I went to Marvin's tavern for lunch. I originally tried to order a baked potato with my soup, but was told baked potatoes are not served at lunch? Nevertheless, the soup was outstanding. Not too overbearing, not salty, and not an overwhelming sherry taste. The cheese was melted perfectly and the portion was just right. The service was okay. I was a solo diner and felt a little forgotten, almost as if the bigger tabs mattered more? The inside is also a little tight, but the building is old so that's expected! The history and charm really add to the aesthetic and it's definitely a cool, historical spot to check out for some good food. I unfortunately did not get the add a matchbook to my collection as I was told they don't have any, which was sad. I would recommend people check this spot out! read more

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I've always wanted to eat here and could never get a table because I don't make reservations timely. Yesterday we got a table and I now understand why the restaurant is so popular besides being known the place where JFK proposed to Jackie. The host and waiter were very friendly and efficient. The ambiance was so great with so many people joyfully gathered both on the floor and arounf the bar. From the entire restaurant watching the Kentucky Derby and cheering for that to singing happy birthday along with a table celebrating. It was so fun last night. Lastly and most importantly, a restaurant must serve delicious food and they nailed it! We had oysters, pork chop and seafood pasta. I can tell the recipe and preparation were superior than the typical pork chop (w/truffle oil) and seafood pasta (w/capers) at other average restaurants. Also the cocktails were very good. Everything was excellent and we can't wait to come back! read more

Let me preface this by saying that we live in NYC, so we're used to amazing food spots. The history behind the tavern is great; surely a relic. Food-wise, it's fairly decent, but not great. I had the fish and chips, meh. My wife had the beef stew, and that was very tasty. Almost all three stars go to the bread pudding, that was really good. Overall, cool to check it out once, but def not a repeat spot. read more

Martin's Tavern - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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3.5 in a real scale- Went here to get a cocktail. Cool historical tavern. Looks storybook on the outside. I was shocked at the pricing and the service taxes tacked on from the get go. Had two Guinness from the tap and they totally hit the spot. The food did not look stellar, but I cannot speak on the taste. A good spot to check for history. Bring your wallet full, just to say you went, but I would not return due to the pricing. read more

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A 4+ for incredible service. I really wish we got our waiter's name because it was the friendliest service I've had in a while. We were seated in booth #1 side by side. Cool to sit in a historic place. Food was good. I had a beet salad with salmon and my husband had the hash. Good Bloody Mary. Even better beer. Try the dunkle. read more

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I had such a wonderful experience at Martin's Tavern. I was afraid this would be one of those spots where the food/service don't match up to a unique ambiance, but I was so pleased that dining at Martin's Tavern was a top-notch experience across the board. On a cold and rainy night, the Shepard's Pie was perfect. I really enjoyed the use of lamb in their version! My party was sitting outside under the awning, and as the rain picked up, the service staff courteously ushered us inside and gave us a tour of all of the notable booths inside! What really set them apart was when we were given an umbrella to take home, to ensure we didn't get too wet walking to our Uber. The kindness of the staff from the beginning of our meal to the end of the experience was truly unparalleled. read more

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What an awesome place. We felt like we stepped into Brigadoon. Super packed on a Sunday night we walked in and sat at the bar by a stroke of luck as two people had just left. We talked to everyone around us and the bartender was awesome. We were going to have dinner next door so we didn't eat here, but the menu looked great, will definitely try next time. Martinis were perfect. Will definitely come back. read more

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Outstanding late night dining spot with great food and service!! Our waiter was first rate!! The bar was packed but we sat outside under a nice covered patio. Wine and drinks were excellent. If you want a late night bar with great food this is the place to go in DC!! read more

It was OK, the prices are very high, they don't like taking contactless payment and instead sort of demand that you give them the actual card. Which was kind of BS because the payment terminal they are holding in their hands accepts contactless payments. So I think it's a little bit of a scam.. Shady business. The minimum tip is already set to 20%, so I'm not entirely sure how honest they are about things. The food was pretty good, Definitely not worth the price, but it was tasty. There's a bit of stuff on the menu about service charges, and operation cost, and at the end of the day, I just don't care. If you can't afford to pay your employees, you really shouldn't be in business. I don't plan to go back. Too much funny business with the pricing. read more

