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Your Guide to Food & Whiskey Pairing at Celtic House Whiskey Bar

At Celtic House Whiskey Bar, we love showing off how our exclusive whiskey, bourbon, and scotch offerings complement our menu of traditional Irish fare and American cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just curious about food and whiskey pairing, we’re here to share our exclusive pairings and rare finds that make every bite and sip delicious.


Please note: We swap out our whiskeys, bourbons, and scotch periodically. If we don't have a pairing on the shelf, ask your server for an similar alternative.


Beef & Guinness Stew

  • The Dish: Cubed Angus beef, carrots, celery, and onions simmered in a savory Guinness sauce, all served over a bed of homemade mashed potatoes.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Bushmills Black Bush

  • Why it works: Its rich, fruity notes and robust smoothness make it an ideal partner to counterbalance the stew’s depth. This food and whiskey pairing enhances every spoonful with a subtle sweetness and a spice hint.


Golden fried fish on crispy fries, paired with coleslaw, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, on a lettuce bed.

Donegal Fish & Chips

  • The Dish: Three fresh cod filets deep-fried in our own beer batter, served with house fries, homemade coleslaw, tartar sauce, and a zesty lemon wedge.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Jameson

  • Why it works: The smooth, balanced character of Jameson lifts the crispness of the batter and complements the tangy burst of lemon, creating an inviting combination perfect for both newcomers and connoisseurs alike.


Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

  • The Dish: This comforting dish is loaded with freshly diced chicken, mushrooms, onions, and carrots, all enveloped by a golden puff pastry.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Teeling Small Batch

  • Why it works: The bright, fresh spice notes in this whiskey cut through the richness of the creamy filling, offering a refined twist on a beloved classic.


shepherd's pie made with ground beef, carrots, peas, and onions with a layer of mashed potatoes

Nancy McShepherd’s Pie

  • The Dish: A hearty ensemble of ground beef, carrots, peas, and onions smothered in a rich brown gravy, all crowned by a layer of fluffy mashed potatoes.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Knappogue Castle 12 Year

  • Why it works: This exceptional single malt Irish whiskey brings subtle hints of fruit and spice that balance the savory flavors, turning every bite into a celebration of traditional Irish comfort.


Corned Beef & Cabbage

  • The Dish: Our slow-cooked corned beef simmered with garden-fresh cabbage and served with creamy mashed potatoes and a parsley cream sauce.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Jameson Black Barrel 

  • Why it works: The perfect match here. Its spicy, smoky finish cuts through the meat’s richness while enhancing the dish’s savory notes with every sip.


Bangers & Mash

  • The Dish: For a true Irish classic that features traditional Irish sausages served over mashed potatoes, with sautéed onions and a savory brown gravy.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Old Ezra 7 Year

  • Why it works: The whiskey’s warming spices—including hints of cinnamon, clove, and ginger—elevate the comforting flavors, making it a must-try pairing for any hearty meal.


Traditional Irish Country Breakfast

  • The Dish: Two fresh eggs any style, Irish sausage, Irish rashers, black and white pudding, a grilled tomato, baked beans, and crispy French fries.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Green Spot

  • Why it works: Its fresh, aromatic profile of orchard fruits and subtle spices cuts through the richness of the full Irish fry, creating a surprisingly balanced breakfast experience.


Grilled steak slices on salad in a white bowl with cucumber and tomato; dark wooden table backdrop with garlic bread and baked dishes.

Cashel Blue Steak Salad

  • The Dish: Tender New York steak served with the Celtic House salad and balsamic vinaigrette. 

  • Scotch Pairing: Lagavulin 16 Year Old

  • Why it works: The smoky, peaty character of Lagavulin 16 contrasts beautifully with the creamy Cashel Blue cheese, enhancing the salad's bold flavors.​


The Celtic House Steak

  • The Dish: 12 oz New York choice strip with Jameson Irish whiskey cream sauce, served with fresh vegetables and your choice of potatoes. 

  • Whiskey Pairing: Redbreast 15 Year Old

  • Why it works: The rich, full-bodied flavor of Redbreast 15 complements the savory steak and creamy whiskey sauce, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.


Salmon topped with colorful salsa on rice and veggies, served on a white plate in a warm, dimly lit restaurant setting.

Grilled Atlantic Salmon

  • The Dish: Atlantic salmon served with mango and jalapeño salsa, fresh garden vegetables, and rice.

  • Whiskey Pairing: Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

  • Why it works: This triple-distilled Irish whiskey offers a smooth, balanced profile with subtle fruity notes that complement the sweetness of the mango salsa and the richness of the salmon.


Delicious Chocolate Cake

  • The Dish: A rich and decadent chocolate dessert.

  • Bourbon Pairing: Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

  • Why it works: Blanton's offers deep caramel and vanilla flavors with a hint of spice, which pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate, enhancing the dessert's flavors.


Discover More Unique Food and Whiskey Pairings at Celtic House Whiskey Bar

Whether you’re seeking a classic Irish meal or modern American cuisine matched with perfectly chosen whiskey, bourbon, or scotch, our food and whiskey is all about exploration. Come in to sample these rare and exclusive offerings in our warm and inviting bar at 2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia on the lower level.

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