Clyde's of Georgetown
✨ Vibe
A historic and elegant American saloon that perfectly blends old-school charm with a lively, sophisticated energy, featuring museum-quality artwork and cozy, wood-paneled interiors.🍸 Best For
Iconic weekend brunches, high-energy happy hours, casual dates, and classic American comfort dining.🔥 Highlights
- DC’s Brunch Pioneer: As the venue credited with popularizing the modern Sunday brunch in Washington, it remains a landmark destination for signature dishes like Eggs Chesapeake and refreshing mimosas.
- Cultural Landmark: This legendary M Street institution famously inspired the 1970s hit song "Afternoon Delight" and boasts over 60 years of rich history and local tradition.
- Elevated American Fare: From perfectly cooked Steak Frites with creamy mustard sauce to their famous jumbo shrimp cocktail and juicy burgers, the menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and farm-to-table sourcing.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot, particularly during the popular weekend brunch hours and evening rushes.
- The venue offers multiple private dining rooms of all sizes, making it an ideal choice for hosting special occasions and celebratory events.
Happy Hour
Featuring discounted raw bar platters: The Nessie ($22.99), The Selkie ($50.99), The Mermaid ($60.99), and The Triton ($95.99). Oysters also available at special pricing.
📰 In the News
Tension in Washington, D.C. Rises As ICE Raids Local Restaurants, Requesting I-9 Forms: 'It Is Disrupting'
Clyde's of Georgetown was reportedly among several Washington, D.C. restaurants identified in social media reports of ICE enforcement activity and I-9 form audits in May 2025. While no detentions were confirmed at the venue, the reports were part of a broader wave of immigration inspections that caused significant disruption throughout the local hospitality industry.
John G. Laytham, co-owner of D.C. institution Clyde’s, dies
Clyde’s of Georgetown and the broader Clyde’s Restaurant Group mourn the loss of longtime CEO and co-owner John G. Laytham, who helped build the venue into a D.C. institution over his 50-year career. Laytham is credited with major innovations for the restaurant, including introducing the first Sunday brunch in Georgetown and pioneering farm-to-table sourcing long before it became a standard industry practice.
How a Georgetown restaurant’s menu led to 1970s ‘Afternoon Delight’ earworm
Clyde’s of Georgetown served as the unexpected inspiration for the 1976 hit song "Afternoon Delight" after songwriter Bill Danoff spotted the phrase on a happy hour menu at the M Street saloon. The song’s suggestive lyrics were sparked by a promotional "table tent" for appetizers, cementing the restaurant's place in D.C. pop culture history.
Did Clyde’s of Georgetown Invent DC Brunch?
Clyde’s of Georgetown is credited with popularizing the modern Sunday brunch scene in Washington, D.C., starting in the mid-1960s under the leadership of former CEO John Laytham. The historic saloon transformed Sunday dining into a social event by introducing hearty egg dishes and free-flowing cocktails like mimosas and Kir Royales. Today, the venue remains a landmark known for its lively atmosphere and signature brunch staples like Eggs Chesapeake.
The Highest-Grossing Independent Restaurant in D.C. Has a New Owner
Clyde’s of Georgetown, the flagship location of the renowned Clyde’s Restaurant Group, was acquired by Graham Holdings Co. following the passing of longtime CEO John Laytham. The acquisition transitioned ownership of the historic D.C. institution and its sister properties, including Old Ebbitt Grill, to the former owners of the Washington Post.
Recent Reviews from Google
Delicious food!! We all loved our dishes and drinks. I ordered the Sangria and Chicken Marsala Fettuccine, and it was absolutely divine. The atmosphere was very nice, a little bit loud because of the...
We had such a lovely meal at Clyde’s in Georgetown! The atmosphere feels classic and cozy with that old-school charm — perfect for a relaxed lunch date. I ordered the steak frites, which came...
We were recommended to come here by our jeweler, & we are so happy we popped in! It is such a cool atmosphere, inside & outside. The staff was incredible from the hosts to our server! Food was...
Service was great. Were seated right away and the table was in the back, so less noisy (as some said this restaurant can get). Oktoberfest beer was good. Steak was good, and so was salmon salad. I had...
Beautiful spot but unfortunately food and service was not up to par. My friend and I ordered Calamari, Caesar salads and Chicken Marsala Pasta. The Calamari and Caesar salad were good but the Pasta...
