Martin's Tavern
✨ Vibe
A warm, historic Georgetown landmark featuring dark wooden interiors and stained glass that transport guests to a mid-century era of political legacy and cozy neighborhood charm.
🍸 Best For
Historic dates, weekend brunch, solo dining at the legendary bar, and soaking in D.C. political lore.
🔥 Highlights
- Living History: Dine in the "Proposal Booth" where JFK famously asked Jackie to marry him, or sit in the same spots frequented by every U.S. President from Harry Truman to George W. Bush.
- Classic American Fare: The menu celebrates 4th-generation family recipes, featuring favorites like the Ty Cobb salad, colonial Brunswick stew, and their renowned lobster risotto and pot roast.
- Iconic Social Hub: Celebrated for its welcoming "mingling culture," it is the rare neighborhood spot where politicians, regulars, and visitors effortlessly fall into conversation over comfort food and cocktails.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended for those wishing to experience specific historic booths.
- The tavern offers an extensive late-night atmosphere, staying open until 2:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.
🔄 Weekly Events
🍳 Daily Brunch
Enjoy steak and eggs, seafood, signature dishes, soups, salads and other delicious surprises at this historic Georgetown landmark.
📰 In the News
The DC Tavern Known For Classic American Eats And Political Lore
Martin's Tavern in Georgetown is a historic landmark known for its classic American cuisine and deep political legacy, famously serving as the site where JFK reportedly proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. The tavern offers an extensive all-day brunch and a menu featuring vintage recipes like colonial Brunswick stew alongside traditional favorites like pot roast and lobster risotto.
The Best Restaurants In Georgetown - Washington DC
Martin’s Tavern is a historic Georgetown establishment featuring a dark wooden bar and stained glass light fixtures that evoke a sense of mid-century D.C. nostalgia. The menu offers classic American pub fare like potato skins and fish and chips, providing a casual atmosphere where diners can enjoy a side of history with their meal.
Why Trump Should Not Dine Out in DC
Martin’s Tavern owner Billy Martin discusses the complicated legacy of hosting presidents at the historic Georgetown landmark, expressing both openness and anxiety regarding a potential visit from Donald Trump. While the restaurant has served nearly every president from Truman to Bush and remains a frequent stop for current cabinet members, Martin notes the increased risk of protests and social media backlash in the current political climate.
These Classic D.C. Restaurants and Bars Are Still Worth a Visit
Martin’s Tavern is celebrated as a historic Georgetown landmark that has hosted every U.S. president from Harry Truman to George W. Bush. This fourth-generation family-owned establishment is famously known as the site where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie and remains a go-to destination for classics like clam chowder and French onion soup.
A History Of Political Schemes Linger Over One DC Tavern
Martin's Tavern is a historic Washington, D.C. landmark famous for hosting eleven U.S. presidents and serving as the site of John F. Kennedy's marriage proposal to Jacqueline Bouvier. The venue preserves its deep political and athletic heritage through themed booths and a menu featuring family recipes alongside a signature salad named for baseball legend Ty Cobb.
Recent Reviews from Google
I had a hamburger at Martin’s Tavern this afternoon. It was a full 1/2 pound and it was excellent. The service was excellent, and the portions were quite generous. The one strange thing on the bill...
The food was fresh and quickly delivered, cooked to perfection (fish was perfectly pan seared, fish and chips as well, beef served as ordered). Service was excellent. But the operational fee was a...
What a great experience! The restaurant’s vibe is magnificent, the service is fantastic, and the food is incredibly tasty. Everything we tried was delicious and truly satisfying. I would definitely...
Martin’s Tavern is one of the oldest American restaurants and bars I’ve ever visited 🍻🇺🇸. I was intrigued by its history — JFK famously proposed to Jackie here — so of course I had to sit at The...
My fiancé recommended me this D.C. classic restaurant before I traveled to the Capital City last week. He told me President JFK proposed First Lady Jackie at this place back in 1953 when his...
