In a quiet takeover on May 22 of this year, Mel Carter and Matt Carter (no relation), young guys from Baltimore, bought Finn Mac Cool’s. Since late spring, these two have been transforming Finn Mac Cool’s into the tastiest and most fun pub this side of the Capitol. Did you happen to notice the changes in menu, happy hour and entertainment? Indeed, the masterminds behind the new and improved pub are Mel and Matt. The two moved from Baltimore to DC with extensive experiences in both restaurants and bars. They have brought back life to a beautifully authentic, Irish-themed gem of a space on the most happening street on the Hill: Barracks Row.

Their first priority in enhancing their establishment: fixing the menu. Quality food products, in addition to a better prep system, have worked together in allowing customers to be served quicker, tastier meals. Come in for lunch and enjoy a hearty, large-portioned meal with ample time to report back to the job. Menu items include Shepard’s pie, corned beef cabbage, and a delectable Bailey’s brown bread ice cream dessert. Classic pub items such as wings, crab cakes, burgers and sandwiches are served too.

Music, integral to any Irish bar experience, can now be heard streaming out through the wooden doors of Finn Mac Cool’s. Mel and Matt are currently working on booking bands on a regular basis. At the moment, you can hear the Ballistiks and their catchy cover songs ranging from the eighties to present, late into the night. Come Nov. 17 for their next live performance. And coming soon, a calendar of music events at the pub.

And don’t miss the newly acclaimed Sunday NFL Brunch! During every pigskin Sunday this NFL season, make your way to Finn’s buffet where for only $15 you can eat all the hot wings, chicken tenders, baby back ribs, hot dogs, sausage, pulled bbq pork and salads that your ravenous, recovering-from-Saturday-night self, can handle. And stay for more than just the food; because games are shown on a 160-inch HD projection screen tv downstairs and two 40-inch plasmas upstairs. Two foosball tables are for your dueling delight, and Finn Mac Cool’s is the proud owner of the only regulation size Champion Shuffle Board in all of DC!

Mel and Matt have created an environment that is fun, fresh and friendly. The service is extremely helpful and exuberant. Mel and Matt haven’t even been with Finn Mac Cool’s for a year, and so many improvements have been made. Imagine how bright the horizon is for the newest and most improved bar on Eighth Street. The two are on their rainbow path close to reaching the pot of gold. Stop by Finn Mac Cool’s because more than just Irish jigs are shaking up this establishment, two very smart and forward-thinking guys are as well.

Finn Mac Cool’s is located at 713 Eighth St., SE, on Barracks Row. Reach them at 202-547-7100, or visit www.finnmaccoolsdc.com Menu, daily specials and musical events are all updated frequently.