Gadsby's Tavern

Fantastic food in a cool environment, service was slow, waitress could have been friendlier, you don’t really get any information about the history, at least not at the time we went. Took way too long to get service between courses and upon completing. Also it’s quite humid and warm on a summer day. Definitely worth it for the food and historical value, though the prices are a bit high. Peanut soup is fine, clam chowder is solid, George Washington’s favorite is fantastic.

If you're looking for a historic authentic experience, this place is a must. The outside of the red brick building caught our attention, and we decided to try. Inside, there was the Colonial charm. We sat down in one of the side rooms. Our waiter was quick and attentive. I had the prime rib with mashed potatoes, and my wife had lamb chops. The food was delicious. As it started getting darker outside, there was a warm, dark ambiance to the room. It felt like stepping back in time. The place is a must if you're visiting Alexandria, a place that exceeded our expectations and will leave a lasting impression on us.

Old and rustic place with great tasting food!! 😋 Doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food tastes really really good. This place is older than… it’s old! but it is worth a try! 👍🏻

Sunday brunch was good, but the interior can be slightly improved. I sat by a window where a semi-dried dead lantern fly was flopping around thr window sill with AC wind😂. Also had only one waitress working for 6-8 tables at a time, so the service was a bit slow.

Such a vibe. Oldest bar in Alexandria. The history is cool. There’s no sitting bar but I would still recommend sitting down for a cocktail. The cocktail menu is good. Very Washington. There was a group of people dressed up in colonial garb celebrating something while we were there so that was neat

Enjoyed the pot pie and calamari. Rich in history. Beautiful ambiance. Reservations are recommended. We got there for dinner right when they opened at 5:30 and were successful without a reservation.

Gadsby’s Tavern is a must visit while in Old Town Alexandria. Great food and service in a tavern that’s filled with history. Enjoy a meal while you walk in the steps of George Washington and many others from our nation’s founding!

What a wonderful surprise this place was! A total Washington experience. The ambience, and food was spectacular as was the service from our server - Gloria. Will visit again when back in Arlington. Thank you P.S. Get the rum punch!

To be able to eat at the same establishment where Gorge and Martha Washington as well as Thomas Jefferson have eaten and held an inauguration is absolutely awesome. The smokey walls are literally from when candles lit the establishment and electric lights were not available at the time.

Timeless Treasure Food The food here is superb. We had the clam bisque, peanut soup, ham biscuits, Filet Mignon, Washington's favorite Duck, Lamb Chops, and chocolate cake. The peanut soup was unique and something distinctly colonial period. I would order it again except the other appetizers were so much better I would probably get those first. The Claim Bisque was one of the best soups I've had at a restaurant. All the flavors melded together so well. The Ham Biscuits with raspberry drizzle just melted in your mouth. The combination of flavors and textures was amazing you really have to try this. The whole my mother enjoyed the Lamb it was my least favorite of the three. It had a strong flavor (liquorice maybe) that I didn't care for but ymmv. The duck was very good and the corn pudding that came with it was very unique. While everyone enjoyed their meal the table agreed the Filet was the best entree we ordered. The sauce in top added a nice flavor, it was perfectly cooked and tender. As a steak snob it definitely passed the test. The flowerless chocolate cake doesn't normally come with the raspberry sauce but it was so good on the ham biscuits we asked them to add it and it was fantastic with the chocolate. Service We were seated timely, food arrived in a good amount of time and everyone was friendly. Overall very good service. Ambiance Some restaurants are mainly ambiance and others mainly good food. This is both. When you walk in, you can feel the history surrounding you in the walls. A Gentleman came to our table, dressed in themed attire and in character as the original owner. We had a fun conversation which ended in me singing and him playing Dixieland on his lute. Value This is not an inexpensive place to eat so know that going in. My appetizer steak and dessert with no alcohol was $60. Regardless, whenever I come in town, I'm going to go back.

