Martin's Tavern

"Billy’s beef chili is a mainstay on this Georgetown institution’s menu. It’s topped with tomatoes, onions, and cheddar and served with tortilla chips on the side." - Missy Frederick

"Georgetown’s legendary Martin’s Tavern, around since 1933, takes the time to hang tons of quaint greenery and ribbons right after Thanksgiving. Its 91st Christmas in operation is no exception. The man behind the magical makeover is well-loved night manager, Alejandro, who puts the holiday decorations up overnight over the span of a few weeks." - Tierney Plumb

"Martin’s Tavern claims that JFK proposed to Jackie O at one of its booths. We don’t really recommend it for your own proposal, but you should come here for something more casual. The space looks like it hasn’t been updated in a few decades, and that’s part of its appeal. There’s a dark wooden bar, stained glass light fixtures, and pictures and paintings of DC back in the day. The menu is a mix of American and pub grub (expect things like potato skins and fish and chips), and while the food isn’t life-changing, you’ll probably get a history lesson while you eat it." - joe brantlinger, tristiana hinton, omnia saed

"Established in the midst of the Great Depression, classic watering hole Martin's Tavern in Georgetown has hosted every president from Harry Truman (booth 6), through George W. Bush and his family (table 12). John F. Kennedy even reportedly proposed to Jackie at the restaurant in 1953. The tavern is currently owned by fourth-generation Billy Martin, Jr., and celebrated its 90th anniversary in September. To celebrate the milestone, Martin’s Tavern reverts to pricing from its original 1933 menu on October 2-5. That means a cup of clam chowder or corn beef sandwich is just 20 cents a pop; chicken ala king is 85 cents; and three fried oysters, coleslaw, and French fries is a cool 35 cents." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

"Since 1933, family-owned Martin’s Tavern has gained the reputation of an esteemed dining establishment for reasons that go beyond its food. Many of its wooden booths are imbued with political history, as future presidents dined at the establishment as rising senators or while visiting relatives in the city. Today, the pub draws visitors who hope to sit where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie Bouvier or where Lyndon B. Johnson was mentored by former Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. According to Fritz Hahn from The Washington Post, the Georgetown spot has become a “well-worn and much-loved corner pub,” thanks in part to its roster of classic American fare and hearty pub favorites such as shepherd’s pie and Guinness mussels. But the real draw here is the history: The tavern makes it easy to see where soon-to-be-presidents dined, as plaques on the walls above certain booths and tables show many of these leaders’ favorite spots. From Booth One (also known as the “Rumble Seat”), where John F. Kennedy read his Sunday morning paper after Mass, to Booth Two, where Richard Nixon often dined on the tavern’s famous meatloaf as a senator and then vice president, to Booth 24, where Lyndon Johnson and Sam Rayburn met in the 1940s, the space is full of political history. Even Harry and Bess Truman dined in Booth Six with their daughter, Margaret, while she was attending George Washington University. So inspired by the scene, Margaret would go on to incorporate Martin’s Tavern into one of her mystery novels. However, for many visitors, the romantic history that occurred at Booth Three is what really draws them to Martin’s Tavern. On June 24, 1953, John F. Kennedy disappointed many other bachelorettes when he proposed to his sweetheart, Jackie Bouvier, in Booth Three. Since this historical event, many other couples have visited and left engaged after sitting in this very same booth." - ATLAS_OBSCURA