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I went on a Wednesday this month. I was seated in the rumble seat, right inside the door, seating for 2 or in this case 1. The place was pretty busy for middle of the week. I'm looking over the menu and beer list and decide on the 1933 Pilsner. Most DC brau beers are pretty good. I'm in the mood for steak...I decide upon the NY Strip. The waiter politely informs me they're out of NY Strip. Ok...Let me look some more at the menu. I finally decide on the fish and chips. I'm working on the beer, casually watching the TVs above the bar. Lots of people milling around... I get a 1933 refill and after a bit my fish and chips arrives. I have never seen fish and chips like this. Two small pieces of fish and a bunch of fries. The fish is a bit greasy...but ok. The fries are still hot and crispy. Then dipping sauce (which I thought was tarter) was something different. Not sure what fish and chips comes with besides tarter sauce...maybe it's an acquired taste. Anyway dinner was still pretty good. Hopefully next time they will have steak. read more

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Historic! Visited in late March. Too crowded but nice to get out of the cold. Family loved it.

Jose was a gem! Breakfast was so good ... basic breakfast for me but hubs had little bit of chicken fried. Such a great local spot but with historical significance for our town. Love it everytime. The team is always so kind. read more

This is were it all started to click again. Simple. Sitting at the bar on Sunday for lunch. Busy as hell and not minding that at all. Ordering a T3 which they had on stock. Take note. G&T. My best burger of the past 6 years easily. Simple beef patty with perfect flavor (greasy enough, glad to admit), red onions, tomato and lettuce. Cheddar cheese of my liking. Fries not charred. And a gherkin! God bless them. The place is bustling while you are there. You feel like you need to move on but the food is to be reveled on slowly. It is that good. And they do good enough serving you while they are handling every DC entitled individual asking for a cocktail. Kudos! read more

We came back here after my engagement and they treated us so well. We had to wait a little but got the JFK proposal table. Such a special experience. They treated us with champagne (even though we don't drink) and dessert which was so kind of them. The pot roast was incredible and the holiday decor was amazing. Love this place. So much history. read more

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We love Martins Tavern but, over the years, we have learned that you never go there without reservations! To be honest, it is a bar and - usually - bars do not require reservations. But such is life in the capital city of the Western World. If you show up at Martins Tavern without reservations, you will be sorry. Anyway, today we were shopping for eyeglasses across the street and we made reservations before leaving for that (because we are not dummies). When we showed up for our reservation, our table was ready even though the dining room was, of course, packed! But we were escorted into a small little room in the back of the building, under the stairway and under the ladies room where, at most 5 tables were located. One for Ted Kennedy in case you were wondering. This was not the best seat in the house (sorry Ted). Because it was semi-enclosed, everyone else's conversation echoed in our ears throughout the entire meal. Someone was talking about clothes but the more interesting people were talking about some athletic team at Georgetown and BOY did they give some juicy details. My spouse and I were careful about the details that we discussed. Okay, now on to the real review. The food was - as usual - very good. I had French onion soup which was good. I think the broth was a bit heavy on the Worcestershire Sauce - I think this sauce should flavor the broth NOT be the broth. But, there were tons of delicious onions, lots of gooey melted cheese and some beautiful bits of bread floating in the soup. My spouse got the oyster stew and he loved it. There were 5 HUGE oysters (I have never seen oysters this big - were they grown near a nuclear plant???) and the cream sauce was thick and luxurious. It filled him up. We then shared a Caesar Salad which was adequate but nothing more. The dressing was not remarkable which was a disappointment but the lettuce was crisp, the cheese was plentiful and the croutons were fresh. So all in all it was okay. Our server, Oscar V, was VERY good. He was polite, professional, attentive and helpful to us. He never waited for us to ask for a drink refill. Oscar V was always on top of things! I am not sure how he remembered us, way in the back, in the room under the stairs and the ladies room, at the table next to Ted Kennedy's table, but he did. So accolades to him for his good service! Once again, Martins Tavern delivers good food, good service in a crowded and close atmosphere. And the little things that bug us, actually, do not bug us that much. That is why we keep coming back. Do we recommend Martins Tavern? Yes of course as long as you do not expect to show up, get a great seat and have a nice quiet meal without reservations. read more