We started with fried oysters & the ham biscuits. They were both okay. I had the French onion soup and it was really tasty! Four of us had the filet and it was okay. The potatoes with the filet were really good. One person had the prime rib and thought it was pretty good. One had the sea bass and really loved it. The service was excellent! And the 'proprietor' was just fabulous! He had us laughing and chatting. We just fell in love with him!

The ambiance was terrific. We got there late around 8pm but we were not rushed. The food was great. We had the peanut soup and crab cakes for appetizers. The ice tea was fresh and good. The steaks were terrific and the portions were large. The BEST part of the dining experience was our server Gloria L. She was the most warm and authentic server we have had in a long time. She was super affable and made us feel at home. She deserves a raise. We will be back with the rest of the family.

Eat delicious food, fairly priced, in an actual historical location with a warm staff. My absolute favorite!

This restaurant is definitely worth a drop in solely for the history alone. Add to that it's in such a wonderful and walkable neighborhood! I do like the peanut soup, but I realize it's hit or miss for most people. Again, worth a try. The burgers are also quite tasty and the prices are fair. If you're looking for an ambiance that takes you back in time and allows you to escape the crowded outdoor spots on King St, Gadsby's is definitely worth your time.

What a fun place to come for Mother's Day dinner with the family. The servers were kind and extremely attentive. The nephews were amazed that five presidents had eaten in this very restaurant!! Martha Washington's pate was delicious. Crab and salmon and ham. What a combo!! Our table had the vegetable Neapolitan, the prime rib, the duck, the salmon, and the chicken fingers. We were all pleased and thankful for a delightful and delicious dinner.

Amazing history, good food, excellent service and very entertaining. Enough said. We will be back. One minor issue- we went on a hot day and the restaurant was not as cool as I would expect from a nice restaurant, but everything else made up for it.

Parking here is street only so keep that in mind. This is a fun place to try if nothing else other than the historical value. The food is good and it's a comfortable setting. Service was ok, although I felt we could have been checked on a little more. The time of day wasn't during peak hours (2:00 pm) so I'm not sure of the "why". I've tried this place one other time and it was good then too, so consistency is something you can count on. My wife had the Tavern salad with shrimp and I had the roast beef and brie dip (although I don't think it had any horseradish).

Ahh, the great Gadsby's... Well, maybe not so great but kinda fun. While headed to Mount Vernon from DC, I happened to stop in at Gadsby's because I had heard George Washington and friends frequented the establishment for happy hour back in the day. The place has a historic vibe to it, that's fun. I think I would have been disappointed had I invested a dinner at Gad's, but lunch was serviceable. I shared some dishes with my wife (spellings are off the menu, not typos): We had a cup of Surrey Co. Peanut Soop cup $4/bowl $6 roasted peanuts simmered in fresh chicken stock with garlic and ginger A Walnut Gorgonzola Sallad $9 field greens topped with walnuts, gorgonzola, red onion and tomato with balsamic vinaigrette Shared a Grilled Chicken Sandwich $12 topped swiss cheese, baby spinach and bacon on a brioche roll with chutney mayonnaise and it came with a huge pile of fries! I LOVED the peanut "soop" but I LOVE peanut butter, you've been warned. The salad and sandwich were both good. Was it amazing? Not really, but it was good (and I was hungry!) Service was fine (the woman who waited on our table did an okay job, however she seemed awkward/nervous - maybe she was new?) In all, Gadsby's was a fun stop during a day of history-themed activities. I'd recommend it to anyone having a touristy day in the area or someone wanting to try peanut "soop" - it was otherworldly, lol! 3.5 stars P.S. If you head downstairs to use the washroom, the photo of George in the stairwell is a classic! Hahaha...

Went there for lunch as part of a Ladies day out with my mother, cousin and daughter. We couldn't decide what to order because it all sounded good. Mom got the Cock a Leeky stew (chicken and leek) and was thrilled with her choice. My cousin got the Reuben and said it was very tasty. My daughter and I each got the prime rib with horseradish sauce sandwich and everything was very good quality. My daughter got the Surry Co peanut soup and we all tried it. It was worth the trip just for that soup!! The prices were rather reasonable for the area. Our waitress was very attentive and sweet. She took the attached photo for us. The surrounding is subtle elegance with a healthy respect for the history of the location, specifically the building itself. We popped over to the museum to wander the gift shop and that was a great end to our experience. Cannot wait to go again.

