Washington DC is full of history—and we’re not just talking about the monuments. There’s history in every corner, and today’s topic is historic restaurants in DC.
This city of 700,000 denizens has seen some major historic events. And it’s also brimming with excellent historical restaurants, places where politicians have struck some serious backroom deals while tucking into a steak. If you like your restaurant fare served with a generous side of history, here are eight historic restaurants in DC that you will love.
Insider’s tip: If you’d like to delve deeper into Washington’s D.C.’s vast history, why not check out some of its most historic sites on one of our Washington D.C. walking tours? From a guided tour of the National Mall to a day trip to Mt. Vernon, we’ve got you covered.
Our favorite historic restaurants in DC
1789
Located in Georgetown, 1789 is not a French restaurant named for the year of the French Revolution. It’s an elegant American restaurant named for the year nearby Georgetown University was founded. The antique-strewn dining room is the perfect place to dig into some wagyu tartare, sauteed scallops, a Berkshire pork chop or a luscious rack of lamb. In 2011, President Obama dined here with German chancellor Angela Merkel.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
There is a tradition among American presidents: that they have to come to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl at least once during their tenure in the White House. Barack Obama broke that tradition. He couldn’t wait to come so he ate at Ben’s when he was still president-elect. Donald Trump also broke the tradition by not coming at all to the U Street Corridor.
But if you’re in DC, you don’t have to be president of any country to love Ben’s half smokes – a taut and tasty sausage that is an iconic DC food. And, speaking of iconic, many come just to see the famous mural on the side of the building where some legendary Black celebrities are featured: The Obamas, Dave Chappelle, Prince, and Muhamed Ali, among others. It’s one of the most famous and historic restaurants in DC that you don’t want to miss.
Florida Avenue Grill
Billing itself as the “oldest soul food restaurant in the world,” Florida Avenue Grill has been flipping pancakes and double-frying chicken since 1944.
Known to regulars and northwestern DC locals simply as “The Grill,” this no-frills institution is the place to go when you have a hankering for breakfast for dinner. Chomp into some fried pork chops smothered in rich gravy, steamed pigs’ feet, or cajun-fried catfish, to name but a few.
Iron Gate
Supposedly DC’s oldest continually operating restaurant, Iron Gate has been cooking up delicious fare for nearly a century. The Dupont Circle spot melds ingredients from the nearby coast with the flavors of the Mediterranean. Start with some mushroom arancini and then move on to Atlantic swordfish steak or bison flank steak.
Martin’s Tavern
A Georgetown drinking institution, Martin’s Tavern is run by the fourth generation of Martins – and currently at the helm is Billy Martin, Jr. Since the Great Depression, Martin’s has been shaking up classic cocktails and serving a menu of hearty American classics. Think colonial Brunswick stew, Chesapeake fried oysters, Maryland crab cakes, fish and chips, and slow-roasted pot roast. Nearly every president since Harry Truman has sipped a beer here. It’s also reportedly the place where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in 1953.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Located a block from the White House, people go to Old Ebbitt Grill just to sit at the bar and hear the political gossip. This tavern has been slinging beers and martinis since 1856. And Washington’s elite have been coming here to feast on Maryland crabcakes, raw oysters, and hearty steaks. The 19th-century Beaux Arts building is stunning. The interior is clad in moody dark wood and bedecked with taxidermy and old paintings.
Old Europe
This German restaurant near Observatory Circle has been breading schnitzel and pouring beer since the Truman Administration. Old Europe (2434 Wisconsin Ave) is so old even its website looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1998. So order a large German beer and stick a fork in some hearty Teutonic fare. Naturally, there are all manner of sausages on offer—even curry wurst, the Berlin street snack that marries sausages, curry powder, and ketchup. The beer selection is excellent, including the four types of smoked beer from the beer-mecca town of Bamberg.
Monocle
If you want to break bread with senators or your favorite congressman or woman (or at least in the same room with them) then point yourself to The Monocle. Since 1960, this elegant spot has been hosting hungry diners and politicians, thanks to its location on Capitol Hill. The menu, no surprise here, focuses on all-American fare, including variations of steak, as well as calf’s liver, burgers, jumbo crab cakes, and fried chicken.
Whether you’re sipping a classic cocktail in a century-old tavern or grabbing a legendary half-smoke in a neighbourhood institution, D.C.’s historic restaurants offer a delicious way to step back in time. Pair your meal with a stroll through the city’s landmarks, and you’ll experience the capital exactly as generations before you have – through its food, stories, and spirit.
FAQs – Historic Restaurants in DC
How much should I expect to spend at historic restaurants in D.C.?
Prices vary widely depending on the restaurant’s style and location, but here are general ranges:
- Casual icons (Ben’s Chili Bowl, Florida Avenue Grill): $10–$25 per person
- Mid-range historic spots (Martin’s Tavern, Old Europe): $30–$60 per person
- Fine-dining classics (1789, Iron Gate, The Monocle): $60–$150+ per person
Holiday periods and political events may drive prices slightly higher.
How much should I tip in Washington, D.C.?
Standard tipping practices apply:
- Restaurants with table service: 18–20% of the pre-tax total.
- Bars: $1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% for tabs.
- Counter-service spots: Tipping isn’t required, but $1–$2 in a jar is always appreciated.
Note: D.C. has recently adjusted minimum wage laws for tipped workers, so tipping fairly remains important.
Do I need reservations at these restaurants?
Not always, but it depends on where you’re going. Fine-dining and political hotspots such as 1789, Old Ebbitt Grill, Iron Gate, and The Monocle strongly recommend reservations, especially during evenings and weekends. Casual institutions like Ben’s Chili Bowl operate mostly on a walk-in basis.
If you’re visiting during congressional sessions or peak tourist months (March–June, September–December), booking ahead is highly advisable.
Is parking difficult around these restaurants?
Parking in D.C. can be challenging, especially in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Downtown. Many visitors prefer ride-share services, Metro stations, or paid garages, which are widely available within walking distance of most historic restaurants. If you do plan to drive, give yourself extra time, street parking is limited, metered, and often strictly enforced.
Want to dive even deeper into Washington’s layers of history? After enjoying one of these iconic restaurants, join an expert-led guided tour and explore the stories behind the city’s most famous landmarks. From the monuments of the National Mall to the legacy of presidents and the Founding Fathers, we’ll bring the capital’s past to life.
Check out our full selection of D.C. tours and choose the perfect one to match your dates and travel style.
