Martin's Tavern

Martin's Tavern is a classic American tavern at 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW in the Georgetown neighbourhood of Washington, D.C., United States. It has been open since 1933 and is known for Booth 3, the booth where John F. Kennedy is said to have proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier, which draws visitors interested in the history of the capital. The menu is traditional American tavern food. Burgers, crab cakes, clam chowder and club sandwiches are the signature dishes, and the cooking is straightforward rather than experimental. The dining room has dark wood, wooden booths and a long bar, and the atmosphere is relaxed, traditional and moderately noisy, with a mix of locals, students from nearby Georgetown University and visitors. Dress is casual. The beverage programme covers beer, wine and cocktails, with the bar a main feature of the room. Prices are in the $$ tier. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +1-202-333-7370, although the tavern can usually seat walk-ins outside weekend and brunch peaks. Listings show daily service from 11am, with weekend service starting at 9am, and the tavern stays open late into the night, so confirming current hours by phone is advisable. Weekend brunch and evenings after Georgetown events are the busiest times, and asking for a specific historic booth when reserving is worthwhile for visitors who want one, though availability cannot be guaranteed. The tavern is on the main Wisconsin Avenue shopping and dining corridor, within walking distance of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath and the Georgetown waterfront, making it an easy stop during a day of exploring the neighbourhood. It suits visitors who want a historic setting and familiar American dishes at moderate prices rather than a contemporary dining experience.