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Founded in 1751, an entire 40 years before Washington, D.C., itself was established, Georgetown makes for a great glimpse into the District’s past and present! From the old homes and cobblestone streets of historic Georgetown to the newer shops and restaurants with waterfront views, there’s truly something in this beloved D.C. neighborhood for everyone to enjoy. To help you sort through the numerous possibilities Georgetown has to offer, Secret D.C. has rounded up some of the best places it has to offer:
Brunch/Breakfast
1. Martin’s Tavern
Visitors and locals alike flock to Martin’s Tavern for its rich history—JFK proposed to Jackie here; baseball greats Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, and Yogi Berra dined here; and other incredible stories!—and stay for brunch deals like the Early Riser and Martin’s Chesapeake Benedict!
Where: 1264 Wisconsin Ave. NW
2. Kafe Leopold
Serving modern Austrian cuisine, including mouthwatering strussel, with the option to be seated in the courtyard garden, it’s easy to see why people love to gather here for brunch!
Where: 3315 Cady’s Alley NW
3. Cafe Georgetown
Named for the neighborhood it inhabits, with a menu featuring any cafe beverage you could dream of and an assortment of pastries—banana Nutella strudel, lemon poppy loaf, and more—brunch just got better!
Where: 3141 N St. NW
4. The Sovereign
Looking to indulge in Belgian fare for brunch? Order the delectable Brussels Waffles and a Belgian Mary (jonge genever, house bloody mix, pickled veg), and enjoy!
Where: 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW
5. Sequoia
With gorgeous waterfront views and modern takes on brunch classics—including a variety of seafood—Sequoia is a prime brunch spot that keeps people coming back!
Where: 3000 K St. NW
Coffeeshops/Cafés
6. Cafe Georgetown
A repeat on our list, even if you don’t have time for a sit-down brunch, Cafe Georgetown and its assorted lattes, teas, and seasonal offerings (peep that Day Dream Latte above) is still the perfect cafe for grabbing a drink when you’re on the go!
Where: 3141 N St. NW
7. Boulangerie Christophe
If you’re looking for French cafe vibes, then Boulangerie Christophe is the place to go. Quaint yet sleek and serving an array of pastries, crepes, cappuccinos, and classic French fare, you’ll forget you’re in Georgetown!
Where: 1422 Wisconsin Ave. NW
8. Call Your Mother
A local favorite with multiple locations across the DMV, the Georgetown flagship of Call Your Mother stands out for its bright pink and turquoise exterior and gorgeous flowers, with people frequently stopping just to take a picture. Add in the “Jew-ish deli’s” delectable bagel sandwiches, “schmearz,” and coffee, and it just can’t be beat!
Where: 3428 O St. NW
9. Pattiserie Poupon
Another quaint French delight, Pâtisserie Poupon boasts an assortment of delicious croissants, seasonal tarts, and cappuccinos and espressos galore!
Where: 1645 Wisconsin Ave. NW
10. Baked and Wired
Serving coffee and espressos sourced from around the world and paired with their own homemade treats—cupcakes, layer bars, and more—this Georgetown institution is great for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Where: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW
11. Grace Street Coffee
With multiple locations, this Georgetown window service is down a side street and partnered with High Road Cycling, making it the perfect spot to grab a delicious caffeine boost of your choice—cold brew, espresso, lattes, and more—and be on the go!
Where: 3210 Grace St. NW Suite 100
Restaurants
12. Fiola Mare
We admit, Fiola Mare is on the pricier side, but with its waterfront views, fresh seafood, and indulgent cocktails and wine, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or a special occasion!
Where: 3050 K St. NW Suite 101
13. Martin’s Tavern
A restaurant so nice we have it on our list twice! Indulge in savory fare at the neighborhood’s oldest family-run business, with some classic American favorites like the Martin’s Delight (oven-roasted turkey over toast, smothered in housemade rarebit sauce) or the Tavern Burger.
Where: 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW
14. Filomena
Filomena is known for two things: delectable, classic Italian food and its sensation decorations. If you really want a treat, stop by near any major holiday and take in the festive decor alongside a mouthwatering meal!
