MACKEY’S DC
MACKEY’S DC
“Mackey’s was the go-to lunch and happy hour spot for anyone within walking distance. We kept downtown DC well quenched for over a decade.”
The long success of James Mackey Public House was due to the tireless efforts of our partners Rich Mackey and James Rourke. Both native Dubliners, they combined their names creating James Mackey Public House, but DC knew the bar as Mackey’s. Rich was the face of the company, working behind the bar, making friends and creating a warm place for our team and anyone who came through the door. Taciturn Shay kept the books and managed the day-to-day ordering while trying to put on a happy face once every so often. Between them, we were in great hands.
The location at 1207 L St. NW in Washington, DC had formerly been Samantha’s, a raucous 1970’s joint that became famous for their part in Rally in the Alley, a no-holds-barred party. With Mackey’s, we toned it down a notch, yet we were every bit as successful as our predecessor.
We painted the storefront bright red so it stood out against the drab, downtown streetscape. Our team of craftsmen led by Steve Pelszynski built classic snugs and a beautiful bar that was worn by countless elbows over the years.
Regulars poured in as soon as the doors opened. Lunch was steady and Mackey’s came to life when Happy Hour started… often just as lunch ended.
