From JFK and Jackie O to Tucker Carlson, anyone who's anyone in DC goes to Martin's. So naturally I had to see what all the hype was about.
As soon as Chris and I walked in I got a wonderful feeling of familiarity, history and Mad Men like appeal. It was if we had stepped back into the 1960s to an old fashioned bar where the bar keep knows your drink and your life story.
This was true of Chris, he seemed to be somewhat of a regular. Damon, our bartender, greeted him by name and when Chris requested a Stella, he mocked with "oh something different".
I introduced myself and gave my little story of where I was from, how I knew Chris, the basics. They had Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA, one of my favorites. As Chris and I sat and chatted at the bar, there seemed to be regulars all around. Damon floated from customer to customer, checking in on their food, drinks and lives as if he was an old friend.
When it came time to order lunch the french onion soup came highly recommended by Chris and Damon. I also ordered the crab cake sandwich. Chris ordered a turkey club.
While we waited for our food we browsed the newspapers that were left on the bar for customers. Talking about news. It just felt like what you had to do in such a historic place. It felt natural.
My soup came out first and the recommendations were spot on. It was delicious with a huge helping of cheese on top. It was great. Then out came the crab cake sandwich and turkey club. Chris' looked good. Mine looked awesome. I don't think there was an ounce of filler in the crab cake. Huge chunks of crab, bigger than bite size, to my delight filled the sandwich. I had a side of fries and coleslaw as well. The fries were thick cut and had I been hungrier, I would have finished them off. The slaw was nice and light, but I didn't finish that either.
We got to know Damon a little more throughout the meal. He learned we were on a bocce team where he hoped we talked a lot of shit to the other teams. We learned he liked to go deep sea fishing.
Martin's was wonderful, I can see why it has been around for so long. And for a Wednesday afternoon, there was barely a seat open around 1 pm. Go to Martin's when you are in Georgetown and order the french onion soup.
http://www.martins-tavern.com/
Delicious crab cake sandwich.
Chris' turkey club.
The Harry S. Truman booth.
Chris outside.
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