Gadsby's Tavern has been offering fine dining since 1770. Enjoy lunch and dinner in one of the elegant Colonial dining rooms. The one-of-a-kind Gadsby's Tavern experience awaits you.
"My wife and I took her parents here for their last dinner in town. Very happy we picked this place to take them. The history of this restaurant is hard to beat plus we very much enjoyed the food, hospitality, and entertainment. Do yourself a favor and go with the duck. You won't be disappointed."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"Was looking for a place to bring out of town family guest, that would be memorable. There are lots of great restaurants in the Metro area, selected Gadsby's because of the historic nature.....how many people can say they ate where George ate? The venue was delightful, menu choices were varied, Maitre de was entertaining and informative, the waitress was very pleasant. Food was well prepared and very nice but a bit pricey, the service was a bit slow but it was not damaging to the evening because we had lots to talk about. It did appear that there was only one waitress on duty and she was spread a little thin. Would not hesitate to go back, when I wanted a special location dinner."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"The fact that George Washington patronized this place was cool enough to get us in the door. At first glance, we were a little worried, but once we were ushered into the dining room everything came together. The interiors are very simple and historically accurate. The menu was small, but reflective of what fare might have been back then. Even the dishware had a colonial feel! Best part of the evening was a surprise visitor that entertained the room for a short while---adding a memorable note of authenticity and charm. A very unique experience that was a fun part of our trip."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2009
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"Who charges for sharing a dessert?? That's RIDICULOUS. The fare was typical of the 18th century; a little heavy and plain. I wouldn't go back, and I'd only tell visitors about it, that it's interesting that George Washington's favorite restaurant is still open. But don't dine there; you can find better, more reasonably priced food in Alexandria."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I absolutely enjoy every meal I have at Gadsbys. The peanut soup is a great way to start off any entree. The service isvalwaysvgreat, attentive but not intrusive. The feeling of history that surrounds you as dine in the same room as did Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and so many others that helped to found the country is just "cool"."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"While spending a long weekend with friends in Alexandria, Va we saw an old article on Gadsby's. We decided to try it when we read about the history behind the tavern. We loved the history and the food was wonderful. I recommend it highly. We loved it."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I met my Sister for lunch and this was a great place for conversation. It is quiet and the staff does not push you out the door. The ambience is calm and beautiful and the menu, while not extensive, is extremely well done. Would love to go back again."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2013
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"I was soooo disillusioned! This beautiful historic building and setting has such potential! Instead, it is run-down, shabby, and a sad representation of proud American history! The food was a monument to "heat & serve", tasteless except for too much sugar or too much salt. The only saving grace was one entree' was free because it was my birthday.. . My impression: they've surrendered to the the easy money of the tour groups who come and go whether the food is good or not and completely abandoned any pretense of trying to be a true restaurant. My suggestion: close the restaurant, focus on the "tavern" with some bar food and save us all a lot of disappoint!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2006
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"A nice way to experience Gadsby's Tarvern that visitors and even some locals are not aware of. Historic location with fixed-price offerings for groups as well as a reasonable menu for individuals and families, especially during lunch. Attentive management always visits our table.
Food tends to be so-so. Many menu offerings are removed or changed, although the menu on the web site doesn't reflect those changes. (Paper menu has items crossed out, and recipe changes are shared verbally.) Have had issues with food being too cold for someone in our party during each visit, but it was always corrected. But the food is not what brings one to visit this establishment."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Went for my wife and I's anniversary and had a great time. Someone who looked and acted like Ben Franklin was walking around entertaining guest and cracking surprisingly funny jokes from the 1700's period. Would absolutely go back!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Lovely experience. Had been almost 20 years ago and was excited to return with my history-oriented husband. He loved it. Food was great, service was good, ambiance was tremendous."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We were seated in a very noisy room near the bus station. Dishes were clanging. We asked to be moved to another room. The waitress seemed extremely busy and as a result she was in a hurry. She did a good job, but not very friendly. I ordered the prime rib and a good part of it was fat. I don't know why the fat is not trimmed off before serving. The fat was unappetizing as it lay on my plate. The bread, mashed potatoes, and broccoli were very good. We had the flourless chocolate cake which was excellent. I would not order the prime rib again. Others in my party had the gentleman's pie and the beef.
