Martin's Tavern
Traditional American restaurant · Georgetown ·
Historic tavern with booths named after presidents and American fare
Historic tavern with booths named after presidents and American fare
"Nearly a century old, this Georgetown institution has hosted every president from Harry Truman (booth 6) through George W. Bush and his family (table 12), and John F. Kennedy reportedly proposed to Jackie here in 1953—there’s a placard above the same green booth to mark it. Established in 1933 during the Great Depression and now run by fourth-generation owner Billy Martin, Jr., it serves comforting, leather-bound-menu American classics for brunch, lunch, and dinner and makes a great pit stop while shopping along Wisconsin Avenue. The frothy, fabulous espresso martini is done better than most ($17)—a neighbor with FOMO ordered one when mine came out. For heartier bites, petite crab cakes over fried green tomatoes, topped with poached eggs and house-made hollandaise, arrive with home fries and fresh fruit (market price); spoonable favorites include the best-selling beef chili piled with tomatoes, onions, and cheddar ($13.95), New England clam chowder that pleases year-round, and a piping-hot crock of French onion soup capped with baguette croutons that’s as gooey as they come ($12.95). During the holidays it turns into destination decor—fragrant garland, nutcracker soldiers, and tinsel wrapped around Tiffany glass light fixtures—while year-round the wooden bar fills with everyone from young moms sipping goblets of wine with bowls of fries to preppy locals on a two-martini lunch. Insider tip: bathrooms are up a rickety set of vertical stairs, where you can peruse old Washington Post write-ups and framed etchings of the original owners." - 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, madeline weinfield, allison robicelli
"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. Top orders include clam chowder, French onion soup, and chicken ala king." - Tierney Plumb
"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
