Didn't get the full treatment as the wait was more than 1-1/2 hours.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Gabby Richardson
What a disappointment. We were with friends who are regulars on the back patio and the front had a queue. Even though we were spending money and with REGULARS the restaurant wouldn’t let us in the side door to use the restroom or buy more drinks for the bar. Absolutely disappointing and a power trip.
Food: 1
Service: 1
X
Great vibe and food. Recommended by a friend.
The oysters in the soup are plump and fresh. The cream is a bit salty but goes well with the bread.
Fried green tomato is really fun. My first time. Meaty and juicy like fried oyster but more refreshing. The batter is well seasoned too.
Excellent shepherd pie. Lamb aroma is strong. Better than most ones I had in Britain. Golden cheddar appreciated.
Calf livers are tasty, though it’s definitely not medium. Not tough. The bacon slices are well cooked. Many beans, which is nice.
The side asparagus is surprisingly big and robust :)
Most prices are decent for such establishment (except for the fish and chips haha)
Food came fast. Alcohol takes a bit more time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven Gwiz
This is a warm cozy classic cafe that serves regional comfort food that is elevated and certainly not pretentious. They have done a great job decorating for the holidays!! Our server “Jason” was welcoming, warm, engaged and extremely efficient! Highly recommend this establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peter Durkin
You cannot live in or visit Washington, DC without experiencing Martin's. It's one of the most amazing places in the city. The food, history, service, and people are exceptional. All the booths from JFK's proposal one to Nixon to Madeleine Albright are unique and so cool to sit in. If it's your first time visiting Martin's definitely make a reservation - even getting a spot at the bar can sometimes be difficult. They always have beautiful seasonal decorations. Perfect for all occasions especially celebrations!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M
Martins Tavern is a staple of this community. Always socially popping and their food is great. Some of the tastiest, filling, and comforting food in the area. But I seriously believe because of their legacy, the staff and operations are so entitled that they don’t care about quality of service. They are hoping the name and food and social environment does all the work for them. Been here enough to know if you aren’t a regular, you will be straight up ignored and served last, even if you ordered and arrived first. I really mean it. If you’re not a regular they won’t care about you at all. Been here enough to notice that, but not enough to be recognized. And I know a bunch of regulars there. Level of service they explain versus what I get is way different. And I’m always a super nice easy and respectful guest.
Sofia L.
This is one of my fav places to go to when I am in DC to grab drinks! Their Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini’s are to die for.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Christian Schoenberg
Our party of three entered the restaurant around 5:30 pm for a quick drink and fries before going out for dinner. Even as most tables were empty , we weren’t allowed to sit at a table unless we ordered a full meal (which is okay). The maitre d’ was so rude about it that we were taken aback - almost as if we were trying to pull something over on him 🤷♂️. Instead we were told we could have fries and drinks by the bar where two spots were available at the left end of the bar. We ordered 1 Guinness, onion rings and potato skins, and a couple of drinks. Having ordered the food and by now halfway through our drinks, the maitre d’ brusquely informed us we couldn’t stand by the bar either and shouted at the bartender. We had to cancel the bar order. What the hell is going on here?! I’ve only ever had good experiences there but this is just too much!
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Christine P
When you want a true experience in Georgetown, go to Martin’s. I have never in my life had such an incredible experience at a restaurant. The food was impeccable. The espresso martinis were amazing. The service, well I can tell you right now being in the hospitality industry, it was five star. Don’t miss this restaurant. Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul
Recently visited DC from Boston. I had heard about Martin’s, especially the French onion soup, a lot, to the point that I almost thought it would be too difficult to get any. Fortunately, this was not the case. Booked on Resy, and the wonderful folks at Martin’s took care of the rest! I want to give a special shout-out to Jason, our server, for being the best and really adding to the experience! He walked us through many other menu highlights, so we’ve gotta come back! Thank you to him for answering our questions and being so easy to talk to! He even told us how old the building was! We went hoping we’d appreciate the French onion soup (done!), but we also left with a wider understanding of life in DC. That meant a lot as a visitor. Thank you again, Jason! The hostess was also very nice! A most fulfilling and truly memorable experience. Much appreciated! We’ll be back, and we’ve already told others that they’ve gotta stop by too!
A memorable stop in our DC trip. The food was excellent, with Marvin’s Delight and Shepherds Pie being top notch and packed with flavor. The bread pudding was so amazing and out of this world. The restaurant felt a little crowded, but overall I would highly recommend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tina Liprando
Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown is one of those places that doesn’t just keep its charm over the years… it somehow multiplies it. This Georgetown institution is the definition of timeless, and my recent Wednesday afternoon visit proved exactly why.
