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Calling all foodie history buffs and brunch enthusiasts who love a side of storytelling with their avocado toast—did you know you can still grab a meal at one of George Washington’s favorite hangouts? Yep, the same George who’s on your dollar bill. And no, this isn’t some kitschy tourist trap. This is Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia—a restaurant and museum that’s been serving up good food and even better history since the late 1700s.
Picture this: You’re sipping a craft cocktail, candlelight flickering over polished wood, and you realize that, two centuries ago, Washington himself might’ve been nursing a beer at that very same bar. And he wasn’t alone—Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams were all known to dine here too. Talk about a presidential power lunch!
Deals Over Drinks & Military Orders Over Supper
Let’s be honest—our feeds are filled with aesthetic cafes and latte art, but Gadsby’s offers something different: a dining experience steeped in history. Built in 1785 by John Wise, the tavern became a go-to gathering spot for early American leaders. John Gadsby took over the operation in 1796, and his name stuck. Back then, the “vibe” was less rustic-chic and more “plotting the future of a nation,” but the food? Equally essential.
Washington was such a regular that Gadsby’s hosted two of his legendary “Birthnight Balls” in 1798 and 1799—a post-Revolution twist on a British tradition celebrating the king’s birthday. Instead, Alexandria locals toasted their own version of royalty: General George. The 1805 ball drew over 1,000 guests—proof that a good party never goes out of style.
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Beyond the dancing and drinks, Gadsby’s was where politics got personal. Washington received his promotion to lieutenant colonel here during the French and Indian War. Later, he discussed the Fairfax Resolves right inside these walls. Even after his presidency, he came back, hosting dinners and issuing his final military order in 1798 from the tavern.
A Toast to the Past—and Your Next Weekend Plan
So, what’s on the menu? Back in Washington’s day, breakfast was simple—cold cuts, bread, and coffee. Dinner was the main event: hot, hearty, and washed down with beer (Washington was a known fan). Supper was for latecomers, usually cold leftovers with a side of political gossip.
Today, Gadsby’s keeps the colonial spirit alive with dishes like roast duck and rum punch—modernized but still echoing those 18th-century flavors. And don’t worry, you can still Insta your plate; the presentation is as timeless as the tavern itself.
Visiting Gadsby’s Tavern isn’t just dinner; it’s a time machine wrapped in a cozy dining room. You’ll leave full, maybe a little buzzed, and definitely feeling more connected to America’s early days (with some great content for your stories).
So, next time you’re in Alexandria, swap the bottomless brunch for a candlelit meal where Washington once raised a glass.