223 replies to this topic

[DonRocks]

Feel free to add and/or correct and I"ll update the list as we go.

Cheers,
Rocks.

1856 - Old Ebbitt Grill (present location since 1983)
1860 - Old Angler's Inn
1904 - Royal Restaurant (present location since 1964)
1906 - Occidental Grill (closed 1972-1986)

1922 - O'Donnell's Seafood (originally "O'Donnell's Sea Grill" at 1207 E Street, present location since 2001)
1923*- Iron Gate Restaurant (closed 2010-2013)
1924 - The Dairy at Turner Hall (U of MD)
1925 - Wagshal's (present location since 1939)

1929 - Cozy Restaurant (Thurmont)
1930 - Mrs. K's Toll House (Mrs. K is Mrs. Kreuzburg)
1931 - Normandie Farm
1933 - Billy Martin's Tavern (Opened the day after prohibition was repealed)
1935 - Steak n' Egg
1935 - Tastee Diner (Bethesda)
1937 - Quarry House Tavern
1937 - Red Fox Inn
1939 - Seibel's (renamed from Seibel's Dairy Bar in 1971)
---
1943 - Ernie's Crab House (Alexandria)
1943 - Famous Luigi's
1944 - Florida Avenue Grill
1944 - Shrimp Boat (Benning, present location since 1953)
1945 - Crisfield Seafood
1946 - Payne's (Centreville)
1946 - Tastee Diner (Silver Spring)
1946 - Whitlow's (closed 1989-1995, present location since 1995)
1947 - 29 Diner
1947 - Tune Inn
1947 - Woodside Deli
1948 - Old Europe
1949 - AV Ristorante Italiano (AV is Augusto Vasaio)
1949 - Blackie's
1950 - Trio
1950 - Yorkshire's (Centreville)
1952 - Hershey's Restaurant (Gaithersburg)
1953 - Mama Ayesha's
1954 - L'Auberge Chez Francois (present location since 1976)
1954 - Jerry's Subs and Pizza (Wheaton)
1955 - Ledo Restaurant (Adelphi)
1955 - Roy's Place (present location since 1971)
1955 - Yenching Palace
1957 - Mario's Pizza House
1957 - The Brickskeller
1958 - Ben's Chili Bowl
1958 - Coach Stop (Middleburg)
1958 - Mike's Crab House (Annapolis)
1959 - Jiffy Shoppes (Morningside, MD location)

1959 - Loeb's Perfect New York Deli (present location since 2010)
1959 - Market Inn
1960 - The Monocle
1960 - Vienna Inn
1961 - Bethesda Crab House
1962 - 1789
1962 - F Scott's
1962 - McLean Pizza
1962 - The Tombs
1963 - Clyde's (Georgetown)
1964 - Chez Andrée
1964 - Three Pigs BBQ (McLean)
1964 - Tom Sarris' Orleans House
1965 - Bay 'n Surf (Laurel)
1965 - Chick and Ruth's Delly (Annapolis)
1965 - Taj Majal
1965 - The Virginian
1966 - Alpine
1966 - The Guards
1966 - Japan Inn (present location since 1971)
1967 - Chadwick's
1967 - Childe Harold
1967 - The Hitching Post
1967 - Pizza Bazzano (Springfield)
1968 - The Globe and Laurel (Quantico, moved to Triangle in 1975, moved to Stafford in 2008)
1968 - James McLaughlin's Food Cart (Howard University)
1968 - Roy Rogers (Falls Church)

1968 - Stoney's (present location since 2006)
1969 - Bob & Edith's Diner
1970 - Ristorante Portofino
1971 - The Wharf
1972 - Anthony's (Falls Church)
1972 - Golden Flame
1972 - The Palm (DC)
1972 - Mayaluna
1973 - Anita's (Vienna)