After a short wait, we snagged two coveted seats at the bar and were immediately greeted by Nep, the bartender everyone deserves but few are lucky enough to meet. His personality alone could make a bad day better, but paired with his humor and spot-on recommendations, he set the tone for a fantastic afternoon.
We started with what might sound simple: the hand-breaded chicken tenders. Let me assure you, there is nothing basic about these. They come out as a full entrée disguised as an appetizer and I regret absolutely nothing. Crispy, flavorful, served with fries, and worth every bite.
I followed with the Chef’s soup of the day, a tomato-based chowder that was rich, cozy, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. My dining partner went for the oyster stew and proceeded to rave about it as if he had discovered fire.
Still working through the chicken tenders, we decided to stay in the appetizer lane and ordered the classic shrimp cocktail. Perfectly chilled, perfectly simple, perfectly Martin’s.
To seal the deal, we finished with the homemade apple pie, naturally topped with ice cream. It was one of those desserts that makes all conversation stop for a moment because you’re too busy enjoying it.
Throughout it all, Nep kept the afternoon lively with great wine recommendations and even better conversation. He’s the kind of bartender who makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.
Bottom line: go for the history, stay for the food, and absolutely ask for Nep.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ro
Martin's Tavern is a true gem in Georgetown, seamlessly blending rich history with an inviting dining experience. Established in 1933, this iconic restaurant is renowned for its mouthwatering crab cakes and hearty burgers, which we had to get along with the best French onion soup. It’s not unusual to spot politicians and other notable figures enjoying a meal here, adding to the tavern's charm. Be sure to request Booth 5, where John F. Kennedy famously proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Sitting there feels like a step back in time. With its warm atmosphere and storied past, Martin's Tavern is a must-visit for anyone seeking both delicious food and a slice of American history.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Whalen
Martin's Tavern: A Piece of Living History Martin's Tavern is more than just a bar—it is a significant piece of D.C. history where countless important interactions have taken place!
Most famously, it is the spot where J.F.K. proposed to Jackie, and sitting in that same booth was a major highlight (especially for my wife!). This is a cool bar and an awesome place to hang out for a cold drink, but be warned: it gets quite crowded. For that reason, I highly recommend making reservations before visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arefeh Gh
What a great experience! The restaurant’s vibe is magnificent, the service is fantastic, and the food is incredibly tasty. Everything we tried was delicious and truly satisfying. I would definitely recommend it!
Didn't get the full treatment as the wait was more than 1-1/2 hours.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
What a disappointment. We were with friends who are regulars on the back patio and the front had a queue. Even though we were spending money and with REGULARS the restaurant wouldn’t let us in the side door to use the restroom or buy more drinks for the bar. Absolutely disappointing and a power trip.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great vibe and food. Recommended by a friend.
The oysters in the soup are plump and fresh. The cream is a bit salty but goes well with the bread.
Fried green tomato is really fun. My first time. Meaty and juicy like fried oyster but more refreshing. The batter is well seasoned too.
Excellent shepherd pie. Lamb aroma is strong. Better than most ones I had in Britain. Golden cheddar appreciated.
Calf livers are tasty, though it’s definitely not medium. Not tough. The bacon slices are well cooked. Many beans, which is nice.
The side asparagus is surprisingly big and robust :)
Most prices are decent for such establishment (except for the fish and chips haha)
Food came fast. Alcohol takes a bit more time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a warm cozy classic cafe that serves regional comfort food that is elevated and certainly not pretentious. They have done a great job decorating for the holidays!! Our server “Jason” was welcoming, warm, engaged and extremely efficient! Highly recommend this establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You cannot live in or visit Washington, DC without experiencing Martin's. It's one of the most amazing places in the city. The food, history, service, and people are exceptional. All the booths from JFK's proposal one to Nixon to Madeleine Albright are unique and so cool to sit in. If it's your first time visiting Martin's definitely make a reservation - even getting a spot at the bar can sometimes be difficult. They always have beautiful seasonal decorations. Perfect for all occasions especially celebrations!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martins Tavern is a staple of this community. Always socially popping and their food is great. Some of the tastiest, filling, and comforting food in the area. But I seriously believe because of their legacy, the staff and operations are so entitled that they don’t care about quality of service. They are hoping the name and food and social environment does all the work for them. Been here enough to know if you aren’t a regular, you will be straight up ignored and served last, even if you ordered and arrived first. I really mean it. If you’re not a regular they won’t care about you at all. Been here enough to notice that, but not enough to be recognized. And I know a bunch of regulars there. Level of service they explain versus what I get is way different. And I’m always a super nice easy and respectful guest.