Martin's Tavern in Georgetown is one of those places that doesn't just keep its charm over the years... it somehow multiplies it. This Georgetown institution is the definition of timeless, and my recent Wednesday afternoon visit proved exactly why. After a short wait, we snagged two coveted seats at the bar and were immediately greeted by Nep, the bartender everyone deserves but few are lucky enough to meet. His personality alone could make a bad day better, but paired with his humor and spot-on recommendations, he set the tone for a fantastic afternoon. We started with what might sound simple: the hand-breaded chicken tenders. Let me assure you, there is nothing basic about these. They come out as a full entrée disguised as an appetizer and I regret absolutely nothing. Crispy, flavorful, served with fries, and worth every bite. I followed with the Chef's soup of the day, a tomato-based chowder that was rich, cozy, and exactly what I didn't know I needed. My dining partner went for the oyster stew and proceeded to rave about it as if he had discovered fire. Still working through the chicken tenders, we decided to stay in the appetizer lane and ordered the classic shrimp cocktail. Perfectly chilled, perfectly simple, perfectly Martin's. To seal the deal, we finished with the homemade apple pie, naturally topped with ice cream. It was one of those desserts that makes all conversation stop for a moment because you're too busy enjoying it. Throughout it all, Nep kept the afternoon lively with great wine recommendations and even better conversation. He's the kind of bartender who makes you want to come back before you've even left. Bottom line: go for the history, stay for the food, and absolutely ask for Nep. read more

Why has it taken me so long to get back here to a classic DC/Georgetown place? my guest was just thrilled at the decor and friendly staff...not to mention the excellent food. Forget the chains like SILVER and go to the right place! You will enjoy it thoroughly! read more

We enjoyed our dinner here. This is a historic spot and one of the more unique places in DC. I went on a week night and my family of 4 were able to do a walk-in. With that said, this place is hopping! It's probably best to have a reservation. The inside of the restaurant is where it's at. And if you can plan ahead, it's well worth getting one of the famed booths. Whether it's the JFK booth where he proposed to Jackie or the booth most frequented by President Johnson, it's a classic DC institution. For dinner, my kids went nuts over the chicken tenders and fries. Our server was nice in recommending that they split it since it was a massive portion. My partner got the "Martin's Delight" also known as the famous "hot brown." We had the original Hot Brown in Louisville, Kentucky. Though my partner has ZERO recollection of it! But he absolutely loved this dish. It's a heavy dish with roasted turkey on top of toast , with sliced tomatoes, bacon, cheese, along with a cheesy béchamel sauce in a skillet. He barely let me taste it since he loved it so much. For my dinner, I got the Martin's House Salad with grilled chicken and goat cheese, both which were extra charges. It is a fantastic salad and well worth adding in the cheese and protein. I also got what they claim as the best French onion soup in DC. I have to admit, this was our least favorite dish we ordered. We love this soup but it was not flavorful and tasted very off. Even my kids, who normally down this soup, had one bite and refused to have any more. But overall, a great night. I'll skip the French onion soup next time and stick to the salad. read more

Great place to dine outside! The inside is pub style but we sat outside near the Main Street in Georgetown. My friend brought her dog with her and the host gave her dog a water bowl. So thoughtful. We came for a quick lunch and ordered 3 items to share. The dishes were good but could've used more salt in my opinion. And although the service was great, it took us a while to order espressos and get our check. Overall, we did enjoy our time and would come here again read more

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A classic DC spot with tons of history. The service was great and the ambiance was as you'd expect for a touristy spot in Georgetown (vibrant, fun, loud). Food was pretty mediocre, and nothing to really write home about. Classic American cuisine - the burger was fine but not outstanding. read more

I was visiting the DC area for holiday and my friend took me to this famous tavern in Georgetown. It is a cozy little place. Dark wood panels, small cozy booths. It is frequented by politicians and staffers. We made a reservation knowing it will be busy even on a week day. The hostess was friendly and we were seated on time at a booth. The menu is very east coast. Cheese and bread. We ordered a dish called Angry Mussels. It is not very angry (spicy) but tasty and it comes with a big piece of bread. We also ordered a Fish and Chip. The chip is more like French fries. The fish was good size and very fresh. The batter wasn't heavy. It is very delightful. We also ordered a Shepherd's Pie and it was normal, nothing to write home about :) All in all, it is a tourist place. Nice place for a meal and am glad I visited. read more