This is a gorgeous, historical tavern. I've enjoyed coming here over the years. I particularly enjoy it in the evening with the candles in the hurricane glass globes. The food is always good. During my last visit, I had the prime rib and it was cooked perfectly. Very flavorful and tender. The peanut soup is also amazing. The wine selection is excellent, as well. The waitress was professional and friendly. My only complaint is that the kitchen staff was making such a ruckus that it spilled into the dining area. Lots of loud talk and laughing. At one point, one of the female staff was complaining in crude language about a woman who had said that her food was cold. I am a Spanish speaker, but even if you didn't speak Spanish, you could pick up on the negativity in her speech. Ambience is very important in a place like this, so they need to talk to their kitchen staff.

Embarking on a culinary journey in historical Alexandria, my family and I discovered this gem, providing a unique opportunity to dine where George Washington once savored his meals. The ambiance exuded authenticity and charm, immersing us in a bygone era. While the service encountered a minor hiccup due to what seemed like a slightly understaffed day, the experience remained special. On a rainy day with the restaurant cloaked in a subdued ambiance, we requested our candles be lit to enhance the atmosphere. Although the server agreed, the flicker of candlelight remained a promise unfulfilled. Fortunately, the food swept in to save the day - served piping hot and fresh, exceeding our expectations. It was a delightful surprise, elevating our overall dining experience. If you're seeking more than just a meal, but rather an encounter with the charm of yesteryear, this establishment with its old-world feel is a worthy destination.

Service 5 Salmon dinner 4.5 ($28) - simple, good, cooked well and easy to eat Duck dinner 3 or N/A - duck was inedible bc it was too tough to cut. Maybe a different option would have been better to have here but we didn't try so we don't know. The veggies and potatoes that came with it were ok. Ambiance 5 We made a reservation for 5:30pm on a Sunday when it opens for dinner. We were the second group seated. The space filled up fast and became busy. Everyone given complimentary pound cake and butter. There is 1 cramped bathroom is down the stairs behind bar area. Very few options for vegetarian or seafood. Maybe one each for entrees. We didn't see dessert menu since we were pretty full esp from earlier eats.

Highly recommend! My husband and I came here on a Saturday night. Ambiance is great, the spot stays true to its original roots (18th century hotel and tavern). Rooms are lit mostly only by candlelight. Our waitress/hostess gave us a window seat and her service through the evening was awesome! Food is modeled off of 18th century dishes - we got the ham and marscapone biscuits (basically like mini Monte cristo's!), the crab cakes, veal/beef meat loaf, plus the peanut soup and French onion soup. All fabulous. There was also a musician/entertainer who walked around in traditional colonial attire and played a colonial guitar. Usually this isn't something we'd like, but he was super entertaining and funny, and made our dinner experience very unique! Pretty large portions and reasonably priced ($86 for two of us, although we didn't get alcohol) and delicious! Would 100% recommend this spot to anyone and will return!

Gadsby's Tavern has a unique ambiance, great food, and entertainment. It has a lot of history, so when you step inside it makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. I love the wooden tables and chairs and the cozy fireplace. The rooms are always decorated especially during Christmas. They have candles lit too! Gives a nice peaceful feel. Their menu has George Washington's favorite dish. How fun! The servings are huge, so be ready to eat eat eat! I got the Prime Rib and it was yummy! The veggies were really tasty as well. I got the hot apple cider drink they make for the holidays. I recommend this drink. The servers were nice and hard working. They know a lot about the history, so it's fun to ask questions if you're into history. There was also a gentleman dressed in Colonial clothing going around and serenading people. He was also quite the comedian. We parked in a public garage nearby, no issues. Location is Old town Alexandria where there's lots to do. It was an overall superb experience!

