A stocky fellow with a thick moustache steps onto the stage with his juiced-up acoustic guitar. A younger woman joins him, and soon they're plucking strings and singing Irish folksongs. This last is a request from one fortyish couple who can't take their eyes off each other. Occasionally, everyone will start clapping or join in the chorus. Four Provinces is home away from home for a slice of Northern Virginia, at least this Friday night.
Managers greet people by name or a knowing nod.
Friendly counts for a lot. Though it's an Irish pub, it doesn't discriminate against Scottish single malts. Ask for a basket of soda bread and Irish brown bread to go with whatever you're eating. House-made bread pudding has a surprise slick of warm Irish cream. It's so good that even the starry-eyed couple is now wrapped up in dessert.