This is one of my fav places to go to when I am in DC to grab drinks! Their Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini’s are to die for.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Our party of three entered the restaurant around 5:30 pm for a quick drink and fries before going out for dinner. Even as most tables were empty , we weren’t allowed to sit at a table unless we ordered a full meal (which is okay). The maitre d’ was so rude about it that we were taken aback - almost as if we were trying to pull something over on him 🤷♂️. Instead we were told we could have fries and drinks by the bar where two spots were available at the left end of the bar. We ordered 1 Guinness, onion rings and potato skins, and a couple of drinks. Having ordered the food and by now halfway through our drinks, the maitre d’ brusquely informed us we couldn’t stand by the bar either and shouted at the bartender. We had to cancel the bar order. What the hell is going on here?! I’ve only ever had good experiences there but this is just too much!
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
When you want a true experience in Georgetown, go to Martin’s. I have never in my life had such an incredible experience at a restaurant. The food was impeccable. The espresso martinis were amazing. The service, well I can tell you right now being in the hospitality industry, it was five star. Don’t miss this restaurant. Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recently visited DC from Boston. I had heard about Martin’s, especially the French onion soup, a lot, to the point that I almost thought it would be too difficult to get any. Fortunately, this was not the case. Booked on Resy, and the wonderful folks at Martin’s took care of the rest! I want to give a special shout-out to Jason, our server, for being the best and really adding to the experience! He walked us through many other menu highlights, so we’ve gotta come back! Thank you to him for answering our questions and being so easy to talk to! He even told us how old the building was! We went hoping we’d appreciate the French onion soup (done!), but we also left with a wider understanding of life in DC. That meant a lot as a visitor. Thank you again, Jason! The hostess was also very nice! A most fulfilling and truly memorable experience. Much appreciated! We’ll be back, and we’ve already told others that they’ve gotta stop by too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
A memorable stop in our DC trip. The food was excellent, with Marvin’s Delight and Shepherds Pie being top notch and packed with flavor. The bread pudding was so amazing and out of this world. The restaurant felt a little crowded, but overall I would highly recommend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown is one of those places that doesn’t just keep its charm over the years… it somehow multiplies it. This Georgetown institution is the definition of timeless, and my recent Wednesday afternoon visit proved exactly why.
After a short wait, we snagged two coveted seats at the bar and were immediately greeted by Nep, the bartender everyone deserves but few are lucky enough to meet. His personality alone could make a bad day better, but paired with his humor and spot-on recommendations, he set the tone for a fantastic afternoon.
We started with what might sound simple: the hand-breaded chicken tenders. Let me assure you, there is nothing basic about these. They come out as a full entrée disguised as an appetizer and I regret absolutely nothing. Crispy, flavorful, served with fries, and worth every bite.
I followed with the Chef’s soup of the day, a tomato-based chowder that was rich, cozy, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. My dining partner went for the oyster stew and proceeded to rave about it as if he had discovered fire.
Still working through the chicken tenders, we decided to stay in the appetizer lane and ordered the classic shrimp cocktail. Perfectly chilled, perfectly simple, perfectly Martin’s.
To seal the deal, we finished with the homemade apple pie, naturally topped with ice cream. It was one of those desserts that makes all conversation stop for a moment because you’re too busy enjoying it.
Throughout it all, Nep kept the afternoon lively with great wine recommendations and even better conversation. He’s the kind of bartender who makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.
Bottom line: go for the history, stay for the food, and absolutely ask for Nep.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin's Tavern is a true gem in Georgetown, seamlessly blending rich history with an inviting dining experience. Established in 1933, this iconic restaurant is renowned for its mouthwatering crab cakes and hearty burgers, which we had to get along with the best French onion soup. It’s not unusual to spot politicians and other notable figures enjoying a meal here, adding to the tavern's charm. Be sure to request Booth 5, where John F. Kennedy famously proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Sitting there feels like a step back in time. With its warm atmosphere and storied past, Martin's Tavern is a must-visit for anyone seeking both delicious food and a slice of American history.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin's Tavern: A Piece of Living History
Martin's Tavern is more than just a bar—it is a significant piece of D.C. history where countless important interactions have taken place!
Most famously, it is the spot where J.F.K. proposed to Jackie, and sitting in that same booth was a major highlight (especially for my wife!). This is a cool bar and an awesome place to hang out for a cold drink, but be warned: it gets quite crowded. For that reason, I highly recommend making reservations before visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great experience!
The restaurant’s vibe is magnificent, the service is fantastic, and the food is incredibly tasty.
Everything we tried was delicious and truly satisfying.
I would definitely recommend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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