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Bars & Restaurants

Washington has always had a serious food and drink scene, even if most people don’t think of it that way. These posts explore the bars, restaurants, saloons, and breweries that fueled the city across the centuries.

Exploring the History of Chez Billy (3815 Georgia Ave. NW) in Petworth

November 9, 2022March 25, 2016 by ghostsofdc

3815 Georgia Avenue NW has been a restaurant since 1929. In the 1960s it was Billy Simpson’s, Washington’s Black political forum.

Categories If Walls Could Talk Tags Bars & Restaurants, Petworth 1 Comment

Exploring the Lost History of Warwick’s Saloon at 13th and Penn

November 9, 2022February 1, 2016 by ghostsofdc
At the bar at Warwick's Cafe, 13th St., NW near Pennsylvania Ave., 1894

Join us as we explore the lost history of Warwick’s Saloon, formerly located at 13th and Penn in Washington, DC. We’ll take a look at the bar, the billiard room, and the interesting story of a Secret Service raid.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Lost History Tags 1890s, Bars & Restaurants 4 Comments

Exploring the History of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC

November 9, 2022March 18, 2015 by ghostsofdc
The Pennsylvania Avenue Childs around 1917

Discover the fascinating history of Childs Restaurant in Washington, DC – the chain that originated in New York City and spread southward. Learn about the unique building of the Massachusetts Ave. location and more.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Guest Posts, Lost History Tags 1890s, 1920s, Bars & Restaurants, Pennsylvania Avenue 2 Comments

The Heurich Brewery – A Historic Photo From 1910

April 27, 2026March 13, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Heurich Brewery in 1910

Take a look at this historic photo of the Heurich Brewery, taken in 1910. The brewery stood on the current site of the Kennedy Center in Washington DC

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1910s, Bars & Restaurants 1 Comment

Exploring a Photo of DC’s 1300 Block of E Street NW in 1917

January 13, 2021August 4, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Shoomaker's and Globe Restaurant Company

Explore a 1917 photo of the 1300 block of E Street NW in Washington, DC. Learn about the stores, people, and signs in the photo and hear a recording of Claudia Muzio.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1910s, Bars & Restaurants 7 Comments

Uncovering the History of the Golden Garter Sign in Washington, DC

November 21, 2021August 1, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Join us as we uncover the history of the iconic Golden Garter sign in Washington, DC. We take a look at the past of 639 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Roaring Twenties East to Remington’s

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1960s, Bars & Restaurants 2 Comments

Want a Job? Check out the Brickskeller Cocktail Waitress Ad from December 10th, 1968

April 27, 2026February 12, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Brickskeller cocktail waitress

Take a look back at the Brickskeller ad for a cocktail waitress from Dec 10th, 1968. See what the job entailed and discover why this old favorite still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1960s, Bars & Restaurants 1 Comment

Three Things We Miss About Old Saloons in Washington

December 8, 2021January 16, 2014 by ghostsofdc
D. Mullany's Saloon at 14th and E St. NW in 1913

We miss the days of old saloons in Washington. Here’s a look at 3 saloons we’d love to visit again: J.J. O’Keefe’s, The Indian and Oedekoven’s. Learn more about each one and why we miss them.

Categories Three Things... Tags 1900s, Bars & Restaurants, Prohibition 3 Comments

Check Out This Cool Beer Ad From 1900: The Golden Hop

January 30, 2022January 15, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Take a step back in time and check out this cool beer ad from 1900 featuring the Golden Hop. See why it was so popular back then and why it’s still talked about today.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1900s, Bars & Restaurants
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