Where: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW
15. Chaia
Whether you’re a vegetarian or looking to try something unique and new, Chaia Tacos is the spot! This Georgetown institution serves delicious plant-based tacos (also available as vegan options) and beverages on tap, including kombucha, beer, tea, and rosé!
Where: 3207 Grace St. NW
Happy Hour
16. The Tombs
The Tombs is an institution for Georgetown University students, and it’s easy to see why: it’s happy hour deal (Monday-Friday from 3 p.m-5 p.m) of $10 Busch Lite pitchers and $6 rail drinks is hard to one-up!
Where: 1226 36th St. NW
17. El Centro
The El Centro happy hour makes every day feel like a Taco Tuesday. From 4 p.m.-7 p.m Monday-Friday and 4 p.m.-5 p.m on weekends, the discounts on small bites, tacos, and beverages is a win! Head here for $6 nachos and a $7 margarita to wash it down!
Where: 1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW
18. Pinstripes
If you’re looking for drinks and entertainment, Pinstripes is the way to go. With happy hour discounts on beverages and food, as well as the chance to play bocce and bowling, you’re in for a blast!
Where: 1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Bars
19. Blues Alley
Billed as “the nation’s oldest continuing jazz supper club,” Blues Alley has hosted performances for a list of the greats and still offers an incredible mix of live music and drinks!
Where: 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
20. Clubhouse: Coffee & Cocktails
With a mix of traditional bar seating, high tops, and beer hall tables, Clubhouse will fit any mood, and specialty cocktails like Hemingways Vacation just seal the deal!
Where: 1070 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Unique Experiences
21. Dumbarton Oaks
This historic estate and garden is beloved for more than just its gorgeous views and architecture—wandering the grounds you’ll find a museum, research, a music room, a renowned garden and greenhouse featuring the oldest houseplant in North America!
Where: 1703 32nd St. NW
22. Kayak or Paddleboard
What could be better than sight-seeing in this historic neighborhood via the water? Georgetown boasts a number of rental services that allow you to kayak or paddleboard along the Potomac River or the C&O Canal!
Where:
- Thompson Boat Center: 2900 Virginia Ave. NW
- Fletchers Boathouse: 4940 Canal Rd. NW
- Key Bridge Boathouse: 3500 Water St. NW
23. “The Exorcist” Stairs
These scary-steep 97 steps have been terrifying Washingtonians and visitors alike since they made their horrifying appearance in cult-classic horror movie, “The Exorcist.” Whether you’re a horror-lover looking for a photoshoot or a workout fanatic trying to get a sweat in, these stairs are the perfect spot!
Where: Between M Street NW and Prospect Street NW
24. Old Stone House
This inconspicuous stone house in Georgetown is actually the oldest building in the District. But don’t be fooled by its common and innocent appearance—Old Stone House is believed to be inhabited by at least 11 spirits! While a majority of the spirits are relatively benign presences, a rather nasty ghost known as George, who isn’t too fond of visitors—especially women, who he has often choked, shoved, and poked in their visits to the house. Yikes! Check out all 11 documented spirits below:
- A 1700s woman who frequents the fireplace.
- A younger woman with ringlet curls who repeatedly runs up and down the staircase.
- An antebellum woman in the kitchen.
- A man who dons short pants with long stockings, also in the kitchen.
- A long, blond haired man by the front window.
- A boy named Joey who hangs out in the third-floor hallway.
- A young African American boy who also hangs out in the third-floor hallway.
- A carpenter people believe to be Christopher Leyhman/Layman.
- A colonial-era man in the master bedroom.
- A colonial-era man on the second floor.
- George, the angry and nasty ghost who haunts the third-floor bedroom.
Where: 3051 M St. NW
25. Tudor Place
Any history buffs out there? This one is for you! Tudor Place is a historic home and garden that contains two centuries worth of history, including that of Martha Washington and six generations of her descendants, as well as both the enslaved and free peoples who worked and called this place home. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday for self-guided and worker guided tours.
Where: 1644 31st St. NW