Love this place. Quintessential Old Town Alexandria mixed with a colonial vibe. The food was very good and appreciated the good portions for the kids menu. Service was amazing. They went above and beyond by accommodating two families on short notice. We had most things on the menu. All excellent. We will definitely be back for their brunch!

Overdue review from last year- It was a nice experience, and the historical value was appreciated. The chairs may have even been from back then; they were so wobbly! Haha The service was attentive, and the restaurant was purposefully outdated and dimly lit. I really enjoyed the George Washington's Favorite- the duck fell right off the bone, but the glaze sauce was just a bit too sweet for me. My bf really enjoyed his prime rib steak. The Cab was our pick for wine.

An Arizonan in Alexandria. This was a special treat. We had a pre-set menu due to a conference, so the prime rib was selected. I thought it was cooked just right. I had never had Yorkahire pudding but it was just a piece of bread. The staff was nice. The history of the tavern is worth the visit alone.

The maître d was amazing. She was knowledgeable with the history of the building and told us of a ghost story. Friendly and sweet! Ambiance was cool and fitting with the historical context. However, the tables were super close together. 3 stars because the service was super slow. To be fair, the maître d did tell us that service would be slow because of the volume of reservations at our time slot... but it was for sure S L O W! 5 stars for the bread! 5 stars for the fried oysters. It was perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Crab cakes were good... but in this area it's hard to say it's better than some other places. Grilled Salmon was just mediocre. Nothing special with balsamic glaze and jasmine rice. I could get this dish anywhere. For me, this place is one of those places you go to because of the history but won't be a frequent patron. The famous duck dish that was advertised as George Washington's favorite wasn't available. There are many other fine dining establishments that I could spend money on.

Had dinner here and the customer service was amazing. Our appetizer baked Brie, Martha's puff pastry. For dinner, lamb chops and George's favorite duck. Both dinners were delicious.

Normally I give the Tavern 4-5 stars. So we booked the Thanksgiving Dinner in the American Legion Ballroom; such a disappointment. Lacking the ambiance of the Tavern, the Ballroom disappointed with folding card tables and bright fluorescent lighting - the only positive it was quiet allowing for comfortable conversation with friends. The service was frazzled and rushed with little attention paid to the diners - just drop and run back to kitchen. Food and coffee were NOT hot nor anything worth writing about. Enjoy the Tavern's regular menu; it is worth it. Just avoid the "special" events at this establishment, unless you are seeking an overpriced mediocre dinner experience.

Overall the food is just "okay." It is a slightly strange, small menu. Ambiance is awesome if you like history. Peanut soup and Caton burger were good! Would come back. There was a nice bridal shower happening in the back room during our visit. Service was friendly and on point.

Did you know that George Washington ate here? Of course you did, as that's likely the only reason that the tavern is still open. Upstairs the ambiance is quintessentially colonial. Candle lit tables, pewter place settings and is the highlight of the visit. The bathroom is located in the basement near the kitchen and has a funky odor to it and could really use a renovation and a deep clean. The Surrey Peanut Soup was the best part of the meal itself, a creamy peanut soup with a chicken broth base, great on a could evening. And now for the downside, George Washington's Favorite dish, the roast duck was a hot mess. The sides included potato wedge-like things that were mush, a runny corn pudding and some type of purple kraut, eww. The rubber duck was two leg quarters that were both musky and tough at the same time, a fait acomplete! No crisp on the duck at all, who knew they had microwaves in the eta of President Washington?!? It's a shame, the location and history deserve so much more than what is being served now.

Prime rib is supposed to be marbled, but theirs was so fatty I could barely saw through it with the steak knife, and couldn't even completely chew any of the bites I forced myself to swallow. Waiter cleared my plate with 3/4 of it still laying there, didn't ask me why I hadn't eaten it. Not going back.

We had a group of over 30 people- and service was still friendly and timely addressing all of our needs. Food was delicious (I had the New England baked codfish) and delivered in a fairly reasonable amount of time. They had a time period impersonator who went above and beyond to make out French speaking guests feel welcome. The ambiance is that of a tavern from days long ago- I loved it! I highly recommend if you are in the area to check it out!

