The 10 Best Restaurants In Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Situated in a Federal period house, 1789 Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with six dining rooms decorated with beautiful antiques, prints, and china. Serving up seasonal American fare, 1789 Restaurant incorporates only the freshest of produce in support of the farm-to-table movement. You might want to start with a roasted chestnut soup and jumbo lump crab fondue to accompany the freshly baked bread basket, or maybe save room for aged New York strip with roasted mushroom puree, potatoes, butter-braised cabbage, charred Cipollini onion, and Bordelaise. The servers at 1789 are attentive and knowledgeable, and the ambiance of the place will take you back to another time. Expect to be addressed as ‘sir’ and ‘madame’ throughout your meal, and let the environment of low ceilings, old wood, and cozy stairwells envelop you in an experience of historic authentic charm.

Address and telephone number: 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 965 1789

Since 1933, Martin’s Tavern has been owned and operated by members of the Martin family. In the midst of the Great Depression and the beginning of the Repeal of Prohibition, the tavern was opened by the Martin family. Martin’s still exhibits its original homely appeal with a friendly staff and the cozy interior of wooden booths and historic décor. The extensive menu has just about anything you could ask for in American eats, with items like New England clam chowder and French onion soup, BBQ shrimp, mussels, crab cakes, salads, fish and chips, meatloaf, and tavern burgers, plus specialties like lobster risotto, salmon filet, filet mignon, and chicken teriyaki. Martin’s is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks and you’ll always find a warm atmosphere.
Address and telephone number: 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 333 7370

Morton’s The Steakhouse was born with the making of a hamburger. Before co-founders Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch really knew each other, they both worked at the Playboy club in Montreal. The menu was changing, and when Arnie tasted the burger that Klaus had made, he claimed it was the best burger he has ever tasted. Since that day, Morton’s has opened locations all over the U.S. and grown to provide a more upscale experience with aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare. Georgetown’s Morton’s is acclaimed for its elegant ambiance, charm, attentive staff, and excellent food. Menu items include an extensive list of appetizers like jumbo lump crab meat and lobster cocktails, as well as prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, prime steaks and signature dishes like Cajun ribeye and shrimp scampi capellini, and decadent desserts like fresh berries, key lime pie, and double chocolate mousse.
Address and telephone number: 3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 342 6258

Clyde’s of Georgetown is a legendary saloon that has had a hand in transforming the row of watering holes on M St into the commercial destination it is today. Famous for its original oak bar and fantastic menu of American food, Clyde’s has been decorated over the years to include cozy booth seating, a lovely French limestone fireplace, and antique aircraft and sports memorabilia. The new looks adds to the homely charm of the place where guests come to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks, as well as a late night menu for the bar-goers. Using locally-grown produce, hormone-free beef, and house-made dessert, Clyde’s holds the freshness and quality of their food in great importance. For a saloon atmosphere with good food and friendly service, Clyde’s may just have the casual meal you are looking for.
Address and telephone number: 3236 M St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 333 9180

Old Glory savors the flavors of good old fashioned all-American barbecue. The menu offers genuinely slow cooked meats and an array of regional house-made barbecue sauces and dry rubs that reflect the styles developed in some of our America’s greatest barbecue locales. From St. Louis ribs to BBQ chicken, pulled pork to smoked brisket, a list of glorious burgers, and ‘heapin’ helpin’s’ of anything from coleslaw and fries to campfire BBQ beans; Old Glory has just about anything you can think of to satisfy those barbecue cravings. The aromas will hit at soon as you walk in, sweet and savory and full of spices that add the perfect amount of flavor to the expertly cooked meats.

Address and telephone number: 3139 M St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 337 3406

The inspiration for Filomena Ristorante came from one woman’s inspiration from her mother’s ability to make every dinner a special occasion. Dedicated to family, mother Filomena put love and care into every aspect of the traditional Italian dinner, from a freshly ironed tablecloth to a vase of flowers from the garden. The mission of Filomena Ristorante adheres to these ideals, paying close attention to every detail of the dining experience. While the décor of the place is very homely, changing with each holiday, the food takes on a comforting appeal as well with old world traditional recipes. True to Italian cuisine, the menu includes a list of antipasta, insalata, pasta, carne e pollame, and pesce. You can even watch the pasta being freshly made in the kitchen through a glass window. For an experience that is more than just an in-and-out dinner, Filomena’s will welcome you.

Address and telephone number: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 338 8800

For the pizza enthusiast, Pizzeria Paradiso makes the kind of pizza where the crust is the most important part. They let their dough rise slowly, work it by hand, and decorate it with the finest quality toppings. In addition to the renowned pizza, Pizzeria Paradiso also has a list of Italian salads, starters, and paninis, plus a variety of wines and an extensive beer menu with 15 on tap and over 200 of the bottled variety. The atmosphere of the place is bustling with plenty of seating, and the service is attentive and friendly. Do not miss the weekday happy hour 5pm to 8pm Monday-Friday with $4 beers and discount on pizza as well as appetizers.
Address and telephone number: 3282 M St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 337 1245

The Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar is celebrated as one of the best and oldest seafood restaurants in Georgetown D.C. Located in the historic Canal Square Building built in 1842, the restaurant sits on a place of intricate history. In warmer weather, guests can dine alfresco on the deck, enjoying views of the C&O Canal and traditional Georgetown Courtyard, and in colder months the romantic stone fireplace, deep colors and rich, dark woods keep visitors warm and cozy indoors. No matter the atmosphere, people come to Sea Catch for the exceptionally fresh seafood. Enjoy traditional soups like lobster bisque and New England clam chowder, a variety of shellfish from the raw bar, and main dishes like seafood fettuccine, Chesapeake crab cakes, shrimp scampi, Atlantic salmon, scallops, and whole Maine lobsters. Happy Hour specials (weekdays 5pm-7pm) feature $1 oysters and half price drinks to pair with your shellfish of choice.
Address and telephone number: 1054 31st St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 337 8855

Established in 1889, J.Paul’s has become an iconic American dining saloon in the heart of Georgetown, D.C. With some of the most unique décor around, the bar features a 100-year old mahogany shotgun bar built by the Brunswick Balke Coolander Company with a history of its own. Previously housed in a grand saloon in the Chicago stockyards and many believe that Al Capone himself walked up to that very bar. To add to the allure, the décor also features antique brass elevator doors from New York’s Waldorf Astoria. But beyond looks, J.Paul’s also boasts a menu of American classics: saloon sliders and burgers in addition to entrees like the crab cake platter, Georgia Brown’s fried chicken, baby back ribs, grilled salmon, and New York strip served with steak fries. For seafood lovers, J.Paul’s features a raw bar with oysters, and for the bunch looking for a small bite and beer, Happy Hour offers discounts on weekdays 4pm to 7pm. You might also want to try J.Paul’s award winning 1889 Amber Ale, a secret blend passed down through many generations.
Address and telephone number: 3218 M St NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 333 3450