The tavern has a Colonial feel to it as it was visited by George Washington. The waiters and waitresses were dressed in colonial garb as well."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Service was the worst I have seen in a nice restaurant. Food was decent. I used to love this place, but it has clearly taken a turn for the worst. It is now just living off its name, and provides mediocre food with awful service."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2008
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"We had a great time. We usually bring out-of-town guest for lunch or dinner. Great wait staff and enjoyed conversation with colonial actor John Hall."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"What great historical ambiance! If you want to feel like you have just been enveloped in a warm, 1700s wool blanket, sit at a rustic table at Gadsby's near the fireplace at a place setting complete with a tin plate charger. The entertainment by the history player was delightful. The food was fantastic; the salmon was perfectly prepared. Didn't want to leave the jolly, neighborhood gathering atmosphere!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I genuinely enjoyed my first visit to Gadsby's Tavern. The colonial setting was relaxing and unusual. The food was very good. I recommend the french onion soup. An actor portraying a 17th century gentleman cycles through the room giving a bit of history and song. Altogether very enjoyable."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Gadsby's Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)4/5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Very Good)4/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Very Good)4/5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were greeted right away and shown to our seats. The back room was very cozy. Our server was friendly and helpful. We ordered the prime rib as well as the filet mignon. Both were delicious. Nice menu with a variety of options."
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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"This was a gem particularly for the history buff! Beautifully restored and maintained. Gave you a flavor for life in the 1700s, and was a treat to share the space with the memories of our founding fathers. Food was delicious."
Dined on 03/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Gadsby's Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)3/5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Good)3/5
Service
(Good)3/5
Ambiance
(Very Good)4/5
Noise Level
Moderate
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"We had lunch at Gadsby's Tavern on our last day of a week's vacation. The food was outstanding and the hostess and waitress were very sweet and friendly. I highly recommend the roast beef sandwich for lunch. Delicious!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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"We love going to eat here! The food and service is always great! It's a bonus that they give out free dinners for your birthday! We love the history and the stories of the tavern! You can't go wrong eating here. We have even eaten there for thanksgiving and weren't disappointed! Go and try it!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"I took off a star because the chairs were very uncomfortable. My wife and I thought that everything else was great, and will definitely go back again."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Tasty Menu Options and Friday Night delightful reenactment actor for the Colonial and Revolutionary time period. It was excellent, attentive service and just right for visiting Old Town Alexandria and getting to know Colonial Old Town once again."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I was surprised that they did not have a bar. Also it was really quiet on Sunday night almost boring. Don't order the meat loaf...it was terrible. Other food was good. Other than being in a historic place I was not impressed."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"We had a fantastic time here. The waiters, host, and "surprise" guest were so much fun. We would definitely come back. It's a fun place to take guests/family."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"This was not our first dining at Gadsby's. As always we love the history that this tavern is steeped in. Just a couple of things that could have been better; there was only one server for a full dining room, and our food was lukewarm. Still we will return."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"What a treasure! A Colonial Tavern in Old Town Alexandria. Food was excellent, service was as well. Ambiance was phenomenal - hurricane lamps lighting up a snowy night, colonial-era paintings on the walls - made you feel like you were in the 1780s again, only with better food. My wife and I truly enjoyed - this is a place we'll come back to! Perfect for romantic date nights."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Loved the atmosphere; food was quite good. My husband had the ham biscuit appetizer - wonderful. I had the George Washington's Favorite - duck. It was very good and a more than ample portion; my husband had the meat loaf which was tasty but he wished he had something more festive but that was his choice so what can you do? I guess George had meatloaf on occasion too! Banana bread pudding was really good topper to the meal. Overall very very nice and a great place to take out of towners as a colonial sampler but also for a special meal with friends or family"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"We took our grown daughter and her boyfriend, who were visiting from New York, and we were all completely charmed. A third of our fellow diners were in Civil War era costume for a ball to be held later upstairs, and the wait staff was friendly and solicitous. The highlight was probably the wandering, what should we call him -- social commentator, minstrel, provocateur -- who wandered about the tables, playing his lute and offering witty and sometimes piercing commentary on the guests, all in period dress and voice, helping to make the evening exceptional and highly entertaining. A home run. And the food -- we all took the Restaurant Week prix fixe -- was excellent. All in all, it made for a completely satisfying experience."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion
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"From the moment we entered, we knew we were in a special place! We were the first to arrive and were seated by the painting showing men drinking rum punch. We had to order it! The evening got better as people began arriving in Civil War attire and later an 18th Century gentleman spoke with the guests in 18th Century language. I invited a friend from France to dinner and she was enthralled with U.S. history from this point of view."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This place was decent. It is not somewhere that I think was the best for restaurant week. The fried oysters were very slimy with breading that was not crisp. The salmon was dried out, but with good flavor. The dessert, which was honey cake was also very dry and overcooked. I tend to be really excited for these dining experiences, but the food failed to impress me. I would not return for the price. The white zinfandel was excellent though."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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