1973 - The Green Tree (Leesburg)
1973 - Marco Polo
1973 - Stained Glass Pub
1973 - Taverna Cretekou
1973 - Vietnam Georgetown
1974 - Cafe La Ruche
1974 - Cantler's (Annapolis)
1974 - The Dubliner (Capitol Hill)
1974 - Far East (present location since 1980s)
1974 - La Bergerie
1974 - Shanghai Garden (Van Ness)
1974 - Wu's Garden
1975 - Armand's Chicago Pizzeria (Tenley Circle)
1975 - Bistro Francais
1975 - Celebrity Delly (Falls Church(?))
1975 - The Cracked Claw at Peter Pan (present location since 1989)
1975 - Duck Chang's
1975 - Essy's Carriage House
1975 - Ruffino's
1976 - Afterwords (at Kramerbooks)
1976 - Booeymonger (Georgetown)
1976 - La Chaumiere
1976 - Gadsby's Tavern
1976 - The Prime Rib
1976 - Sushi-Ko
1976 - Table Talk
1976 - Vace (Cleveland Park)
1977 - Amphora (Vienna)
1977 - Generous George's Positive Pizza Place (Alexandria)
1977 - Geppetto
1977 - Geranio (Alexandria)
1977 - Nizam's
1977 - Tia Queta
1978 - Havabite Eatery (Fairfax)

1978 - King's Court (Leesburg)
1978 - Peking Gourmet Inn
1978 - Pistone's Italian Inn
1978 - Zio's
1979 - 219
1979 - Ice House Cafe (Herndon)
1979 - Lebanese Taverna (North Arlington)
1979 - Matuba (South Arlington)
1979 - Nora

[Jacques Gastreaux]

Has it been decided that Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria does not qualify for the list, as of it's original opening in the early 1790's?

Edited by Jacques Gastreaux, 25 May 2005 - 10:35 AM.

[DonRocks]

Has it been decided that Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria does not qualify for the list, as of it's original opening in the early 1790's?

Nothing has been decided - there was some good reason I listed it as 1976; now I just need to figure out what it was.

[Sthitch]

Nothing has been decided - there was some good reason I listed it as 1976; now I just need to figure out what it was.

If I remember correctly, it was reopened in 1976. There has not been a restaurant continuously operating at that location.

[The Hersch]

What about the Trio, at 17th and Q? I haven't been able to find its original opening date, but I have found out that it has been operated by its current owner since 1950. It was supposedly operating in the same location under the same name when he bought it, though. Anyone have more info?

[TedE]

What about the Trio, at 17th and Q? I haven't been able to find its original opening date, but I have found out that it has been operated by its current owner since 1950. It was supposedly operating in the same location under the same name when he bought it, though. Anyone have more info?

I was flipping through one of those "History of Dupont" picture books one day (they have them for a number of D.C. neighborhoods) and remember seeing one of Trio's. At the time I was surprised at the date on the photo, but can't remember what it was. What is Fox and Hounds wasn't there, but the main storefront was. I seem to remember it was from the 30s. An article in the CP last week on the neon sign that now sits above Hank's has this little tidbit:

"As to the provenance of the sign, Mallios, who owns the complex that houses Trio, Trio’s Fox & Hounds, and now Hank’s, says that it’s been posted for 60 or 70 years."

So, there's that.

[Lydia R]

Thanks, this chronology was a real trip down memory lane.

Just in case this list made you hungry too, I'm tossing in a link I've been holding onto for a while. I realize there's more than one Post-Toastie lurking here - please don't spike this link - it's oddly soothing.

NOTE: my intent here is to share this virtual stroll - visiting tenured favorites, glimpsing early glimmers of promising things to come, and remembering those gone over to "that big kitchen in the sky." I'd thought about posting the link on C'hound, but didn't want the discussion pulled by the Team who'd anticipate critic critiques - miss Phyllis, but don't want anyone beating on Tom-Tom.

Phyllis Richman's 1997 Top 50

Edited by Lydia R, 26 May 2005 - 08:02 PM.

[Barbara]

I wouldn't overlook the expertise in the Washingtoniana section of the MLK library downtown, or the DC Historical Society. Somebody in either or both of those places can most likely settle this issue once and for all.

Those of you who are interested in the history of the city are advised to look at the City Directories at the Library. (Yes, there were directories BEFORE the telephone.) You can find restaurants and see where they were. I don't know how long it took for restaurant critics to come along and sort things out for us.

[JPW]

Thanks, this chronology was a real trip down memory lane.

Just in case this list made you hungry too, I'm tossing in a link I've been holding onto for a while. I realize there's more than one Post-Toastie lurking here - please don't spike this link - it's oddly soothing.

