Where flavors meet
Welcome to Martin's Tavern
Martin's Tavern is a historic gem nestled in Washington, D.C., celebrated for both its rich ambiance and delectable comfort food. Known as the place where President JFK famously proposed to Jackie, this iconic establishment blends nostalgia with culinary excellence. Diners rave about generous portions, from succulent burgers to expertly cooked calamari and flavorful Brunswick stew. The inviting atmosphere encourages camaraderie, whether at the bar or in the legendary Lyndon Johnson booth. While patrons appreciate the inviting service, some have noted an unexpected operational fee that sparked discussion. Overall, Martin's Tavern remains a must-visit for those seeking a memorable dining experience steeped in history.
Chef’s Selections
Savor hand-crafted dishes and drinks
TRADITIONAL OYSTER STEW
ONION RING LOAF
Asparagus
Sautéed Spinach
Inside the Experience
Martin's Tavern
Welcome to Martin's Tavern, a storied gem located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Established with a rich history, this iconic restaurant is not just a dining destination; it's a slice of American heritage. Known for being the site where President John F. Kennedy famously proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1953, Martin's Tavern offers guests a unique blend of history and culinary delight that makes every visit memorable.
Stepping into Martin's Tavern is like stepping back in time. The historic ambiance surrounds you, particularly if you are fortunate enough to dine in the renowned Lyndon Johnson booth, where significant moments of U.S. history were discussed over hearty meals. The atmosphere is warm and inviting—a perfect setting for both intimate dinners and casual outings with friends.
The menu at Martin's Tavern reflects a commitment to comfort food, boasting dishes that are as generous in portion as they are delightful in flavor. Many patrons rave about the standout hamburgers, a hefty half-pound delight praised for its taste and quality. Guests have also enjoyed the classic fish and chips, which delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. The Original Brunswick Stew received accolades for its rich and savory profile, a comforting choice that speaks to the restaurant's dedication to American classics.
Highlighting the experience, customer reviews consistently mention the exceptional service. Friendly and attentive staff like Andrea ensure that your dining experience is as pleasant as the food itself, while the restaurant's ambiance evokes a sense of nostalgia that makes you feel right at home. However, some guests have noted the presence of a mysterious operational fee added to the bill, which has sparked curiosity and inquiries among the patrons.
For anyone looking to explore the culinary scene of D.C., Martin's Tavern is not just a meal; it's an experience rooted in history and flavor. From mouthwatering appetizers like perfectly cooked calamari to decadent desserts like the famous bread pudding, every dish is crafted with care. As you savor each bite, you're not just fulfilling your appetite—you're engaging with a legacy that spans generations.
Next time you find yourself in D.C., make it a point to visit Martin's Tavern, where every meal tells a story, and every visit is an opportunity to create new memories.
What Guests Say
Guestbook
“ I had a hamburger at Martin’s Tavern this afternoon. It was a full 1/2 pound and it was excellent. The service was excellent, and the portions were quite generous. The one strange thing on the bill was an operational fee of 6%. I asked two different servers what this was for and they could not explain. A copy of the bill is attached. I feel that it would be more appropriate from a customer satisfaction standpoint that they just increase the prices of everything by 6% rather than having a 6% operational fee attached to the bill. Martin’s Tavern has been around for many years. It is a lot of fun to sit in the booths which were used by presidents and other famous luminaries. They even have have places where they sat at Martin’s Tavern labeled. ”
“ Absolutely blown away by our experience at Martin's Tavern for my birthday dinner! From the moment we were seated in the historic Lyndon Johnson booth – what a thrill! – to the last bite of the incredible bread pudding, everything was simply perfect. We started with the calamari, which was perfectly cooked and a delicious way to begin. For our mains, the fish and chips were classic and satisfying, and the lobster risotto was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. But the true showstopper was the bread pudding dessert. It was truly incredible – warm, decadent, and the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. Beyond the delicious food, our waiter was so friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome and well cared for throughout the evening. The atmosphere in the tavern is steeped in history and charm, adding to the overall wonderful experience. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this dinner and experience. Martin's Tavern is a must-visit for a special occasion or just a memorable night out. Highly recommend! ”
“ My fiancé recommended me this D.C. classic restaurant before I traveled to the Capital City last week. He told me President JFK proposed First Lady Jackie at this place back in 1953 when his predecessor was in office. Therefore I decided to give it a try during my short stay in The Beltway. The first meal I ordered that Friday night was an Original Brunswick Stew. It was a delicious soup which reminded me of the beef stew my own grandmother cooked when I was growing up in my native Bolivia. The deliciousness of their stew led me to try their own Grandma Martin’s Meatloaf. This delicious meatloaf is made of a soft beef cut which made it fall off the fork with the first cut. It also melts in your mouth with tenderness. I could not help but pairing it with a Diora Pinot Noir wine. What a great combination it was. Martin’s Tavern therefore became the only restaurant during my stay in DC to which I went back for a second time. Because my cousin wanted to try it after I told him about it. I must recognize that despite how busy the restaurant was when I stepped a foot inside, Ramon managed to shorten my wait time to even less than 10 minutes. He made sure I received a personalized attention, I should say. He possesses a great amount of emotional intelligence and empathy for those who are lone patrons like I was. His customer service skills contributed to my return to this place. On the second time, he was even more attentive than usual. He offered my cousin a glass of orange juice free of charge after I told him he needed something sweet. This beverage placated my relative until Jose Zelaya, our server in the second night, brought us dinner. My cousin ordered Calamari and Shrimp, which quenched his hunger momentarily until his Atlantic Salmon came. He was highly satisfied with how his fish fillet was cooked. We also drank wine. He had a glass of Girlan Pinot Grigio while I had a glass of Mar de Fredes Albariño. I cannot complain about José’s customer service skills at all. Unlike Solomon who served me the first night, Jose’s middle name is attentiveness. He was attentive to our table ensuring we were having a good time. I am not the kindest tipper in the world but he truly earned his 20 percent tip. I honestly love the atmosphere of this restaurant. Its appearance truly reflects the one of an American Traditional Restaurant. It has remained stuck in the times of Old Georgetown. Everything is brown inside. From the chairs and tables to the bar and stools to its very own walls. I do not mind, however. Because that is the reason you come to a historic landmark like this establishment. Furthermore, when specific events which took place at its location enhance its prestige. If you are looking for a historical gastronomical landmark in your next trip to DC, then you better come to Martin’s Tavern. Their food only gets better with time. Its culinary staff truly take pride in cooking American traditional cuisine. But their delicious product would not be the same without the amazing customer service Ramon and others provide us patrons within their atmosphere. Thank You Very Much for everything Guys! ”
“ Amazing atmosphere. Strongly recommend to reserve the table at least a day in advance, especially when you're a group of more than two people. The food was great, particularly the oyster stew-mind blowing. The service was nice. The menu had kid's friendly choices. ”
“ The food was fresh and quickly delivered, cooked to perfection (fish was perfectly pan seared, fish and chips as well, beef served as ordered). Service was excellent. But the operational fee was a surprise, 5-6% it is quite a lot and unexpected. We have been visiting the place years ago, and cannot remember this fee. ”