I’m often running around to what’s hip and new in the District, but one of the things that I love most about living in Washington, DC is the rich history—and how privileged we are to have that history as a living part of our city.
A few months ago, I had the most wonderful evening at the City Tavern Club, hosted by my friend Mary Beth Tyler (who you should absolutely follow on Instagram for entertaining inspiration and lots of Virginia wine content!). We spent several hours sampling the cocktails and cuisine offered at CTC, while diving into the storied past of a Georgetown icon that has stood for two and half centuries.
BUILT IN 1796: THE CITY TAVERN CLUB
The City Tavern Club is hidden right in plain sight in Georgetown, occupying prime real estate near the corner of M Street and Wisconsin. You’ve likely passed by it dozens, if not hundreds, of times, wondering what the “Sign of the Indian King” might be (Indian King Tavern was its name for a brief stint in the 19th-century!).
Built in 1796, the City Tavern Club is now a private social club, but it was founded as a tavern during the early Federal period. During its early days, the City Tavern hosted many of the founding fathers; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams all made appearances at dinners and events. Throughout the years, it served as a tavern and an inn, but it became its current iteration as the City Tavern Club in 1962 (for those of us that didn’t grow up in a big city, think, country club…but in the city). Now, for its members, the club serves as a gathering place, a cozy spot to grab a drink and dinner, or a gorgeous space to hold an event.
You feel like you’re stepping back in time when you enter CTC (you know I’m all about some history from my travel guides!), but without the “don’t touch that” ropes usually associated with historic buildings. Instead, this is a living, breathing glimpse at a place that has welcomed visitors for centuries. When you sit down for a drink in the Tap Room, you’re raising a glass in the exact same spot that revelers have gathered since 1796. And, yes, I confirmed that some of those early revelers may still lurk around the building late at night…
OUTFIT DETAILS: Leopard Turtleneck / Pearl Necklace / Easy Pants
A HUB FOR DINING AND EVENTS
The City Tavern Club is a wonderful place to sit down for a meal—I’ve enjoyed drinks, dinner, and brunch in this classic space. You definitely can’t beat an evening cocktail in the dimly lit Tap Room or a delicious brunch of crab cakes and mimosas in the bright and airy Long Room. Dining is open to members, but guests can accompany them anytime.
The events spaces are absolutely gorgeous—the ballroom was seriously made for a bride’s entrance and the terrace is perfect for those spring and fall days. You don’t have to be a member to host an event at the City Tavern Club, so if you’re planning a wedding, an engagement party, or even a corporate event, it’s definitely a space worth exploring. I’ve been to many a party at CTC over the years, and I can vouch that it’s a wonderful spot for a good time!
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE CTC?
If you’re interested in learning more about CTC, whether that’s membership or you’re looking to host an event in an amazing and historic space in Georgetown, let me know! I can put you in touch with the leadership.
Thank you to the City Tavern Club for hosting us for a gorgeous evening! This post was not sponsored, I’m just excited to share a classic Washington, DC landmark with my readers!
