George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other colonial-era luminaries discussed the merits of democracy over many an ale at Gadsby's Tavern in the heart of Alexandria's Old Town. The circa-1789 tavern and its adjacent rooming house have been meticulously preserved as a museum that offers self-guided and guided tours. Next door, Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant serves a menu of Early Americana fare in an 18th-century-inspired ambiance, complete with colonially garbed waitstaff.

Many of these places are still in operation today, like Gadsby’s Tavern (now a restaurant/museum hybrid) and Christ Church. His farm even sold produce at the Saturday farmers' market in Market Square, which has been operating since 1753 (it’s still a great place to buy flowers and a hot ham biscuit). There’s even a dramatic architectural salute to the first commander in chief: the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a 331-foot-tall granite structure that holds exhibits on the president, a 17-foot-tall statue of him and a diagonal elevator that whisks visitors to the top of the tower.

Dine by candlelight in this historic establishment which was frequented by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and other founding fathers.Gadsby’s Tavern Colonial dining rooms are the perfect complement to the menu offerings, which include Peanut Soup, Hot Smithfield Ham Biscuits, Gentleman’s Pye (a lamb and beef stew in a puff pastry), and George’s Favorite (grilled duck breast with a port wine orange glace). Open since 1770, this restaurant serves dinner daily and also offers Sunday brunch.

This restaurant next to Gadsby's Tavern Museum has been serving guests including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe since 1770. The building maintains its authentic colonial atmosphere and decor, and its fine-dining menu (complete with colonial spelling) includes the restaurant's famous peanut soup, entrees like roasted chicken and filet mignon, and appetizers such as ham biscuits and baked brie. It's the perfect theme restaurant in DC for history lovers.

While many visitors only tour the museum, Gadsby’s Tavern also has a more upscale dining room specializing in colonial fare. You’ll find crowd pleasing meals like chicken and seafood, but we recommend trying some of the older and more representative dishes like peanut soup and ham biscuits, both of which have deep ties to Virginia and the region. Gentleman’s Pye, a beef and lamb stew, is a hearty meal that was also popular in the days when Old Town Alexandria was first established.

Serving patrons in the area since before the nation was formed, Gadsbys Tavern offers elegant lunch and dinner dining in a historic Colonial surrounding. Traditional favorites, such as fried oysters or chilled prawns, can be paired with entrees including lamb chops, filet mignon, and prime rib. Lighter options are available for lunch, when youll find excellent soup and salad menus, and families and couples can also enjoy the experience for Sunday brunch.

Historic Alexandria is excited to announce events highlighting two historic preservation projects in our city: Behind-the-scenes tours of Gadsby’s Tavern and a lecture on the restoration of the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House at 517 Prince Street. Historic Alexandria also recognizes the work of the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission in increasing the number of interior easements in Alexandria buildings.

Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria was a favorite haunt of George Washington, and all of the first five presidents visited the establishment at one point or another. Across the street is Alexandria City Hall, first built by Benjamin Latrobe in 1817, the architect who designed the Capitol Building, where one of the oldest running U.S. farmer’s markets sets up shop each week.

Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant is considered one of the oldest taverns in the United States and is the oldest restaurant in the City of Alexandria. Opened in 1792, the tavern was one of George Washington’s local haunts and hosted the first five presidents. Dining at the restaurant is like stepping into the past, with Colonial-clad servers and classic American and period-fare.

Gadsby’s, a registered national historic landmark dating to 1770, is for history lovers. Sit in here and you’ll feel like George Washington could join you at any moment (especially since the staff dresses in colonial garb). In reality, 250 years ago, George Washington was a frequent customer here, along with other founding fathers including John Adams and James Madison.

The two 18th-century taverns that make up Gadsby’s Tavern Museum capture the changing landscape of the early United States.”. After Virginia seceded from the Union in the spring of 1861, the Unionists organized a state government loyal to the United States. The “Restored Government” met at the City Hotel (Gadsby’s Tavern) before relocating to 415 Prince Street.

Gadsby’s Tavern is an absolute must when visiting Old Town Alexandria. The historic American decor matches the energy of the town. This is a special restaurant where you can take a moment to journey back to an 18th-century tavern where famous historical figures such as George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson and everyday people dined and celebrated since 1770!

Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria is a historic landmark dating back to the 18th century and was frequented by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere exudes late 18th century charm, featuring dishes that have been served here since 1770 served on candlelit dining tables.

Just around the corner from Market Square Plaza you’ll find Gadsby’s Tavern, a favorite watering hole and dining spot of George Washington. I went for lunch and had the peanut soup, a Virginia specialty. However, if you go for dinner, you can order Washington’s favorite meal — roasted half duck accompanied by scalloped potatoes, corn pudding and rhotekraut.

Close out the weekend with another vintage gem — a bite of history at Gadsby’s Tavern. This may be the most “touristy” thing you do all weekend, but it’s a totally immersive taste of history at an elegant Colonial dining room. The traveler’s tavern dates back to 1785, once hosting visitors like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Address: Gadsby's Tavern, 138 North Royal Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Gadsby's Tavern began over 250 years ago as a Colonial dining room and continues to honor their tradition of serving up the best scratch-made meals. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner using time-honored techniques and the freshest ingredients around.

It's hard to find a restaurant in Alexandria that doesn't have historical ties. The city itself is older than the U.S., and its strategic waterfront location means that hundreds of years’ worth of people had to eat somewhere!. Gadsby’s Tavern is one of the most well-known and historically tied places to eat in the city.

It is a restaurant that has maintained colonial traditions through the dress of employees, the decor, and the menu. But expect modern takes on “George Washington’s favorite” duckling and the “gentleman’s pye” of beef and lamb. It is great for families in Alexandria made up of multiple generations.

Visit the tavern where George Washington twice attended an annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr also visited Gadsby's, in celebration of their victory in the presidential election of 1800. Gadsby's Tavern continues to operate as a restaurant and as a museum.

He came to Alexandria often, helping to map out the 60-acre town’s boundaries and roads when he was 17, training his militia in Market Square and selling produce there from his Mount Vernon farm, worshipping at Christ Church, and dining and dancing at Gadsby’s Tavern.

John Gadsby’s popular tavern, where George Washington was twice a guest, operated with enslaved labor. “We make folks very aware of that,” Chapman says. His tour focuses on the social significance of the tavern, as well as Gadsby’s run-ins with runaway slaves.

Built in 1785, Gadsby’s Tavern was an essential part of the fiber of the City of Alexandria. George Washington visited the Tavern frequently and other prominent guests include Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and yours truly, of course.

It opened in 1785, with George Washington holding his birthday party here in 1798 and 1799. Today, the restaurant features heritage dishes like peanut soup and roasted duck with corn pudding (Washington’s favorite).

At 2:00 pm, Wellington Watts and Carolyn Cooper, professional history guides, gave us a grand tour of the most important historical sites in Alexandria including the Gadsby Tavern, a favorite of George Washington.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two tavern buildings, the ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808.

Gadsby’s Tavern is a historic tavern that operated in the 17080s onward. Presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams stayed there while on trips to Washington, DC.

Built in 1785, the tavern and inn was a popular location for societal elites and politicians including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison.

One of the historical buildings to visit is on North Royal Street, called Gadsby’s Tavern. Today it is a restaurant and museum.

Tour and eat at the Gadsby’s Tavern, a restored 18th century tavern that has hosted George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Tip: If you park in the parking garage, the restaurant will validate your parking on certain days and times!