Dining with history in Washington DC.
Dining with history in Washington DC.
These restaurants provide flashbacks in time at history-rich restaurant in Washington, DC.
President Lyndon Johnson and Speaker of the House of Representatives Sam Rayburn used to frequent a booth in the busy restaurant, sharing food and discussing political tactics. Harry and Bess Truman, and their daughter Margaret, dined in another cubicle. Nearby is Booth Three, where John F. Kennedy proposed marriage to Jackie Bouvier.
Residents of, and visitors to, the Nation’s Capital and other cities and towns may dine with history as well. The Internet and local tourism bureaus are good sources of information about these establishments.
Martin’s Tavern has long served up food, fun, and fascinating politics.
Martin’s Tavern is where the likes of Kennedy, Johnson and the Trumans gathered to share food, fun and in some cases discussion of politics and world events. The fact that it has remained in the same family since it was established in 1933 adds to the appeal. So do the cozy bar, stained glass light fixtures and vintage paintings of Washington that adorn walls. (For more information log onto martinstaverndc.com)
The Monocle, nearby dining for Senators
Kennedy and Richard Nixon were political luminaries who have entered the doors of The Monocle, located a stone’s throw from the U.S. Capitol. president. Since it opened in 1960, fully half of the members of Congress have come there for food or drink.
The walls are covered with photographs of presidents and members of congress, past and present, and the second-floor dining room is a favorite with Cabinet officials. (themonocle.com)
The Old Ebbitt Grill
The original Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856 as a boarding house whose guest list included several future presidents. Regular patrons include politicians, entertainers and others seeking to enjoy the history and décor.
The setting mimics that of the restaurant in the 1960s. Animal trophies said to have been shot by President Theodore Roosevelt look down upon those seated at the bar, and ceiling murals, oil paintings and carved waterfowl decoys add to the atmosphere. (ebbitt.com)
The quaint appeal of the Tabard Inn
The Tabard Inn occupies three Victorian-era row houses, as it has since 1922, and its 35 low-frills rooms serve as throwbacks to its founding. The lack of an elevator, and of TV sets in guest rooms, add to its quaint appeal. Meals are enjoyed in the intimate dining rooms and covered patio, and light fare and beverages are available in the cozy fireplace lounge. (tabardinn.com/dining)
The 1789 Restaurant
The 1789 restaurant is named for the year when the building that houses it was erected. Since 1960, a basement bistro called The Tombs has been a popular watering hole.
The upstairs evolved into an elegant restaurant which serves classic French cuisine. The ambience includes American antique furniture, early American relics, a fireplace and gas chandelier. A “Parliament Clock” dates back to colonial days, when the English legislature enacted a tax on watches. (www.1789restaurant.com)
Good food and ghosts at The Iron Gate Inn
The atmosphere is different, but no less nostalgic, at The Iron Gate Inn, named for its decorative entrance gateway. The edifice was constructed in 1875, and the builder’s wife planted the wisteria vines that still shade the garden patio. The dining room occupies a former horse stable which was built in 1898. Over the decades, the location has been a tea room, wedding reception hall and hang out for the writer Tom Wolfe.
Some guests have claimed they heard or saw ghosts on the premises. One such apparition is reported to have emptied a bottle of whiskey, knocked over a chair and left a stain on the carpet. (irongaterestaurantdc.com)
Annie’s Paramount Steak House has been family owned and operated since it was opened in 1948.
The list goes on to include other places to eat that have an intriguing story to tell. Annie’s originally was opened as the Paramount Steak House, by a Greek immigrant named George Katinas and his five sisters. Later, George added Annie to the name to honor that sister’s devoted service to her customers.
Early on, Annie’s became known as offering a welcoming environment to all, including those in the LGBTQ community. It has received a James Beard Foundation “America’s Classics Award” for its “timeless appeal . . . and quality of food that reflects the character of its community.” Patrons approaching the restaurant are greeted by a colorful revolving mini-carousel in the front window which was designed and built by Paul, George’s son and current owner. Paul’s daughter Georgia, who serves as manager, explains that “Paul likes to incorporate fun and whimsy into the place.”
Annie’s has no Internet service for customers and no TV sets over the bar. That way, a waiter explained to me, “People spend their time here speaking with each other.” (anniesparamountdc.com)
Ben’s Chili Bowl earned accolades from on Bon Appetite and the Beard Foundation
No story about venerable places to sup and sip in Washington would be complete without reference to Ben’s Chili Bowl. That non-assuming eat in-carry out has been serving down-home fare including half smokes, hot dogs, sweet potato pie and, if course, chili since 1958.
It quickly became a favorite among jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole. Bon Appetit magazine has recognized Ben’s as one of the country’s “Best chili spots,” and the James Beard Foundation honored it among “eateries that have carved out a special place on the American culinary landscape.” (BensChiliBowl.com)
Victor Block
Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.
