As the United States gets ready to choose its next President, Washington, DC, is buzzing with rhetoric, promises and big Donald Trump versus Kamala Harris debate. However, there is more to the American capital than its political overtones, it is a culinary destination – from crave-worthy dishes served by celebrity chefs to delicious drinks when chili-smothered and half smoked served in a diner, DC has it all. And over the years, every US President has had his own favorite restaurant. Here’s a look at the Washington, DC restaurants favored by 7 US Presidents.
US presidents and their favorite Washington DC restaurants
President Barack Obama (1961): Oyamel Mexican Cuisine
One of the Obama family’s favorites is José Andrés’ Oyamel, a Mexican eatery and Bib Gourmand honoree. Founded in 2004 and located in the vibrant Downtown DC area, José Andrés and his team at Oyamel combine the rich regional diversity of Mexico with the vibrant urban atmosphere of Mexico City. The liveliness of the dining room is matched by the creativity of the menu and cocktail list, featuring antojitos (Mexican small plates) ceviches and tacos, plus unique margaritas, and an impressive array of wines, tequila and mezcal.
Average cost of a meal for two: Under $30
Address: Corner of Wisconsin Avenue and N Street in Georgetown, Washington, DC
Read also | Ivanka Trump became philanthropic and participated in Hurricane Helene disaster relief, making a SpaceX donation in North Carolina
John F. Kennedy (1917-1961): Martin’s Tavern
Founded in 1933 by former Major League Baseball player, “Billy” Martin, Martin’s Tavern has served US presidents from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush, senators, secretaries of state, baseball greats, and more. John F. Kennedy lived two blocks from Martin’s. Every Sunday after Mass at Holy Trinity, he comes to Martin’s, reads his Sunday paper, and enjoys breakfast at Booth #1. Years later, Martin’s staff and customers would watch JFK write the first draft of his inaugural address. On June 24, 1953, JFK proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier in Booth #3 (now called The Proposal Booth).
President Nixon enjoyed Meatloaf Martin at Booth #2 and it was at Booth #6 that President Harry Truman and his wife Bess once dined with their daughter Margaret. The plaque above the booth will tell you that famous people have sat there before you.
Average cost of a meal for two: $30-$40
Address: 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
President Joe Biden (1942): Eneng Jeni Ice Cream
Joe Biden’s love for ice cream is well documented and so is Biden’s relationship with Jeni Britton Bauer, the James Beard Award-winning founder of Jeni’s. In 2016, when he was vice president, Biden even visited Jeni’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, for a press conference on wages. After Columbus Monthly featured ‘Jeni’s and Joe Biden: A Love Story,’ Biden headed to the Barracks Row DC location of the Ohio-based chain. He enjoyed the waffle cone with chocolate peanut butter flecks and blackout chocolate cake. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is launching a limited-time ‘White House Chocolate Chip’, a flavor inspired by Biden’s favorite order: a double scoop of chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone.
Average cost of a meal for two: $12-$24
Address: 526 8th St. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Bill Clinton (1946-): Filomena Restaurant
For more than forty years, Filomena has offered an unparalleled Italian fine-dining experience in the neighborhood of Georgetown in Washington, DC Founded by Joanna Filomena in 1983, Filomena Ristorante has been dishing out fresh, handmade pasta (you can watch our famous restaurant Pasta Mamas. Prepare daily feasts from scratch) and classic Italian dishes for celebrities and presidents for more than thirty years. President Bill Clinton’s favorite dish at Filomena Ristorante in Washington, DC, is the Linguini Cardinale, a pasta dish made with lobster meat in a creamy lobster sauce over linguini ($59).
Read also | Cheryl Hines is reportedly planning to divorce RFK Jr, not because of Olivia Nuzzi but because…
Average cost of a meal for two: $45-$80
Address: 1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007
President George HW Bush (1924-2018): The Palm
According to The Palm’s website, in 1972, George HW Bush, who was the US Ambassador to the United Nations at the time, encouraged the New York owner of The Palm to bring ‘good American fare’ to Washington, DC as well. The steakhouse became a hit, and became a popular haunt for several Presidents including President Richard Nixon.
Average cost of a meal for two: $100
Address: 1225 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919): Old Ebbitt grill
Established in 1856, the Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon, just steps from The White House. As a former boarding house, Ebbitt has a formidable guest list – President McKinley is said to have stayed there during his term in Congress, and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Warren Harding are said to have refreshed themselves. stand-around bar. The Old Ebbitt has amassed a respected collection of antiques and memorabilia. Along the way, the restaurant acquired beer steins, animal heads (reputedly bagged by Teddy Roosevelt) and wooden bears said to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton for his private bar.
Average cost of a meal for two: $40-$60
Address: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
President George Washington (1732-1799): Gadsby’s Tavern
A little outside of DC, in the neighboring state of Virginia, George Washington’s favorite was Gadsby’s Tavern which was established in 1770. Washington frequented the Tavern, setting a precedent for future presidents; John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe all paid visits as well. Today, the building serves as both a museum and a restaurant, where you can enjoy Washington’s favorite meal: a half roasted duck served with corn pudding, roasted potatoes, rhotekraut (red cabbage dish), and cherry orange glacé.
Alexandria, VA is accessible to Washington, DC by Metro train and City Experiences water taxi.
Average cost of a meal for two: $30
Address: 138 N. Royal Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314
#Presidents #Favorite #Restaurants #Washington