NOTE: my intent here is to share this virtual stroll - visiting tenured favorites, glimpsing early glimmers of promising things to come, and remembering those gone over to "that big kitchen in the sky." I'd thought about posting the link on C'hound, but didn't want the discussion pulled by the Team who'd anticipate critic critiques - miss Phyllis, but don't want anyone beating on Tom-Tom.

Phyllis Richman's 1997 Top 50

Welcome Lydia!
Just a note to tell you that if it's about food in DC it won't get "spiked".
There are no agendas here.
Interesting list.

[DameEdna]

Footnote Department:

I realize hotel eats are a different category. The Mayflower Hotel (built in 1925)
served lunch to J. Edgar Hoover (hotel claims "every working day", but that is
hard to believe) for twenty years.

Menu for JEH (always the same):

Chicken Soup
Salad (iceburg lettuce, grapefruit, cottage cheese)
(JEH provides own diet dressing)
Buttered White Toast

I have found menus for J. Edgar Hoover several times in my reading. Maybe
I need to re-evaluate my choices in reading material.

(I think the Mayflower Hotel will still dish up the JEH special if you would like to
try it)


--- Craig

[Jacques Gastreaux]

Reeves needs to be added to this list.

[Josh Radigan]

The Alpine restaurant located at the devils crossroads in arlington, that would be glebe road and lee highway. It was the original Evans Farm Inn, and actually called Evans Tea House, I think 1937.

[Al Dente]

If they dig through their guest book from 1937 (or thereabouts), they'll find a note that says "Salty as hell." 

Guess who from? 

Don Rockwell?

[goldenticket]

How about Tom Sarris' Orleans House in Rosslyn, opened in 1964.

(My grandmother's restaurant of choice for her 90th birthday dinner....I'd rather go to Ray's!)

Might want to get in there soon, for old time's sake, it might not around too much longer according to this article Battle to buy Orleans House

[goldenticket]

Table Talk in Alexandria - 1976 or so
(also soon to be a victim of development)

[goldenticket]

and another Alexandria spot:

Taverna Cretekou - 1973

[oliveDC]

Great list! The Tune Inn was first known as that in 1947, according to the Nardelli family. Joe Nardelli took it over in 1955...

[The Hersch]

How about Tom Sarris' Orleans House in Rosslyn, opened in 1964.

I'm not entirely convinced that this is the correct date. My family moved to Arlington in the summer of 1963, and I seem to remember that Tom Sarris' Orleans House was already well-established by then. I could be misremembering; I was quite young. Does anyone remember the other Tom Sarris establishment, up Wilson Blvd? I think it was called Tom Sarris' Chuckwagon, or something very similar. It was either in the shape of a covered wagon, or had a big covered wagon out front; I think it was the former, and it was really silly looking. I'm not sure that place made it out of the 1960s. It's been gone a long time.

[goldenticket]

I'm not entirely convinced that this is the correct date.

I found the date in the article that is linked in my original post about Orleans House.
Not sure about the other location.

[DonRocks]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions? I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

[Sthitch]

How long has JR's Stockyards been in Tyson's? For some reason I was under the impression that it even predates the mall.

[qwertyy]

When I worked at the Iron Gate Inn (N Street, between 17th and 18th), the owner told that it was the oldest restaurant in Washington. I can't remember the year it was established (early 20th century), but it's been continuously operating in the same location ever since. Its garden is also trellised by what are said to be the oldest grape vines in Washington.

[The Hersch]

The Iron Gate Inn has certainly been there for a very long time, but I've googled in vain trying to find a date.

As for the Trio, perhaps we should adopt 1950 as its opening date, as the eatery that was there before then was a "luncheonette" rather than a restaurant per se. You can read some of its history HERE. (I can't vouch for the accuracy of this.) That article also gives us 1967 as the opening date of the Fox and Hounds, which shares Trio's kitchen.

Another addition is: Mario's Pizza in Arlington, which opened in 1957.

I was going to suggest two others in Arlington, the Broiler on Columbia Pike and Pizza Pantry on Walter Reed Drive, which both date (I think) to the mid-1950s, but I can't find dates for either and I gather that Pizza Pantry finally closed recently.

[ScotteeM]

Another addition is: Mario's Pizza in Arlington, which opened in 1957.

