A stone’s throw from the White House, locals, tourists, and politicos have been mixing at P. J. Clarke’s since 2010. The spirit of the Manhattan original gets a local twist in this beloved Washington, DC, bar and restaurant. It’s a standard on any list of the best American restaurants, for good reason. This iconic saloon is a go-to for fresh food, frosty drinks, and good, old-fashioned conversation. Head our way for American culinary favorites from oysters to the Clarke burger, made just like you remember. Making a reservation is recommended, especially during peak hours.
Burgers & other American comfort food in down-to-earth digs with a lively atmosphere.
Maegan Irwin
I stopped in here for dinner, as I was staying across the street at the Hyatt, and it was definitely worth it. The food was incredible and the service was amazing.
Jeffrey was my server and we chatted briefly whenever he checked in on me and he made sure I had plenty of iced tea and water.
I had a great dinner of shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad and a baguette. The house-made Caesar dressing and cocktail sauce were both fantastic. I finished dinner with their key lime pie.
100% will visit again!
… moreAlex Barraza
Food was great, atmosphere was fun and active. It did get crowded and a bit loud (I didn’t mind) but was still an enjoyable time. My two drinks were great and my crab cakes were delicious. Not a place for a quiet meal, more like after work dinner and drinks. Our server was awesome and attentive. *my short clip was before the crowd arrived*
Sat down at about 6:30pm and left around 8:30pm on a Wednesday
… moreTabatha Ortiz
I absolutely love this place! The food is delicious and the service is very quick and friendly. Highly recommend the truffle fries and the crab dip!
… moreJohn Taylor III
Welcoming staff and a warm atmosphere in the dining room. Bar area was busy, but didn’t disturb the quiet of the main dining area. Fish and chips was good – warning the fries are shoestring fries. Well breaded and flaky. Mac and cheese had huge chunks of bacon and pees – great sauce, really excellent flavor.
… moreJames Masciuch
Food is excellent but we love this place for the staff and service. We love going into the city on winter weekends with our toddler to visit the museums and PJ Clarke’s has been a goto for dinner at the end of the night.
… moreMartin Glenn
GREAT service, nice place. Food was real, real salty, though, and that’s a bit of a shame. Had the crab dip appetizer, and they gave us so little bread to dip into it, we all ended up eating the dip as a soup of sorts with our forks so that we didn’t waste it, even though it was tremendously SALTY. Like salt was almost the predominant flavor. I had the steak frites, and the supplied knife wasn’t quite up to the task of cutting the meat, but it was very tasty along with a very garlicky herb butter. Wife got the chopped steak, and it was a lovely dish, piled high with all sorts of lovely gravy and mushrooms and too much to eat, but very . . . wait for it . . . SALTY. Daughter had the chicken pot pie. Loaded with chicken. Decent meal. Our server was tremendous and polite and one of the highlights of the evening. Kitchen staff may want to taste-test some things before sending them out the door. They might be surprised. We’ve been on vacation all week and eating out every night, and this was the saltiest meal of the week. We felt like we were still retaining water the next morning.
… moreMatthew Krunglevich
Mildly upscale with a great location, food, and service. Contemporary style inside with a great patio too. Food was freshly prepared and delicious with portions that can please even the biggest appetites. Drinks were good. Service was knowledgeable and fast. The location on the porch had a view of the national Mall. Prices are mildly upscale and downtown parking. Family friendly.
… moreFrances Jackson
Attended for a late lunch therefore it was not busy however, the waitress was not very attentive. The customer service is not the best. The food was very good and hot upon arrival, it is a little pricy. The atmosphere is decent and there is outdoor patio seating.
… moreLorenzo W.
We stopped into P.J. Clarke’s in D.C. on a Saturday afternoon, conveniently located right across from the St. Regis Hotel where we were staying. The timing was perfect—early enough that we had most of the restaurant to ourselves, though it did begin filling up just as we were finishing.
The experience was absolutely excellent. Our waiter, Edward, was phenomenal—attentive, responsive, and knowledgeable. He offered great recommendations on both drinks and sides, and his service alone made the visit memorable.
As someone who frequents top-tier steakhouses, I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the steak. Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and easily one of the best I’ve had in recent months. That’s high praise, considering I’ve visited at least two or three premier steakhouses in that same time span. The meal delivered in every way.
The ambiance is cozy and a bit old-school—with that classic checkerboard tablecloth charm you don’t see as often anymore. P.J. Clarke’s feels like the kind of place you want to keep around, and I hope it stays just the way it is.
If you’re staying at the St. Regis or anywhere nearby, don’t overlook this spot. Stop in, ask for Edward, and absolutely try the steak. Highly recommend.
… moreMike Rohan
PJ Clarke’s in DC is a fantastic dining experience! The ambiance is vibrant and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for casual gatherings or special occasions. Their menu boasts a wide variety of delicious options, from mouthwatering burgers to fresh seafood. The portions are generous, and everything is beautifully presented. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a great dining experience. Don’t miss their signature cocktails! A must-visit for food lovers!
… more