Tune Inn
✨ Vibe
A historic and quirky Capitol Hill landmark that blends a "hole-in-the-wall" charm with a soul-filled, lively atmosphere that has been a neighborhood staple since 1947.
🍸 Best For
Incredible mozzarella sticks, casual dates, group hangouts, all-day breakfast, and post-sightseeing drinks.
🔥 Highlights
- Legendary Mozzarella Sticks: Widely considered a "must-order" and a standout feature of their classic American comfort food menu.
- Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Fame: This iconic venue gained national recognition after being featured on Guy Fieri’s popular show for its authentic flavors and unique character.
- Vintage DC History: The interior is a treasure trove of history, filled with elaborate decorations, taxidermy, and vintage photographs that create a truly authentic experience.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Early birds welcome—the venue opens daily at 8:00 AM and serves its famous breakfast menu all day long.
- Expect a great value for your night out with high-quality, reasonably priced food and generous, strong drink pours.
📰 In the News
Capitol Hill restaurants already feeling impacts 2 days into shutdown
Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar reported a significant decrease in customers and sales during the October 2025 federal government shutdown. General manager Stephanie Hulbert noted that the Capitol Hill staple saw a "ghost town" atmosphere, with particular concerns regarding the stability of upcoming private event contracts.
Talking politics has bartenders on edge in Trump’s Washington DC
Tune Inn, a historic dive bar near the U.S. Capitol, maintains a strict non-partisan environment by discouraging political discussions among its patrons. General manager Stephanie Hulbert and her staff regularly intervene to keep the peace, ensuring the venue remains a neutral space where televisions are tuned to sports rather than news.
RAMMYS honor DC area's best new restaurant, top bar and more. See the full list of winners
Tune Inn Restaurant and Bar was named Best Bar of the Year at the 2025 RAMMY Awards, a distinction determined by public vote. The historic D.C. establishment was recognized for its excellence alongside other top regional venues during the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's 43rd annual gala.
An Intern’s Guide to Happy Hour in D.C.
Tune Inn offers an all-day breakfast menu and signature fried favorites like pickle spears in Southeast D.C. The Capitol Hill staple features a weekday happy hour from 4-7 p.m. with $5 drafts, $18 pitchers, and $5.50 rail drinks.
In Memoriam: The Tune’s “Mother Markie”
Tune Inn honored the legacy of long-time employee Markie Lydon, known as "Mother Markie," who served at the Capitol Hill dive bar for 48 years. The venue hosted a heartfelt memorial celebrating her decades of service and her enduring role in shaping the bar’s unique community and history.
Recent Reviews from Google
I visited here on a weekday and was surprised by how full and lively it was. This is a cool little bar with elaborate decorations and plenty of seating. They had a huge menu and I believe they serve...
Really enjoyed our visit to this traditional American-style bar. The mozzarella sticks were absolutely amazing…highly recommend! The Philly cheesesteak sandwich was also a real treat. Service was...
Very nice atmosphere, wonderful staff, incredible Mozzarella sticks. A nice place for a date or to hang out with friends. Lots of seating.
During our visit to Washington, our family had the pleasure of dining at this remarkable restaurant. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the atmosphere — the interior breathes history,...
Unique, quirky, true hole in the wall with class. First of all, thank you to the amazing wait staff who handled a bust night amazingly. This was a DDD stop and after eating the food I understand why....
