The Food: The Clyde’s Restaurant Group (which includes nine area Clyde’s locations, as well as 1789 restaurant and the Old Ebbitt Grill) uses local produce and seafood when possible, so look for a diverse mix of daily specials. Raw bar selections and a surprisingly good cheese plate are popular, as are big-portioned American dishes such as crab cakes, crab dip, shrimp cocktail, a thick cheeseburger, and a Carolina-style pulled-pork sandwich. Entrees range from $9-$26.
The Scene: Open since 1963, the original Clyde’s radiates the feeling of an “everyone knows your name” saloon. Vintage graphic art of the Wright brothers, polo matches, and football decorate the main bar area, and a second bar is packed with railroad paraphernalia. On a post between the two, look for the gold record from the Starland Vocal Band, who named their hit “Afternoon Delight” after the Clyde’s happy hour menu of the same name. It’s still a favorite stop for Georgetown students and alumni, tourists, sports fans, and neighborhood regulars.
What’s Nearby: Clyde’s backs into Georgetown Park mall, which is filled with chain clothing stores. Outside the front door on M Street, there are more boutiques and clothing shops, plus the upscale grocer Dean & DeLuca and an assortment of college bars. Behind the mall is the historic C&O Canal and towpath, a multiplex movie theater, and the Washington Harbour waterfront promenade.
Insider Tips: At happy hour, offered weekdays between 4 and 7 PM and 10 PM and midnight, you can fill up on burgers, chicken sandwiches, and bowls of crab dip for $5 each. But the deals are on the food, not the drinks.
