Gadsby's Tavern

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1. FD

   FrequentDiner

   Washington DC

   89 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   89 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall3food2service4ambience4

   We planned dinner here right after the Gadsby Museum tour -- so it was a perfect continuation of the afternoon/evening. The service was very pleasant and efficient. And the appetizers were very enjoyable.
   

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2. S

   Shawn

   Orlando

   51 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   51 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent food and great food. The history of the restaurant is amazing.
   

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3. RK

   RKM2

   Washington DC

   8 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on May 26, 2023

   overall3food3service3ambience3

   This used to be a special place for us back in the day. We haven’t been there in quite a while, but went out last night. The overall experience was pedestrian. The bread was basic white bread, the pastry appetizers were good, but the entrees were subpar. The vegetable pastry was bland and their shepherds pie was very runny, more like a stew than a true shepherd’s pie. The entertainment was enjoyable. The seating was unpleasant… there was an AC vent blowing on us the entire meal.
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   21 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on May 25, 2023

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   While I was excited about dining at such a historic location, I was ultimately disappointed. Dining alone, I was sat at a corner table against the wall beside what essentially became a thoroughfare for the bathroom with constant staff and people having difficulty passing each other next to my table as they walked back-and-forth between the bathroom and the dining room. I ordered the famous peanut soup, which never arrived, and the herb encrusted salmon for my entrée, which, once it did arrive, was devoid of any of herb crusting, and was just a plain slab of salmon with a modicum of balsamic drizzle on top. With very little flavor it was clear that they were pumping out dishes without any thought or care. Whatever the tavern once was it certainly isn’t that now, and has deteriorated into nothing more than a tourist attraction with mediocre food and service. A tragic miss as they have an opportunity to be something very special, and instead have rested on a reputation where the effort to create a genuine culinary experience has also become part of its history.
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 24, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent food and atmosphere! This was a fun experience and venue
   

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6. MN

   MandyN

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 24, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The last time I was here was over 20 years ago. The historic emphasis made the experience much better then so I was disappointed they didn’t do that anymore but the food is still fantastic and the service was professional and polite.
   

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7. SW

   SylviaW

   Charleston

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 17, 2023

   overall3food3service3ambience2

   Gadsby's needs some tender loving care. Looks old, worn out, steps down to restrooms are dark and dirty. Bathroom was not clean.
   

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8. RS

   RSwoboda

   Washington DC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Mothers Day Brunch has been a tradition for years
   

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9. RF

   RayandFe

   Louisville

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on May 13, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This was an amazing experience and so glad we decided to come here. The history and the ambiance was superb. It felt like George Washington himself may walk in at any minute. Loved it!!!!
   

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10. l

    lipsmacker

    Los Angeles

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A lovely lunch in this historic location! Very tasty meal, surrounded by the authentic vibe of old town Alexandria! We could almost hear George Washington and Thomas Jefferson chatting in the next room! Kind and efficient service made it all the more enjoyable! Highly recommend!!
    

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11. CC

    ColleenC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Not at all what I expected, a very nice dinner with a bit of entertainment!
    

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12. AF

    AurelioF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    A place where you breathe history. Good food and service but above all tradition. You truly transport yourself to the days in which Washington and Jefferson attended.
    

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13. SC

    ShelleyC

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I’ve been to Gadsby’s several times with out-of-town friends and family and always have a good experience. The service is always attentive while the food is delicious and generously portioned (almost too much). We had the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with vegetables and mashed potatoes and the filet with asparagus and mashed potatoes. All well prepared and flavorful. The experience is a taste of what it was like in Washington’s time, as the interior is still decorated as in the late 1700’s and the staff still dresses in Colonial-wear. John Hall, a volunteer Colonial re-enactor, entertains diners while they eat. I’m a fan of history, so I love the eclectic experience dining here affords guests.
    

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14. MJ

    MattJK

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great experience at Gadsby's for a Saturday night dinner. Our server (Abby) was terrific as was the food. The ambience comes with the territory but was neat all the same. The score regarding noise level does not reflect any uncomfortable level; there were a couple of boisterous groups in other rooms that we could hear--not a big deal at all and not continuous. Recommended.
    

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15. D

    Delsa

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    It's an "Old Town" experience. The food was so-so; probably didn't make the right choice.
    

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16. K

    Kelly

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    This is a very cool place to go, makes me think I'm actually there 200 years ago, eating dinner. The decor and ambiance are very nice, a special treat from the regular restaurant. You will not see this kind of restaurant in very many cities! The food was very good, not overly priced, and a quaint change.
    

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17. BR

    BonnieR

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Meeting friends from out of state for lunch was a special occasion at Gadsbys. The service by Abby was excellent, the food delicious and offered many selections, and the ambiance was incomparable. Easy parking nearby was a treat!!!
    