Wow! When I worked in Rosslyn in the early 1980s, I remember getting takeout from Mario's for lunch and looking forward to it. In the 1990s, I worked in Arlandria and tried the Marino's on Jeff Davis Hwy, which was a franchise of Mario's, and while the menu was the same, the taste just wasn't.

[bioesq]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

There's the Normandie Farm Restaurant on Falls Road in Potomac, established in 1931. The original owners bought land at the Water Gate a few years later and opened an "in-town" version. Interesting history.

[Joe H]

The Iron Gate Inn has certainly been there for a very long time, but I've googled in vain trying to find a date.

As for the Trio, perhaps we should adopt 1950 as its opening date, as the eatery that was there before then was a "luncheonette" rather than a restaurant per se. You can read some of its history HERE. (I can't vouch for the accuracy of this.) That article also gives us 1967 as the opening date of the Fox and Hounds, which shares Trio's kitchen.

Another addition is: Mario's Pizza in Arlington, which opened in 1957.

I was going to suggest two others in Arlington, the Broiler on Columbia Pike and Pizza Pantry on Walter Reed Drive, which both date (I think) to the mid-1950s, but I can't find dates for either and I gather that Pizza Pantry finally closed recently.

The pizza pantry closed? My wife, who grew up eating there, is going to be devastated. First Tops, then Brenner's, now the Pizza Pantry....

[Giancarlo Buonarotti]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

The Blue and White on Wythe and Henry in "Old Town" has been there for over 60 years and has been in the same family, as has Hovermales in Oxon Hill. The blue and White is likely the best soul food shack in the area and boast lines longer than the Cheesecake factory-with far superior food and service. Hovermales soft serve ice cream reciepe changed about 20 years ago when the children took over from the parents, it's no longer worth the trip.

[Giancarlo Buonarotti]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

THe Blue and White on Wythe and Henry in "Old Town" is over 60 years old and still owned by the same family. THey serve soul food and have a line out the door that rivals the Cheesecake Factory

Edited by Giancarlo Buonarotti, 30 October 2005 - 05:24 PM.

[clchurch]

Churreria Madrid (in Adams Morgan) 1973

[Jacques Gastreaux]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

Information on the history of Reeves can be found here.. It appears to have opened as a grocery store in 1886 but it is not altogether clear when it morphed into a restuarant. It has been at its current location since 1992.

[Meaghan]

Does anyone know how long the Inn at Glen Echo (Irish Inn) has been standing? It was Trav's for a long time (I only know because I grew up at Glen Echo Park) and I'm sure the space has a sprawling history. Crazy bikers, chili, carving on the wooden tables...
Know what I'm talking about?

It used to be a morgue for Clara Barton, I think.

Okay, I'm lying.

[crackers]

You can add Chick and Ruth's Delly in Annapolis to the list. The Levitt family has been there since August, 1965.

[johnb]

There is a sandwich shop called Hodges, at 616 NY Ave., directly across the street from Marrakesh and AV, which claims to have been around since 1893 or thereabouts (yes, the second number is 8). A true dive--it looks as if the decor has not been upgraded since opening day, but they serve one helluva good roast beef sandwich, with juice and all. Also turkey, almost as good it is said but I haven't tried myself. $5.

Clientele seems to be mostly construction guys and cops, with a bit of everything else thrown in. Worth a visit.

I'll further investigate the age claim next chance I get.

Edited by johnb, 03 November 2005 - 11:51 AM.

[Twinsdaddy]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

Coach Stop in Middleburg has been around since 1958. The Red Fox Inn has been around for a long, long time -- they certainly deserve to be on the list but someone will have to determine what year they should be credited as opening in.

THe Leesburg Restaurant in Leesburg, according to their sign, opened in 1865. A few doors down, the Green Tree has been there at least since 1976 -- they have a Washingtonian Best Restaurants article from that year and Green Tree is the only survivor.

Edited by DonRocks, 30 May 2008 - 09:31 AM.

[ScotteeM]

The Red Fox Inn has been around for a long, long time -- they certainly deserve to be on the list but someone will have to determine what year they should be credited as opening in.

The historical info on the Red Fox Inn website dates the original building to 1728, as the first structure in what is now Middleburg (halfway between Alexandria and Winchester). The site claims that the building has had a few name changes over the year but has been in continuous operation since then. The inn changed hands in 1937, when the name was changed to Red Fox Inn. Guess that qualifies it as pretty old.

