The DC Traveler

Today in 1634, America’s first tavern opened in Boston. Since then, enjoying a drink in a public house, even during prohibition of the 1920s, became part of the American way of life. 

And every city across America has it’s own list of classic and notable taverns, frequented by locals and eagerly visited by tourists.  New York has the legendary McSorleys (1854), Chicago has it’s share of classics, The Lodge, PJ Clark’s, and River Shannon. And Philadelphia has McGillin’s Old Ale House, dating back to 1860.

Likewise, Washington, DC has it’s share of classic bars, taverns and pubs as well.  And to celebrate National Tavern Day, here’s a few places in town worth visiting.

The Tombs - 1226 36th Street,  NW, Washington, DC

This place is a rite of passage for Georgetown students, and a hangout for faculty, alumni and area locals.  This subterranean Georgetown institution since 1962, is a friendly, casual place that serves decent food.  It’s housed in an old Federal-style house built around the mid-1800s that just before the Tombs was opened, held a Chinese laundry and small cafe.  The owners gutted the buildings, dug a basement, which became the current day Tombs.

On Sundays after church, it gets crowded for brunch so expect a wait or grab the first seat at the bar you see. A DJ spins music Wed. - Sat. nights, but there’s not much room for dancing.

Check out their 99 Days Club, a ritual where you get your name on a plaque if you stop by The Tombs once a day for 99 consecutive days between February 10th and May 19th.  Surprisingly, last year over 120 people joined this unique club.  Several have probably subsequently joined the club hosted at the Betty Ford Clinic as well.

Third Edition - 1218 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

The Third Edition is another very popular place for DC college students and 20-somethings and even a few locals of all ages (but not on weekend nights).  Since 1969, Third Edition in the heart of Georgetown, has offered dancing upstairs and during the summer, there’s an outdoor Tikki bar that gets mobbed on weekends.

The main floor is a more traditional bar/restaurant. Check it out for happy hour. 

Billy Martin’s Tavern - 1264 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Billy Martin’s Tavern (no relationship to baseball’s Billy Martin) is the oldest family-owned restaurant in DC.  It opened in 1933, and is located just a couple blocks from Third Edition.  

The menu is simple - steaks, chicken, pot roast and other hearty foods draws that lobbyists, politicos and locals.  For something a bit different, try a buffalo rib-eye or burger. The dark ambience make this crowded place feel even more crowded at times. And service can be frustratingly slow. If dining alone, ask for the unique one-seat booth.  

Every U.S. President since Truman have dined there. And in 1953, Sen. John Kennedy, who lived just a couple blocks away, proposed to girlfriend, Jackie Bouvier, in booth #3.

FOR A COUPLE MORE RECOMMENDATIONS —>   

Hawk & Dove - 329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

In the heart of “The Hill” is the Hawk & Dove, a popular place for residents that live within walking distance, congressional interns and young professionals looking to blow off some steam after a day of working on the Hill. 

You can sit at the long bar, grab a booth or pick a table in one of the six small rooms that make up the place.

I like to stop at the H&D after a museum visit, as they have great sandwiches and serve a late weekend brunch (until 3:30 p.m.). They also serve breakfast nightly from 9 pm until closing. During the summer, snag an outside table and watch the world go by on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Old Ebbit Grill - 675 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC -

Opened in 1856, the Old Ebbit Grill is the oldest operating bar in DC.  It’s a very popular place with tourists, as well as with politicians, FBI and Secret Service agents (so don’t get drunk and obnoxious), White House staffers and the press. 

Old Ebbit serves great upscale bistro food. I love their roast duck.  Most weekend evenings though, the service at the main bar can range from a bit slow to “is there a bartender working tonight?” (unless you are a single woman and smile at the bartenders, in which case you’ll get lots of very attentive service).

The bar is one of the prettiest in town and the relaxed atmosphere invites patrons to meet and greet.  On most Saturday nights, you’ll see a group or two dressed in tuxes and gowns, either before or after attending a wedding, formal party or the theater.

The main “old” bar near the entrance is where all the action is, but don’t miss the Grant Bar in back or the “corner” bar for a slightly more quiet experience.

They also have free valet parking.

Want to check out some of the taverns and bars in other cities? Then check out some of the other Travel & Leisure Channel blogs and read about their favorites, most notorious, oldest, or most unique taverns in their city. Just click on the links at the right to visit each Travel & Leisure Channel blog. 

Images - Third Edition and Hawk & Dove - from personal collection - © 2008 - Jon Rochetti, Old Ebbit Grill 1 & 2

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