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I really expected this restaurant to be all hype based on it's history. Let me tell you though, it's no hype. The only weirdness we experienced was when we walked in the door for our reservation. There was nobody working in the dining room whatsoever. No servers or anything. It was a bit weird and it took them a couple minutes to come out out of the back. Maybe they were having a meeting or something. I'm not really sure. When they did return from the back area, everybody seemed afraid to approach us. I don't know what was going on, but it was made up for with the service after that. It was incredible service from start to finish and the food was amazing. I'm not going to get into all the details but we had the meatloaf plate and the filet mignon plate. We also tried the Welsh Rarebit. It was my first time trying something like that and it was just as good as everything else. I wish I had taken note of the waiter's name because he was really great. I don't know what was going on with him, but it did seem like he was really trying to be on his game and he succeeded. We loved our trip DC a lot and plan to return and I think Martin's Tavern will definitely be on the list to return to as well. read more

I had the blessed opportunity to dine at Martin's Tavern in Georgetown. Honestly, we only stopped because the bright red umbrellas outside caught our eye--but what a hidden gem! I had no idea this spot was steeped in so much history. From presidents who've eaten here to the story that JFK proposed to Jackie in one of the booths, the atmosphere is unforgettable. But beyond the lore, the food itself is phenomenal. The skillet scrambler was a perfect brunch choice, and the chipotle margarita is a must-try. Flavorful, fresh, and memorable. If you're in Georgetown, don't just walk--RUN to Martin's Tavern. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it! read more

Martin's Tavern - Chipotle Margarita! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Made a reservation for dinner when a friend was out of town. I was a bit early so they asked me to sit at the bar until my party arrived -- once she did, they seated us immediately. Our waiter was attentive. For food, I ordered the seared ahi tuna steak over mushroom risotto and I did not enjoy it. Honestly I should have know the flavor pairing would not work. There was also a bit of balsamic glaze under the risotto that made even less sense. I would consider coming back but would order something different. As far as I could tell, the only bathroom is up a narrow flight of stairs with one stall each. Something to be aware of if you have someone disabled or elderly in your group. read more

Martin's Tavern - Seared ahi tuna steak over risotto - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great visit to Martin's Tavern! We had such a great time at Martin's Tavern in Georgetown. The service was amazing--super friendly and on top of everything. The food was delicious, and the whole place has that classic, cozy vibe that makes the experience even better. There was a line out the door when we arrived, so definitely recommend making reservations if you're going on a Sunday afternoon. Totally worth the wait, though. We'd happily go back! read more

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Our Sunday Brunch was special enough but our waiter Jose raised the experience to be top notch. Jose made the brunch better w/ his knowledge of menu choices. Oyster stew, Bruswick stew and Ahi seared tuna were excellent. read more

All are very good. Service can be slow. And it's one of those "See and be seen" places. The history is monumental! read more

Simply one of my favorite places to eat in DC. The people are wonderful, food is spot on and they serve a nice pint of Guinness. What more could you want? Love the eggs Bennie if I come in early but usually can't move beyond the meatloaf or the Hot Brown. Honestly it's comfort food done right. In a great food town I know I should try something new each day, but I get comfortable and just keep coming back here because I know how I'll be treated, I know the service and food are awesome, and I know they'll have my guinnie. read more

We went here last night for the first time in many years & had an enjoyable experience. It's great to see a restaurant that's been an institution for so long--founded in 1933-that has kept up with the times with regard to its menu. The star of the evening were the lamb chops. Meaty & juicy & oh so very flavorful! My cocktail was fully satisfying too. The fried shrimp & calamari appetizer, by contrast, was dreadful. Overcooked & rubber & certainly not fresh. (Go to Hank's Oyster Bar to taste an excellent version of this dish.) Adding a positive note to our evening was that we were seated at the Art Buchwald booth in the front window! read more

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Excellent service from Solomon! Went with the burger and fries and had no complaints! It was the night before my birthday and Solomon ended up bringing out dessert with a candle which was a very nice surprise! read more

