Old Town Charm: Brunch at O’Connell’s

The first weekend I ever visited Scott in Virginia, he took me to Old Town.

In fact, it was Valentine’s Day. 10:00 PM arrival, and off we went to what is one of the most enchanting and charming historical towns I’ve ever seen. Even though we had V-Day dinner in a bar. Still romantic.  More on my Valentine’s Day surprise later, but needless to say, it was epic.

I think that first weekend I spent in Virginia back in February, Scott took me to Old Town at least 3 times, if not more. I think he knew that if there was a way to win my affections for his area, Old Town would be it. I’ve lived in the Hampton Roads area, but my current digs were Syracuse, NY.
He didn’t have to try too hard to charm me.

Not only did we eat Valentine’s Day dinner late night snack in Old Town, but it didn’t take long to discover how big of a deal brunch is in this area. Scott would talk about brunch constantly during our first month of long distance dating, but I had no idea how much of a staple it is here in Virginia/DC.

That first weekend we went to Old Town for brunch, and every weekend visit since has included some brunch expedition.

This past weekend, Scott’s parents treated us to brunch at one of Old Town’s Irish pubs, O’Connell’s. Scott talked about it having been there himself, but it was my first time. Of course, the fall decor had me at hello, as originating from north of the Mason Dixon, Scott and I have been craving cooler weather and changing leaves since about July. It was beautiful, and I couldn’t help but get excited for the holiday season in this area…

The brunch was good – reasonably priced and several different options. True to form, the Irish appeared in the menu, including “rashers”, and Scott and I both pulled out our phones to figure out what we were ordering. Bacon or ham it turns out – your welcome.

What is most appealing about O’Connell’s is the atmosphere. So many nooks and crannies, all dark wood, and incredibly nice staff. As the tagline on their website accurately declares, “You’ll never know unless you go”.

Do you brunch? What’s your favorite dish?

(and just out of curiosity, have you ever had Valentine’s Day dinner in a bar?)

-Al