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J. Paul's - GeorgetownReservations
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J. Paul's - Georgetown Reviews List
J. Paul's - Georgetown
J. Paul’s is Washington’s quintessential turn of the century American Dining Saloon. The J. Paul’s bar in Georgetown is itself a 100 year old mahogany shotgun bar, built by the Brunswick Balke Coolander Company and was previously housed in a grand saloon in the Chicago stockyards. Many will swear over their scotch that Al Capone himself bellied up to that very bar. Antique brass elevator doors from New York’s Waldorf Astoria frame the back dining room.
A few short blocks from the Potomac River, in the heart of fashionable Georgetown, the original J. Paul’s has become an institution. Every day, politicians, journalists, artists, business people and Washington personalities share tables with students, tourists and ex-Pats in the nation’s capital. Don't miss out on a visit to this DC institution!
See more J. Paul's - Georgetown details
88 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 88 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(40)
3 stars
(27)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(35)
- good for groups(32)
- vibrant bar scene(31)
- hot spot(19)
- great for lunch(18)
- great for brunch(13)
J. Paul's - Georgetown Reviews List
Review 1 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Georgetown classic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A must for people visiting Georgetown - great food, great location"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 2 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a very nice Mother's Day Brunch this past weekend. Casual atmosphere with excellent service. Salmon frittata, and crab eggs benedict were very tasty. Mac and cheese appetizer was enjoyed by all 4 of us. Very good Bloody Mary also. The surprise came at the end when they told us mother's ate FREE that day! Very nice touch which we appreciated."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great atmosphere.
excellent food. Also sports bar."
excellent food. Also sports bar."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 4 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
very friendly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They treated all women free of charge on Mother's day dinner. We'll come again next year!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
MothersDayAtJPauls
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Was a great brunch for my mother and myself, waitress was excellent and so was the food. Would recommend for any occasion!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice Lunch Spot
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was mine and my husband's first time in DC so after a morning of exploring I remember a friend raving about JPauls. We googled the address, hopped a taxi and arrived at the restaurant. It was just how I had pictured it... a chill spot that resembled a pub. Our server was friendly and suggested the fish tacos, which were delicious! If you love oysters this is a good spot to go to. They had a few types of oysters (Blue Point being my fave) and they were half off during lunch! Overall great experience for lunch on our first day in DC."
Dined on 4/26/2013
Special Features: hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 7 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Still Good!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hadn't been in a long while, and had a large group in for the weekend. Needed a place that would suit a broad age and taste range, and thought J. Paul's would do the trick for a Georgetown Dinner. It was a great meal, great service and exactly what I'd hoped for. Thanks!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 8 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Worst Old Fashioned I've ever
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Worst Old Fashioned I've ever had. Food was pretty good though as usual."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
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Review 9 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good not great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Not sure if I'm fit to offer my opinion. Although the wings and mac and cheese were yummy, not something I would write home to mom about. I know those were probably not the 2 things on the menu to try out first to make up my mind about J Paul's, but between that and the loud bar scene on the Saturday evening I went, it just was wasn't one of my favorites. But I would still try once more."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find
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Review 10 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is the Georgetown I know...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"J. Paul's is the quintessential Georgetown mainstay. I frequented it when in college. Couldn't really afford it then even with its modest prices for a restaurant in Georgetown. But I couldn't resist the fresh oysters, the good food, the atmosphere and the friendly staff. Fast forward 15 years later. I can now afford J. Paul's and truly enjoy what it has to offer, but don't due to time constraints. However, going back there after all so many years, it still feels the same. Open, welcoming, the bracing brine from the oysters sliding smoothly down along with a well made cocktail, followed by good food, well made, but never pretentious. A true classic."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Restaurant not prepared for
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Restaurant not prepared for our reservation. Gave more desirable tables to walk-ins. Only after creating a "little noise" was our reservation given the attention it deserved. The atmosphere is the draw here. Certainly not the food or menu which is typical bar food."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 12 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Our waiter introduced himself
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waiter introduced himself and mentioned that he’d rather not be working that night. He was relatively forgetful and inattentive (no pretzels for the table, no water glass refills, etc.) — I can only assume that this was because he didn’t want to be there — but wasn’t unpleasant.
The food was reasonably good, but I don’t think we’ll be back."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
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Review 13 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
No waiting was taken right
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"No waiting was taken right away a big plus. Server was great. Real easy to talk to. A fun and cool place. Good food specials, appetizers. Of course the oysters were "off the chain". Would come back just for them.."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food, Great People Watching
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"J. Paul's never disappoints us. The tables near the windows make for great people watching along "M" Street while enjoying a late lunch over the weekend. The Fried Green Tomato "BLT & A" with Avocado was delicious. The Cucumber Salad is a great substitute on the side instead of french fries -- it's really good! So were the Fried Oyster Sliders as an appetizer for two to share. There's also a wide selection of draft beers. Every time we have gone to J. Paul's with an Open Table reservation, we have always been seated immediately, and at a very good table. This is our favorite weekend brunch / lunch spot in Georgetown."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very satisfied, service really
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very satisfied, service really nice and efficient"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorite restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown - thanks for another wonderful experience!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Went for St. Patrick's day
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went for St. Patrick's day casual dinner. They had some Irish fare and beer specials. It was festive."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 18 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great menu and fun ambiance!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We really enjoyed the menu: great selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. The atmosphere is fun and energetic. I will definitely return."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed a special evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed a special evening at J.Paul's. Look forward to visiting it again soon."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Gotta get the ribs!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great traditional american food with a twist. The ribs are just delicious and you can't go wrong with the rib and crabcake combo."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great local place. Love the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great local place. Love the pretzels!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
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Review 22 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ive been coming here for more
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ive been coming here for more that 20 years. The food and service are always oustanding. Great Crabcakes and fall off the bone Ribs. The pretzels are a great treat."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Oyster Shooters and Calamari
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had the crab cakes and Calamari. The Calamari was outstanding and the Crab Cakes were good. Oyster Shooters are good also"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food. Service was wonderful!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Service was wonderful!"
Dined on 02/04/2013
2012
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Review 25 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I ordered the fish and chips
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I ordered the fish and chips and overwhelmingly underwhelmed. The fish had no flavor and the fries were too soggy. I feel like I could've made a better dish than this.
The place was crowded and I was constantly bothered throughout my meal by both patrons and staff to move my chair.
I would not recommend this place as it is overpriced and overcrowded."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 26 for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always enjoy lunch at J.Paul's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always enjoy lunch at J.Paul's when shopping in Georgetown. The mac and cheese is amazing. Always a crowd pleaser!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for J. Paul's - Georgetown
Based on the average of (62) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic