour deals were well balanced for whatever you could be in the mood for. Downstairs was a bit bright, and not too conducive to meeting new people. The music selection here was Irish pop music mixed with some classics, enjoyed by mostly after-work regulars. The upstairs was younger and better set up for mingling, with darker lighting and lower music volumes (conversation is audible on both floors).

The Run Down

No two days are alike: if variety is the spice of your life, this chill down-to-earth spot will keep you coming back different days of the week. If you crave a fast-paced feeling and a trendier atmosphere, this place may not satisfy you.

Reviewed by Emily on Wednesday, January 9, 2008.