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18. t

    tessl

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience4

    The Historic element was very cool and the service was good. The food however left me wanting it was overpriced diner food made with low-quality ingredients. We left still hungry because we could barely eat our food. Will not be back and do not recommend they either need to lower the price to reflect the quality of the food or get a real chef in the kitchen.
    

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19. KH

    KenH

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    First time dining at Gadsby's. Very cool place, felt like a step back to the 1800's, but in a good way. Service was prompt despite it being very busy. Glad we had a reservation. Food was good overall, not the best ever. The menu had some unique options. We will be back.
    

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20. CM

    ChelleM

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This restaurant is very cool and the food is delicious. I had the prime rib and my husband had George Washington's Favorite and we both loved our meals. the ambiance and server were fantastic.
    

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    On vacation to the area, wanted some 18th century dining, and it did not disappoint.
    

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22. F

    Frankie

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I may have been expecting a little bit more old time atmosphere but overall the food and service were great.
    

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23. JB

    JosselynB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was outstanding! Just one word of warning - it was a warm evening and the room was decidedly overly warm for us. Just an fyi and to dress accordingly. We’re so used to air conditioning everywhere
    

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24. SE

    SandrsE

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very nice experience. Prompt seating. Excellent fresh food. Hope to return soon
    

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25. DC

    DCOpenTableVIP

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I have been there twice within 30 days for lunch and the same one of the two restrooms has been out of order. I don’t know how much longer it has been out of order prior to early March, but to stand in line to use the restroom (as in the ONE RESTROOM in a restaurant) especially when the third person standing in line, has to wait on the steps coming down stairs to the restroom is less than ideal. I realize that it is a very old building, and that it is owned by the City of Alexandria, however, the loss of one of two restrooms for an extended period of time seems to require some additional attention. Otherwise, everything else was great.
    

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26. LC

    LuluC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    I had the prime rib and the meat was tuff, the presentation was good; the mash Potatoe and vegetables were very good
    

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    We had visitors from Australia and wanted to give them a little bit of history with our dining experience. They enjoyed the strolling mandeline player, who told historic facts all the while joking using time period appropriate jester like comments. The beer, beverages and food were spot on. Our server did an awesome job and we will be back with other out of town guests.
    

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28. L

    Locals

    Vancouver

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    An excellent, not-wet on the inside crab cake. Very simple interior, but still feels historic. Good iced tea (which is getting harder and harder to find these days). We enjoyed it.
    

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29. ES

    EricS

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Hostess must've been new, wait staff wasn't aware we were his table at first, but once it was resolved the experience was great!
    

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30. EB

    ElizabethB

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner was wonderful. Would definitely go back and highly recommend
    

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31. RR

    RebeccaR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The employees from the front desk to our tables provided us with excellent customer service. We loved the candle light ambience and the opportunity to imagine what it would have been like for our founding fathers to dine in the same location. A wonderful place. I will keep coming back.
    

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32. G

    Gadsby

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, great historical ambiance, and great desserts
    

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33. CW

    CorinneW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and well-prepared food in a charming historic building. We went early to vist the tavern museum before it closed at 5 p.m. Learning a little about the history of the place added to our enjoyment. We both had the excellent George Washington's Favorite (duck). The crispy oyster appetizer was particularly delicious.
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were in town after exploring Mt Vernon. What a perfect, historic spot to eat! The food was very good. The wait staff was attentive. They had some great amusements during dinner that was very on point. It was a great spot and I would return even just for the food!
    

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35. MM

    MorrillM

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience5

    I've lived in north Old Town for 22 years and this was my first visit to Gadsby's Tavern - with three guests. Of course the authentic colonial ambience was fantastic. I had the beef bordelaise special, which was fairly greasy. All in all, a nice place to take guests once.
    

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36. IG

    IonG

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Sorin was an amazing waiter. The food was delicious and the portions were just right. The ambiance was intimate and nice. It was a little loud, but overall I had a great time with my date.
    

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37. R

    Rico

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    You should definitely visit this place for the history and the ambiance first and foremost. Besides that, the food is above average with some unique choices but not amazing. That said, you won't be disappointed or leave hungry, and the prices are typical of mid/upper scale restaurants these days. Servers are typically very nice and friendly but didn't check back after the meal was served. Fortunately we didn't need anything but if you are someone that likes a little more attentiveness this might not be to your liking. Nonetheless we had a great time, really enjoyed the overall experience, and wouldn't hesitate to go back
    

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38. TM

    TammyM

    Nashville

    72 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Loved the ambiance and excellent service. The ham biscuits and the Brie appetizers were excellent. Dinner entrees were good although a bit bland (maybe on point with the 1700s?!) Definitely a must eat at Old Town spot.
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience5

    Great ambiance and delicious food. Definitely would recommend
    

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40. AN

    AlissaN

    Queensland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was a lovely brunch spent with my gorgeous husband! Food was well priced and delicious !! Service was great too
    

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