My wife and I were there for the history of this restaurant. The background stories are attractive since George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other historic figures had dining in the restaurant. As a national historic preservation building, the space is unique and did preserve the time and history of the era. However, despite the historical importance of this restaurant, the maintenance is a bit disappointing. I understand it is an old building, but the ceiling paint of our dining room is peeling, the restroom door is lack of maintenance. The price of the food is somewhat reasonable as a fine dining restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. However, the food is just ok to my expectation. Compare to the tavern in the Colonial Williamsburg, which also provides colonial style dining experience, there is room for improvement. I was expecting to sink into the colonial time era, but this restaurant just didn't deliver the experience. Overall, I think this restaurant is generally above average, but it has some many potentials to be great!

BLUF: delicious food in an historic setting Four of us went for dinner on a Saturday night. The food was outstanding across the board. Are entrees included the gumbo, catfish, and grilled salmon. I've eaten salmon and a lot of places including having it almost every day during a vacation in alaska, and I can say this was the best salmon I've ever had. Perfectly grilled still moist but firm. The gumbo was extremely flavorful, and surprisingly feeling because it doesn't look like that much when you get it. The only downsides? The food took a long time to come out. Also, the lighting is pretty minimal. Part of this is their effort to maintain a sort of revolutionary era lighting with candles on each table, but a little more light would have been nice especially when reading the menus. I would definitely go back.

We started with fried oysters & the ham biscuits. They were both okay. I had the French onion soup and it was really tasty! Four of us had the filet and it was okay. The potatoes with the filet were really good. One person had the prime rib and thought it was pretty good. One had the sea bass and really loved it. The service was excellent! And the 'proprietor' was just fabulous! He had us laughing and chatting. We just fell in love with him!

To be able to eat at the same establishment where Gorge and Martha Washington as well as Thomas Jefferson have eaten and held an inauguration is absolutely awesome. The smokey walls are literally from when candles lit the establishment and electric lights were not available at the time.

Timeless Treasure Food The food here is superb. We had the clam bisque, peanut soup, ham biscuits, Filet Mignon, Washington's favorite Duck, Lamb Chops, and chocolate cake. The peanut soup was unique and something distinctly colonial period. I would order it again except the other appetizers were so much better I would probably get those first. The Claim Bisque was one of the best soups I've had at a restaurant. All the flavors melded together so well. The Ham Biscuits with raspberry drizzle just melted in your mouth. The combination of flavors and textures was amazing you really have to try this. The whole my mother enjoyed the Lamb it was my least favorite of the three. It had a strong flavor (liquorice maybe) that I didn't care for but ymmv. The duck was very good and the corn pudding that came with it was very unique. While everyone enjoyed their meal the table agreed the Filet was the best entree we ordered. The sauce in top added a nice flavor, it was perfectly cooked and tender. As a steak snob it definitely passed the test. The flowerless chocolate cake doesn't normally come with the raspberry sauce but it was so good on the ham biscuits we asked them to add it and it was fantastic with the chocolate. Service We were seated timely, food arrived in a good amount of time and everyone was friendly. Overall very good service. Ambiance Some restaurants are mainly ambiance and others mainly good food. This is both. When you walk in, you can feel the history surrounding you in the walls. A Gentleman came to our table, dressed in themed attire and in character as the original owner. We had a fun conversation which ended in me singing and him playing Dixieland on his lute. Value This is not an inexpensive place to eat so know that going in. My appetizer steak and dessert with no alcohol was $60. Regardless, whenever I come in town, I'm going to go back.

This restaurant is definitely worth a drop in solely for the history alone. Add to that it's in such a wonderful and walkable neighborhood! I do like the peanut soup, but I realize it's hit or miss for most people. Again, worth a try. The burgers are also quite tasty and the prices are fair. If you're looking for an ambiance that takes you back in time and allows you to escape the crowded outdoor spots on King St, Gadsby's is definitely worth your time.

Amazing history, good food, excellent service and very entertaining. Enough said. We will be back. One minor issue- we went on a hot day and the restaurant was not as cool as I would expect from a nice restaurant, but everything else made up for it.

The ambiance was terrific. We got there late around 8pm but we were not rushed. The food was great. We had the peanut soup and crab cakes for appetizers. The ice tea was fresh and good. The steaks were terrific and the portions were large. The BEST part of the dining experience was our server Gloria L. She was the most warm and authentic server we have had in a long time. She was super affable and made us feel at home. She deserves a raise. We will be back with the rest of the family.

What a fun place to come for Mother's Day dinner with the family. The servers were kind and extremely attentive. The nephews were amazed that five presidents had eaten in this very restaurant!! Martha Washington's pate was delicious. Crab and salmon and ham. What a combo!! Our table had the vegetable Neapolitan, the prime rib, the duck, the salmon, and the chicken fingers. We were all pleased and thankful for a delightful and delicious dinner.