I absolutely love Gadsby's Tavern, you can't beat the historical ambiance. Tonight I brought a few friends there who came to visit. We got the hot ham biscuits to start, which were excellent. I ordered the chicken pot pie which was supposed to come inside of a flaky biscuit -- what I was given was a bowl of chicken soup and a biscuit on the side, extremely disappointing. I heard a woman behind me who also ordered the chicken pot pie's disappointment as she also was brought the chicken soup and biscuit. So while I highly recommend Gadsby's I do not recommend the "chicken pot pie"

The building is a historical gem! We loved the historical vibe. I wish the staff had given a smidge of background on the history of the building when they welcomed us and gave us menus. Our table was sticky, the restaurant was somewhat warm, and there's hole in the bathroom door. If you're looking for something nice or formal, this isn't it. The food was good, but the waitstaff wasn't incredibly attentive. They were nice but not very knowledgeable about the food ingredients and we were kind of left alone the whole time.

Very unique place to dine. Very historic and fun for those who love and appreciate history. Awesome place to grab a drink or two.

It's not often that you have a chance to eat at the same place that George Washington ate. This place is charming and surprisingly laid back. I came for the ghost hunting but stayed for the food and drink. Recommended.

food is good, but every se has diminished over the years. Short staffed, poor service, lack of authenticity.

Great history and good food. I ordered the codfish with cream sauce and it was outstanding with the potatoes and green beans. We were here with a large group (~50 people) and we had a room all to ourselves with a tailored menu to help expedite our orders; I'd absolutely use this venue again for large groups!

I see the reviews right now are 3.5 stars, but we had a phenomenal dinner here. The staff is all dressed in colonial clothing and the inside is darker with only candlelight. At the table we ordered the prime rib and filet. Everything was cooked to perfection. The horsey sauce is amazing as well. Definitely worth the price. We had a great time!

Food was delicious & our server was wonderful. It did take almost an hour to get our food on a night when they weren't very busy which wasn't great with hungry kids but that's our only possible complaint.

Food was very good, service was great, and prices were amazingly reasonable. Thought the prices would be much more for the area and the historic location.

I came again and very excited and they didn't have their signature dish, the duck. I was so disappointed. So werevthe other 2 tables in the room when they broke the news. Their whole angle is based on George Washington visiting and what he ordered, so without that it's just some tavern with a limited menu. Also no way to do reservations online. You have to call, and even during business hours they don't answer. You have to leave a message and they'll call you back, and it had to be 2 weeks or less in advance. A really inefficient system. I used to make a point to come here when I was in town but in the future I guess I need to call ahead to ask if they have their menu items in stock and skip if not.

Fun, simple but yet elegant rich in history. Great food, excellent staff attention. Takes you back to the days of Washington and Jefferson. Both Statesmen were regulars.

Delicious food: waiters were kind; great choice to experience what dining was like back in the day. Many historical figures have eaten here including Washington. Must see when in Alexandria.

Great food. Great service. Amazing atmosphere!!! The guy that stayed in character was phenomenal. Loved every bit of it.

Eat first, then come for the history and ambiance. The server was kind but unable understand simple orders, and she was overwhelmed by the tables under her auspices. The language barrier did not help. The food was of the caliber of a tourist stop where busses roll in, and everything has been cooked and just needs re-heating. I am glad I tried it; the history of the place is palpable. But the actual eating and drinking experience is subpar, and the staff its equal.

Pros: *Easily to make reservations even on weekends *The ambiance is really historic and interesting *Pretty good selection of beers *The bar area is neat, I wish they had a Happy Hour Cons: *The salmon was quite small and I didn't think the chicken was worth the price *Cocktail prices were too high *This is entirely not the facility's fault, but the group of Hill staffers who were drinking were loud and boisterous and sort of ruined the atmosphere. So, if you're a staffer on the Hill and you go here, please just be cool - nobody cares where you work.

