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History
Nathans has
been the epicenter of Georgetown’s legendary and lively bar
and restaurant scene for more than three decades. It was opened in
1969 by founding partners Howard Joynt, Charlie Mathieson, and a colorful
Georgetown character and racetrack aficionado who called himself "Nathan
Detroit." Washington was in the throes of a charged time; several
blocks down Pennsylvania Avenue Richard Nixon was into his first term
as President, and the Vietnam War was escalating. The war protest
movement had a hold on the city. The reigning fashions were bell-bottoms
and love beads. Nathans neighbors along M Street included a Woolworth's,
the Cellar Door, the swanky Rive Gauche restaurant, Clyde's, The Guards
and a discotheque or two.
Within a few months
of opening, Nathan and Charlie sold their shares to Howard, who began
his almost three decades as the sole proprietor of Nathans.
Howard put
his mark on the place. He wanted to give Georgetown a taste of his
favorite New York bars - P.J. Clarke's and the 21 Club - -with their
racy and frankly masculine energy. He designed and built a back bar
that displayed every brand of liquor he and his friends could think
of. "When someone walks in that door they want to know we'll
have what they want to drink," he said. "Besides, anything
worth doing is worth overdoing."While the bar displayed macho,
the dining room was designed with a clubby décor to be as welcoming
to a group of business people unwinding after a day's work, as it
is romantic for lovers on a date. Critics swooned for the place. A
"record girl" played LP's on a turntable in the back room
each night after dinner. As they do today, a mix of socialites, sports
stars, political operatives, media heavies and regular folks came
from everywhere to mingle with authentic Georgetowners, sip champagne,
scotch or cognac and unwind into the wee hours.
Howard put
his personal stamp on Nathans in other ways, too. An avid sailor and
art collector, he decorated the bar with half-hulls of famous racing
yachts and burgees from his favorite yacht clubs. The sailing prints
and other memorabilia, as well as the horse paintings and prints in
the dining room, are from his personal collection.
The menu today features steaks and chops from Chicago and outstanding
Chesapeake Bay seafood, as well as Nathans classics, like Lobster
Fettuccini. Our house made potato chips are a must. The wine list
is a perfect match for the food and nightlife. On weekends, the dining
room is transformed into an after-dinner disco, where patrons dance
to the latest hits and their favorite oldies.
Nathans,
now in its 37th year, and open every day of the year, proudly celebrates
the tradition of a great neighborhood bar.
My son and I are
happy to have you here. Please come back soon.
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