Savor History and Hospitality at Martin’s Tavern: A Georgetown Institution

Washington, D.C., has many famous dining institutions. Martin’s Tavern is one of the most iconic and immediately comes to mind when I think of dining in Georgetown. 

The history here is incredible. Opened in 1933, Martin’s is still locally family-owned by its current Fourth Generation. Every President, from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush, has come into the restaurant seeking what everyone loves – a good meal, meaningful conversation, and relaxation. 

If the walls in Martin’s could speak, it would be hard to imagine the stories they would tell. Many bronze plaques label the famous booths.  

Nearly every Sunday after Mass, John F. Kennedy lived a couple of blocks away and would come to Booth #1 for breakfast while reading the Sunday paper. He even drafted part of his presidential inaugural speech in the restaurant. 

Dining at Martin’s Tavern

There is the Proposal Booth… Booth #3. This is where JFK proposed to Jackie in 1953 when he was still a Senator from Massachusetts. Booth #3 also hosted five Supreme Court justices in 1954 as they discussed Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark decision that ended school segregation.

The Nixon Booth, or Booth #2, was where he enjoyed the famous Martin’s Meatloaf with colleagues during his career on Capitol Hill before becoming president. 

Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and young Texas congressman Lyndon B. Johnson dined in Booth #24 dozens of times during the 1940s.

Before becoming President, Missouri Senator Harry Truman often ate in Booth #6 with his wife, Bess, and daughter, Margaret.

And that is just a snapshot of the history here. For over 90 years, Martin’s Tavern has been a meeting place for visitors and locals, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

A little bit of personal history.  My husband and I have dined here several times.  The first time he surprised me with a reservation, I was floored and beyond excited about the history. It was a genuine surprise. “Let’s go check out this place,” my husband said, pointing across the street.  “It’s gonna be great. It’s been open since 1933.” 

We walked into the small, bustling restaurant. We had a reservation for a booth: The Proposal Booth. We hadn’t even taken off our coats when he pointed out the plaque and explained that this was where JFK proposed to Jackie. Then he pulled out a box. My jaw dropped. With the biggest smile, he proposed. I said yes, of course. 

After I recovered from the shock, we ordered cocktails and enjoyed a beautifully prepared meal. 

If you find yourself in Georgetown, consider visiting a living piece of history and enjoying the best meal you’ll come by in town. I know we will be returning again and again.