Edited by ScotteeM, 10 November 2005 - 02:04 PM.

[Mark Slater]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

The Alpine started in DC on (I think) 19th St. in the late 70's/early 80's. They moved to VA a few years after that.

[Twinsdaddy]

The Alpine started in DC on (I think) 19th St. in the late 70's/early 80's. They moved to VA a few years after that.

One more: The Virginian, a diner in Vienna, opened in 1965. They are known for having only a pay phone -- if you want to call this place, you have to call the pay phone.

Now I find that to be very cool. Pay phones are oh so '65.

[Meaghan]

1967-Childe Harold

edited for fun

Edited by Meaghan, 19 January 2006 - 05:48 PM.

[Escoffier]

I thought I'd bump this for new members - still looking for verification on Table Talk, Reeves, Trio and Alpine (can anyone confirm the years and let me know?)

Any new members have any additions?  I just thought of Roy Rogers and Generous George's today, so I'm sure there are plenty more.

Cheers,
Rocks.

Pho 75 in Arlington, been around since 1975 (hence the name)...

[Escoffier]

Royal Restaurant
734 N. St. Asaph St., 703/548-1616
An Alexandria institution - celebrating 100 years in 2004! - famous for breakfast served all day, plus family favorites.

So it's 102 and still going....

[Jacques Gastreaux]

Royal Restaurant
734 N. St. Asaph St., 703/548-1616
An Alexandria institution - celebrating 100 years in 2004! - famous for breakfast served all day, plus family favorites.

So it's 102 and still going....

This should already be on the list.

[Escoffier]

This should already be on the list.

'Tis..someone was inquiring about age if I remember correctly.

[Escoffier]

Does anyone know how long the "cafeteria/lunchroom/dining hall" in the church meeting hall basement at Daddy Grace's Church (1800 6th St. NW) has been in existence? For soul food, it's hard to find a better place to eat. The fried trout at Flavors is a pale imitation (even though it's great).

Edited to add address and official name of the church: United House of Prayer for All People.

Edited by Escoffier, 20 January 2006 - 02:54 PM.

[DonRocks]

Does anyone know how long the "cafeteria/lunchroom/dining hall" in the church meeting hall basement at Daddy Grace's Church (1800 6th St. NW) has been in existence?  For soul food, it's hard to find a better place to eat.  The fried trout at Flavors is a pale imitation (even though it's great).

Edited to add address and official name of the church: United House of Prayer for All People.

Click!

[Escoffier]

Click!

well, I already knew a lot of that, but it didn't really answer how long the nice ladies have been serving that great soul food...I think it might also qualify as one of the older "dining rooms" in the area.

[rbh]

Duck Chang's (Annandale) - 1975 according to its web site.
Mike's Crab House (Annapolis) - 1958
Cantler's (Annapolis) - 1974
not sure how old Middleton's in Annapolis is.

[DonRocks]

Does some bold entrepreneur want to summarize the changes that need to go on the original list in the first posting? I don't think everything is slam-dunk sure, so err on the side of discretion if you wish to attempt it!

[Heather]

John Kelly's column today is about Mrs. K's Toll House, and features an interview with a former employee who worked there for over 50 years.

Things started to change in 1996 when Theo and Konstantina Margas bought the restaurant. Theo had run the King's Court in Rockville and the Cactus Grill.

Anyone know if these are the same people who own Theo's in Rockville? It's been recommended to us but not by anyone whose palates (correct, CrescentFresh? ) we trust.

[Bean]

I noticed Japan Inn was on the list. Is this the one on Wisconsin that recently shut its doors? Ah... the memories, I had many sake and sushi exploits there while in college. They did open a new restaurant in G. Town, but I haven't had a chance to check it out (strange hours).

http://www.washingto...5121500434.html

I couldn't find a thread either...

[DanielK]

Anyone know if these are the same people who own Theo's in Rockville?  It's been recommended to us but not by anyone whose palates (correct, CrescentFresh?  ) we trust.

Theo's has been recommended, or Mrs. K's?

Theo's is adequate Greek-American, but there are far better choices in the area (Mykonos, for example). Mrs. K's wasn't even worth it when I went last year and someone else paid...