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      • Franklin D. Roosevelt
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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.

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

Remember This Super Ugly Giant on Wisconsin Ave.? It’s Soon to be the New Cathedral Commons!

January 1, 2022January 8, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Giant Food on Wisconsin Avenue

Remember this super ugly Giant on Wisconsin Ave. near the Cathedral? It’s soon going to be the new Cathedral Commons! This old photo was taken in the summer of 1942.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1940s, Architecture, Bars & Restaurants 1 Comment

The Evolution of O Street Market: Comparing 1959 to Today

September 1, 2019December 2, 2013 by ghostsofdc
O Street Market on northwest corner of 7th and O Streets NW. (Emil A. Press Slide Collection, 1959)

See the incredible transformation of the O Street Market from 1959 to today. Check out how this landmark has changed, and the similarities that remain. Visit the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. to learn more!

Categories Then and Now Tags 1950s, Bars & Restaurants 1 Comment

Unbelievable Prices: A Look Back at an Ad from 1967

April 28, 2026October 25, 2013 by ghostsofdc
The Explorer Restaurant advertisement

Take a look back at The Washington Post ad from 1967 for the Explorer Restaurant offering dinner for three bucks! Incredible prices from more than 50 years ago!

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

A Rare Photo of a Civil War-Era Beer Garden in Washington, D.C.

December 8, 2021October 17, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Mount Vernon Lager Beer Brewery and Pleasure Garden near the northeast corner of 4th and E Streets NE. (Juenemann Photograph Collection, HSW, ca. 1865-1870)

Check out this rare photo of a beer garden from just after the Civil War located at 4th and E St. NE in Washington, D.C. Discover the history of this iconic establishment with the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1860s, Bars & Restaurants, Civil War 1 Comment

Inspiration Found: Can You Make Up a Caption for This Vintage Scene?

April 28, 2026October 16, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Get ready to be inspired! Can you make up a caption for this vintage scene from Duke Zeibert’s restaurant in Washington, D.C. in 1960? Check it out and give it a try!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1960s, Bars & Restaurants 12 Comments

Remembering the Dixie Chicken Shop on 14th Street NW

April 28, 2026August 31, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Dixie Chicken Shop advertisement (May 20th, 1939)

Take a trip down memory lane to the Dixie Chicken Shop on 14th Street NW in 1939. Read the Baltimore Afro-American ad, see the photo, and reminisce about the good ol’ days of fried chicken!

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1930s, Bars & Restaurants
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