1789

The story

1789 Restaurant Washington DC | Fine Dining in Historic Georgetown

A Georgetown Dining Landmark

1789 Restaurant occupies a beautifully preserved Federal-style townhouse in the heart of historic Georgetown, Washington, DC. Named for the year 1789—when the U.S. Constitution was adopted and Georgetown University was founded just blocks away—the restaurant has been a cherished dining destination since it opened in the 1960s. Today, it is owned by the Clyde’s Restaurant Group and continues to honor its legacy.

Inside, antique furnishings, a wood-burning fireplace, and curated colonial-era artwork create an intimate, elegant atmosphere. The setting has long drawn presidents, dignitaries, and generations of Washingtonians, and the kitchen, led by Executive Chef Charles Kreiser, focuses on refined seasonal American cuisine.

The Food and Drink

The menu changes with the seasons, blending classic technique with modern creativity. First courses might include Wagyu tartare with black garlic aioli, or a Violet Haloed hamachi crudo with lemongrass-coconut milk and finger limes. Warm dishes range from Hokkaido scallops with miso-carrot purée to lobster fettuccine nero in a brandy-cream sauce.

Entrées feature options like brioche-crusted Alaskan halibut with asparagus and mustard beurre blanc, Pekin duck breast with pickled gooseberry, or a Linz Heritage filet mignon with seared foie gras and bordelaise. The wine list is extensive, with Old and New World vintages, and the cocktail program offers handcrafted drinks inspired by timeless recipes.

Recognition

1789 Restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, reflecting the kitchen’s consistent execution of elevated American cuisine and the restaurant’s warm, polished hospitality. It remains a quintessential choice for fine dining in the nation’s capital.