Where to Eat and Drink Like a President
Where: Washington, D.C.;
Since its opening in 1933, popular fixture has been packed with presidents. Today, guests can sit in Booth 1, where John F. Kennedy ate breakfast on Sundays after attending mass at nearby Holy Trinity Church (he was partial to the “early riser” breakfast, with eggs, toast, hash browns, ham, bacon or sausage, juice, and coffee). Other presidential menu favorites include the cheeseburger (ordered by Bill Clinton), meatloaf (Richard Nixon), and prime rib (Harry S. Truman). Wondering what to drink? Whiskey lovers should enjoy Lyndon B. Johnson’s favorite pairing: bourbon with steak, which he purportedly ordered many times at the tavern with Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn in tow.
Insider Tip: John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Onassis in Booth 3, or what the staff call “the proposal booth.”
Plan Your Trip: Visit
(Courtesy of Martin's Tavern)You may not be able to grab a beer with Bill Clinton or sit down for supper with the first couple, but you can certainly visit establishments where the country’s Commanders-in-Chief—from Thomas Jefferson to Barack Obama—have wined and dined over the years. In honor of Presidents’ Day this February 17, we’ve profiled 10 historic and modern restaurants and watering holes where travelers can soak up stories about Presidential drinking and dining, not to mention throw back some seriously good food and drink.
By Alexis Korman
Alexis Korman is a freelance wine, food, and travel writer based in New Orleans. She is also Contributing Food Editor at Wine Enthusiast Magazine and founder of blog City City Bang Bang. Follow her on Twitter @lexisips.
