Mr. Henry's
✨ Vibe
A charming and nostalgic Capitol Hill landmark where vintage decor meets a soul-stirring jazz history, creating a cozy "everyone knows your name" neighborhood atmosphere.
🍸 Best For
Live jazz performances, classic American comfort food, historic D.C. sightseeing, casual patio dining, and intimate musical evenings.
🔥 Highlights
- A Musical Legend’s Legacy: Recently celebrated as the historic venue where Roberta Flack was discovered, it features a dedicated second-floor music room built specifically for her rise to fame, complete with signature church-pew seating.
- Acclaimed Burgers & Bites: Frequently praised for having some of the city's best burgers and patty melts, complemented by crispy tater tots and fan-favorite buffalo chicken dip.
- Warm Community Spirit: Known for its exceptionally tenured staff and welcoming environment, offering both a nostalgic indoor setting and a breezy outdoor patio perfect for soaking in the Pennsylvania Avenue energy.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Live music events at "Upstairs @ Mr. Henry's" often feature world-class jazz talent; tickets are recommended for these intimate performances.
- Conveniently located near the Eastern Market Metro, the venue offers a popular half-priced burger night and serves food until the kitchen closes at 10:00 PM.
🔄 Weekly Events
🎷 Capitol Hill Jazz Jam
A weekly jazz jam session held every Wednesday, featuring instrumentalists, vocalists, tap dancers, and poets.
🍳 Weekend Brunch
Serving brunch every weekend at Mr. Henry's.
📰 In the News
DC remembers Roberta Flack: From singing at Mr. Henry's to Grammy-winning fame
Mr. Henry's on Capitol Hill is highlighted as the historic venue where Roberta Flack was discovered and launched her Grammy-winning career. The restaurant famously built a dedicated performance space for Flack, which served as the setting for her debut album cover and remains a key part of D.C.'s musical legacy.
Remembering Roberta Flack (1937-2025)
Mr. Henry's played a pivotal role in the early career of legendary singer Roberta Flack, who performed at the club's former Georgetown location and its current Capitol Hill site. The venue’s owner, Henry Yaffe, famously created a dedicated performance space for Flack, which served as the setting where she was discovered by Les McCann and signed to Atlantic Records in 1968.
‘She’s left an indelible mark’: DC club where Roberta Flack was discovered mourns her loss
Mr. Henry's in Washington, D.C. is famously known as the venue where music icon Roberta Flack was discovered, maintaining a dedicated second-floor music room that was originally built to accommodate her early crowds. The historic club continues to celebrate her legacy through its live music programming and remains a landmark on Pennsylvania Avenue where she is remembered as being woven into the fabric of the establishment.
Roberta Flack, Who Was Raised in Arlington, Dies at Age 88
Mr. Henry's served as a foundational performance venue and "home base" for legendary Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack during the early years of her career in Washington, DC. The historic venue hosted Flack as she balanced her time between performing and teaching in the DC public school system.
Mr. Henry's restaurant targeted in overnight burglary; surveillance video released
Mr. Henry's, a long-standing Capitol Hill restaurant, was targeted in an overnight burglary where a suspect broke through a window to steal high-end liquor. The incident forced the iconic establishment to temporarily close for repairs and cleaning, a rare occurrence for the venue which typically only closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Recent Reviews from Google
This place is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring Washington, D.C. We ordered two cheeseburgers with tater tots, and everything was absolutely delicious! The atmosphere is...
We came form SC and happened upon this gem while in DC. The food was delicious. Atmosphere super cozy. The wait staff was top notch. Friendly, knew their stuff and even suggested some places around...
The food is amazing! I must say for my first time eating here that was the best patty melt and home cut potatoes everything was good the coleslaw was amazing as well! The staff is very friendly...
A true gem of Capitol Hill. Mr. Henry's is such an iconic place in DC history. And on top of that, it's got great burgers. We come here pretty often and love the patio. A tad on the pricey side for...
This is a great local bar and mecca for new jazz and music talent. Roberta Flack was a regular performer. The food and drinks fit into the breezy and friendly atmosphere.