This is one of those restaurants that you go to for the 1770s ambiance (ha) and less for the quality of the food. I definitely recommend it, but we were sat in the back facing the door to the kitchen and it definitely detracted from the ambiance. We enjoyed the bread. The filet was good. The idea of ordering "George Washington's Favorite" is cool, but I'm not a duck fan. Liked the creaky floors, candlelit tables, and dark ambiance. I don't think I'd return for a normal Saturday night dinner but I would bring out of town guests here for sure. I'd probably request a better table next time.

The food was slightly above average but not really the main draw. The historic atmosphere, staff, and especially the Ben Franklin reenactor were definitely worth the visit!

I didn't go here for the food but wasn't pleasantly impressed with the dishes. The place has super affordable and well-priced dishes for DC. I did go here because it's where my boy, George [Washington] went during the 18th and 19th century. The place looks and feels like a 1700s style establishment, complete with candles, old paintings and a giant wooden door in the opening. The ambience was superb. No background music, just the quiet of the day and creeks of the old wooden floor. The prime rib au jous was amazing and paired well with their local selection of beers from Alexandria. Hands down one of the best places to check out with lots to see and do.

Food is great, ambiance is great, deducted one star because service was painfully slow.

"George Washington ate here"... and here... and here... and here. It seems you can't throw a stone anywhere along the Northeast Corridor without hitting a quaint Colonial Publik House or Tavern where our nation's father might have bed down or hoisted a pint. Gadsby's in Alexandria is one such establishment where the General clearly haunts their dreams. Servers wear period costumes while they bring copious portions of late 18th century repaste long on meats and cheeses in various combinations. The only difference between Gadsby's and Medieval Times (beyond the Serving Wenches of course) is that Gadsby's does it with reverence and earnestness that the cartoonish Medieval Times could never muster. Gadsby's is also not an Arthurian rip-off. It's so hard to find a good joust these days. So, I'll hoist my pint and remember an excellent gorgonzola steak that hit all the right notes in my pleasure center... but frankly gave my wooden teeth a workout. Gadsby's is an easy five muskets.

Had an absolutely amazing experience dining in at such a historic tavern where Georgia Washington himself ate. The service was fantastic. The servers are dressed in colonial gear and it brings the place to life. I sat in amazement observing everything. The place settings are also antique and traditional to the time. The food was delicious and unbelievably cheap. I got the traditional breakfast which was a hearty 3 poached eggs (subbed from scrambled eggs), thick cut pieces of bacon, perfectly cooked and seasoned potatoes and sausage. The entire meal was less than $13 and I made sure to tip well for the great service and experience. Don't forget to go next door to get a Gadsby Tour - it's around $8 or so but free for military!

Such an adorable and cozy atmosphere. I definitely recommend having a warm and romantic dinner here on a chilly autumn/winter evening. There was a fire crackling in the fire place (or maybe I imagined this )and the table was set beautifully. I had a glass of hot apple cider with spiced rum which was delicious (and the perfect combo of sweet and tasty, with just enough alcohol to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling). Now- to be perfectly honest I can't speak much to the food. I had only an appetizer "Martha's Puff Pastry" which was good, but not blow your socks off good (maybe a little too salty?) and a bowl of the peanut soup. Even as I ordered an entire bowl of the peanut soup I knewww it was going to be too much, and oh my lord, it really was. Two of the other people in my party got only a cup, and even they couldn't finish it. The flavor was really nice, peanuty (obviously) with a hint of ginger, but to be honest, I think it needed some more chicken stock or something to thin it out and maybe some other veggies or meat thrown in there. Anyway, I completely loved the atmosphere, it was the perfect spot for my October book club meeting:)

I wanted to book a reservation for my 50th birthday here but I was never able to get anyone to respond to my request. Since this was a large party you couldn't book online so I kept calling and calling, I left multiple messages to speak with a manager. I even walked in one night to speak with a manager about it and they just took my name and number and nobody ever called me back or followed up. I was very disappointed needless to say. I ended up booking my lovely party at another restaurant on King St.