Edgar Bar & Kitchen

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✨ Vibe

Nestled within the historic Mayflower Hotel, this upscale American brasserie blends 1920s architectural elegance with a buzzing, modern energy perfect for the city’s power players and socialites.

🍸 Best For

Power lunches, craft cocktails, upscale weekend brunch, business meetings, and sophisticated late-night drinks.

🔥 Highlights

  • Historic Legacy: As the "social nucleus" of the Mayflower Hotel, the venue honors DC history with a sophisticated atmosphere inspired by the legacy of J. Edgar Hoover and a design by the renowned firm AvroKo.
  • Signature Brunch Favorites: Don't miss the legendary Mayflower banana bread, a beloved menu staple that has remained a fixture at this location since 1925.
  • Award-Winning Bar Program: The venue features an award-winning historic bar offering handcrafted artisanal cocktails, a refined wine list, and the "Tolson Bird Bar" experience featuring specialized fried chicken and champagne pairings.

ℹ️ Need to Know

  • Located in the heart of Downtown DC, this is a premier destination for "power lunches" and offers a welcoming environment for solo diners and business travelers.
  • The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and modern-classic American brasserie fare served in a refined setting of leather seating and polished wood trim.

📅 Upcoming Events & Specials

No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.

📰 In the News

metro.co.uk Jul 30, 2026

America's capital has a 'perception problem', but it's not all politics and MAGA hats

Edgar Bar & Kitchen, located within the historic Mayflower Hotel, offers a sophisticated dining experience that showcases Washington D.C.'s vibrant culinary scene beyond its political reputation. The venue provides a refined atmosphere for guests to enjoy classic American fare and handcrafted cocktails.

Modern Luxury Mar 26, 2026

Delicious Brunch Spots in DC You Must Try This Spring

Edgar Bar & Kitchen is highlighted as a premier brunch destination in Washington, D.C., recognized for its sophisticated atmosphere and high-quality seasonal offerings. The venue is featured for its modern take on classic brunch favorites, making it a top recommendation for diners in the city.

Business Wire Jan 5, 2026

The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Historic Bars, Taverns, and Speakeasies List Is Announced

Edgar Bar & Kitchen, located within the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., has been named to the 2025 list of the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Historic Bars. The venue is recognized for its sophisticated atmosphere and its legacy as a prominent gathering spot for political figures and travelers in the heart of the capital.

National Trust for Historic Preservation Dec 31, 2025

Front- and Back-Door Politics at D.C.'s Edgar Bar & Kitchen

Edgar Bar & Kitchen, located within D.C.’s historic Mayflower Hotel, serves innovative American cuisine in an elegant setting steeped in political history. Named after J. Edgar Hoover, the venue is famous for hosting historic negotiations and offers signature cocktails alongside upscale dishes like crab cakes and the Edgar burger. It provides a luxurious atmosphere that blends the hustle of Dupont Circle with the storied heritage of Capitol Hill.

Travel Market Report Dec 31, 2025

The Mayflower Hotel: 100 Years of History in Washington, D.C.

Edgar Bar & Kitchen, located within Washington D.C.’s historic Mayflower Hotel, is named after former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, who was a frequent patron of the restaurant. In celebration of the hotel's 2025 centennial, the venue is currently featuring special themed cocktails such as the Mayflower’s Bathtub Gin and a reimagined Vieux Carre.

Bar DC Ratings

Vibe · Drinks · Music · Crowd · Value — scored 0–10.

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