Toasting 90 Years of Martin’s in Georgetown

Nestled in the heart of historic Georgetown, Martin’s has been a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike. For 90 years, this iconic restaurant and bar has served as a neighborhood watering hole, a gathering hotspot, and a marker of historic happenings.

On September 12th, the Georgetown community came together to celebrate Martin’s 90th Anniversary party in grand style. A road was even shut down for the overflowing crowd!

Since its inception in 1933, Martin’s has been owned and operated by four generations of family. Every president from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush was served, as well as many of Washington’s most prominent movers and shakers, Hollywood notables, and other famous faces.

There’s booth #24 — where Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and novice Texas congressman Lyndon Baines Johnson sat in the 40s to discuss legislative procedures; then-Senator Harry Truman frequently dined in booth #6 with his wife Bess, and daughter Margaret (who later put Martin’s into the plot of her murder mysteries Murder in Foggy Bottom … and Murder in Georgetown); Richard Nixon loved eating Martin’s meatloaf in booth #2 for years; and one of our favorites — on June 24, 1953, JFK proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier in booth #3.

With all of these major moments (and more!) happening at Martin’s, the grand 90th anniversary was destined to be a splendid affair, attracting a diverse crowd of supporters.

Guests indulged in flowing drinks and a delectable array, of savories and sweets. A grand seafood tower and Martin’s famous crab cakes were among the popular eats, as well as a 90th-anniversary cake.

And to continue the celebration, through the remainder of the year, Martin’s Tavern will feature three 90th-anniversary cocktails — a reset of 1933 drinks with 2023 sensibilities.  These special cocktails (the French 75, Sidecar, and The Last Word) will be priced from $12 to $14, and 100 percent of the proceeds from their sale to benefit the Georgetown Ministry Center.

Also, from October 2-5^th, Martin’s Tavern will be rolling back the prices on selected dishes to their original prices from the restaurant’s 1933 menu (exclusively during lunch service). Choices include a Cup of Clam Chowder for $.20, and Sandwich choices of Ham and Egg, Ham and Cheese, Bacon and Egg, or Corn Beef, all priced at $.20.  Chicken Ala King will also be offered at $.85, and 3 Fried Oysters, Coleslaw and French Fries for $.35.

Here’s to another 90 years of elegance, excellence, and unforgettable memories at Martin’s of Georgetown DC!