Came here for lunch on a Sunday and was told it would take 45 minutes to get a table. It was fairly busy. We ended up getting seated in maybe 20-30 minutes, so not bad. We started with the Calamari and Shrimp appetizer. It was ok, a little over fried. For lunch, I had the bison burger which was good, had good flavor. The fries, like the calamari and shrimp, were overfried and a little hard. My wife got the French Onion soup and she thought that was really good. A cool spot with a lot of history to it. read more

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Very warm and cozy atmosphere. The service was splendid and the staff was very courteous. Not only was the food impeccable, but came in a very quick manner. I ordered the Chipped Beef with an over easy egg. One of my favorite spots to dine in Georgetown. read more

We had dinner here tonight and we loved it. I have to say, the best thing about the place is the vibe. Inside its the vintage "New York" cocktail vibe no one would dare not to like... Outside its classy, summery, lovely vibe.... In addition, I have to add, food is gooood.... E enjoyed the vibe and ate so much we could barely walk yet we didn't regret a bite. Service was lovely, as the whole experience. I recommend read more

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Ambiance and Service 10/10 Music is very relaxed, but not put you to sleep. Creates a lovely ambiance that takes you back in time. Food was fabulous. Recommend the potato skins, French onion soup and steak salad. Steal salad has a lot of crispy onions, and heavier on dressing so if you don't like that ask for those on the side. Steak was flavorful and tender. We got aperol spritz which was light and refreshing not too sweet. Overall amazing. Comfort food and cozy vibe. Service was relaxed but attentive. read more

A wonderful place to stop for lunch, right in the heart of Georgetown. Built in 1933, Martin's has quite a few interesting and unique menu options! We had the potato skins and the chili which were incredible. And I have it on good authority the Brunswick Colonial Stew is made with real colonials; never imitation. Lol. Just kidding, it's chicken. Add to it that the Martin's staff are empaths (just read the menu!), they'll surely put you on the right track for the food experience you want, just as they did for us. read more

Martin's Tavern - Yep! They're empathic here at Martin's! So cool. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Amazing service, made a reservation and was accidentally placed outside. After talking to their manager, who explained everything very professionally, we decided to stay at the restaurant and sit outside. The outside placement was a mistake through Resy. After ordering a drink, the manager came and found us and escorted us inside to an amazing booth. From there, we not only had delicious food and amazing drinks, but the service was top-notch, and the ambience was unbeatable. 11/10 would recommend!!! read more

I went to Martin's Tavern during a business trip. We were there for Wednesday dinner, and the restaurant was packed. We had made a reservation earlier in the day, but when we arrived they told us they didn't have it. We ended up having to wait almost an hour. We shared a Caesar salad, crab cakes, and calamari for appetizer. For the main course, I had the lamb chops--they were succulent and delicious. My colleagues ordered the prime rib and the ahi tuna steak; their dishes looked great, and they seemed to really enjoy them. For drinks, I got the First Lady, one of their popular cocktails, while my colleagues ordered a black walnut Manhattan and spicy margaritas. The food, drinks, and ambience were all excellent, and I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in D.C. read more

Martin's Tavern - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We went on a Monday for lunch. Had made reservations. We were seated right next to the entrance. The place is a little loud. You're obviously going for the experience and the history. We both got salads and they were excellent. It's a must visit at least once. But it's not something to write home about. read more

The ambiance, service, and history of this place cannot be beat. With an epic trail of presidents who have dined there and historical moments that have occurred in the booths of this tavern, you'll truly feel like your sight-seeing while eating. The food, however, was not as memorable as the sights and stories around us. The French Onion soup and the Clam Chowder were hands down the best thing we ate there. On the other hand, the potato skins, fish and chips, and chicken pesto were nothing to write home about. The fish and chips and chicken were solid but the portions were not that big, aside from the large plate of fries. read more

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I love Martin's! It's the perfect spot for drinks and dessert after a dinner in Georgetown. Hands down, they serve the best classic martini in DC. Lois is incredibly welcoming and hospitable, making every visit enjoyable. As for the food, I especially love the chili, fried onions, string beans, and potato skins. read more

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