Happy Hours in Bethesda

4931 Elm Street Bethesda, MD  20814 301-657-1122 Themes/Styles:  European / Irish / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility:  Tolerable 2.5 miles from I-495 Exit 34 (and the I-270 west spur). There is some metered street parking, but the best bet is the public garage across the street, which costs $0.50 per hour in the long-term parking on the upper levels.
Metro Accessibility:  Easy Just over blocks from the Bethesda Metro station (Red Line).

What is Ri Ra?

Ri Ra is an Irish pub and restaurant located in downtown Bethesda. The establishment has two bars to choose from: the Olympia Bar is located to the left of the main entrance and is surrounded by the restaurant seating area, and the Shop Bar located to the right of the entrance. Much attention to detail has been paid to the décor and furniture. Leather seating, wood-paneled walls, carved pillars, painted ceilings with eccentric lighting all team up create a very casual yet perfected environment. Outside Area:  No. Entertainment:  No.

Our Review

If you are weary of supposed “Irish pubs” that really only use that term to overcharge on Guiness and decorate in green, you need not be skittish to enter Ri Ra. Even though there are 8 locations in 8 states, the overall experience is likened to that of a local place. The décor is refreshingly non-cliché; in fact, the 120 year old bars were originally from Dublin, and were later refurbished and shipped to Bethesda. I also noticed there was only one TV (whoa!), which was a pleasant change from the places that are now wallpapering with flat panels. Once settled at the bar, the friendly bartenders were quick find out what I was drinking. This is where the choice can be difficult. All drafts are $3.50, and that includes your regionals, seasonals, and yes, Guiness. But this is a good place to sample your Irish whiskeys, since they have more in stock than most places. And then there is the cheap-as-dirt rail drink deal. Food is an easy choice: most appetizers become $4. The Irish sampler was a very solid portion and quite enjoyable. The leather cushioned stools and benches make for a comfortable stay. Although the music was barely audible, the slowly growing crowd of mixed ages and casual-to-business-casual attire kept the place feeling alive.

The Run Down

Good atmosphere and great deals on a wide array of food and beverage make Ri Ra a place almost anyone can enjoy, without having to fly across the pond! Authenticity comes with a price (for some): you won’t find deck bars, pool tables, or thumping tunes here.

Reviewed by Lee on Thursday, July 10, 2008.