Georgetown – Though it is older than the City of Washington, the storefronts of this Potomac River facing town seem to have been updated to what now looks like the village version of NYC’s Fifth Avenue. In between the brand labeled facades, Martin’s Tavern is easy to spot for its corner location and Irish pub exterior. Having arrived late into the night, shopping wasn’t on our agenda, but dinner was.
Choosing Martin’s Tavern wasn’t left to chance. I had read of it being one of the few establishments still standing since the Great Depression; opened by an Irish family with roots stretching back to the 1800′s in this former blue collar labourer’s port. Perhaps more renowned for its associations with serving monumental figures such as Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and even Richard Nixon*, also knowing that this was the on-bended-knee location of JFK had intrigued enough to make a reservation.
My husband and I held court in ‘The Nixon Booth’. Its history reads like this:
“Richard Nixon dined at Martin’s Tavern throughout the 1940′s and 1950′s while serving as a Representative, Senator, and Vice President. He enjoyed Martin’s Meatloaf and most often dined with his wife Pat or congressional colleagues.”
Though we cannot vouch for the Meatloaf, the seared tuna, and hamburger-with-the-lot were healthy servings of good pub fare.
Now, about that booth:
JFK and Jackie frequently dined in Booth 3 at Martin’s Tavern. Having returned from covering the coronation of Queen Elizabeth for the Washington Times Herald, Jacqueline Bouvier accepted John’s proposal. The next day the Tavern was abuzz with staff and guests talking about the “nice young Kennedy congressman” proposing to his girlfriend in their favourite Booth. It has been known as “The Proposal Booth” since that day.
That’s how this history reads on the one-sheeter distributed at each table anyway. Cheers!
*All quotes sourced from Martin’s Tavern – website and in-restaurant
Never been there! Sounds like a must see now!
It was cute! You’d love it!
Great post and great pictures, all of them. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Gariele – that’s so kind of you. Tough taking photos when eating in a small space so I am glad they worked out!
Excellent post – what a cool little piece of history:)
Thanks Roger – and I did sit in Nixon’s booth too
That tuna looks fantastic Marina. An interesting history. I have a friend who went to Georgetown University. Always fancied a visit. If ever I do, Martin’s Tavern will be on the list.
Hi Adrian! Great food (lots of it) and unfortunately at night, we didn’t manage to do a whole lot of sightseeing. When I return, it will be Georgetown (Day) and Washington City (Night)
Thanks!
Haven’t been there in years, need to return soon
Ditto – I need to as well!
I will put this on my list the next time I go to DC! Thanks for the great review Marina!
My pleasure – I hope you enjoy it Karen!
I like the places that have some historic events around them… nice post Marina
Thanks so much Bashar. The history puts things into some kind of perspective – everything we see is built up from it
That tuna does look amazing! Mmm.
Neat historic details and the rich tones of your images are lovely.
Thanks so much Karen. So much tuna was served (and shared). It is a cute spot – I’d recommend it, especially on a cold winter’s day!
Wow, that’s cool! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
Only been there once. Historic! You should collect all of your guides in a e-book. Think they could sell really well.
Oh, thanks so much Pedro. I don’t know – for now, the blog is pleasure and I am glad you think others will find it helpful too. Glad to share with you!
VEry interesting Marina! I’ve been to DC twice but I didn’t know about this historical places… So now when I get back I mean to go see them for myself
It’s a pretty cool story and being in a space puts things into a bit of perspective
When you go back, you’ll enjoy! Thanks!
This food and drink combo is to die for.
It was all good!
thanks
I have to agree with Pedro: you gathered so much info about so many places. This is the kind of information I would look for before visiting a place. A good use for the 35 mm lens, I guess
Thanks Sifrim – using a camera is a good way to remember and document. The prime lens is my favourite. I never take it off!
aww, such a romantic booth
By the way, that food looks amazing!
It was so filling!! But a hearty meal for sure!
Awesome! I’ll have to remember Martin’s if we do another trip to DC.
It’s a fun spot – I’m sure you’d get a laugh out of it fergiemoto!