The Tabard Inn is a century-old Dupont Circle hotel whose restaurant is a beloved DC hideaway: cozy fireside lounge, seasonal American cooking, famous house doughnuts, and live jazz Sundays and Mondays. Open and serving breakfast through dinner daily.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 7:30am-10:00pm Tue 7:30am-10:00pm Wed 7:30am-10:00pm Thu 7:30am-10:00pm Fri 7:30am-10:30pm Sat 7:30am-10:30pm Sun 7:30am-10:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Dupont Circle Metro (Red), ~5 min walk |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Sunday or Monday evening for live jazz; weekday brunch for the doughnuts by the fire |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.7/10- Value7.5
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity8.4
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is it expensive?
- Dinner is on the higher, special-occasion side, but breakfast, brunch, and happy hour are more accessible ways in. Value tracks with the ambiance and history. Come for brunch and doughnuts to sample it affordably.
- Is there live jazz?
- Yes, the Tabard Inn hosts live jazz on Sunday and Monday evenings, adding to its intimate, romantic feel. It's a lovely low-key night out. Arrive earlier to get a good seat in the lounge.
- Is it good for a date?
- Very. The fireplace, dim historic rooms, garden patio, and jazz nights make it one of DC's classic romantic restaurants. It's a go-to for anniversaries. Ask about the fireside lounge or patio when booking.
- Where is the Tabard Inn?
- It's at 1739 N Street NW between 17th and 18th, a short walk from the Dupont Circle Metro on the Red line. Exit the station and head a couple of blocks. It's tucked into a residential-feeling stretch.
- Is the Tabard Inn restaurant still open?
- Yes, the restaurant in the historic Dupont Circle inn is open and serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. It's a long-running DC institution. Hours run roughly 7:30am to 10pm, a bit later on weekends.
- Do I need a reservation?
- For dinner and weekend brunch, reservations via OpenTable are recommended because the cozy space fills up. Weekday off-peak visits are easier as walk-ins. Book ahead for jazz nights and special occasions.
- Are the doughnuts really that good?
- The house doughnuts are a longtime local favorite, dusted in sugar and served warm, and many people come specifically for them at brunch. They're the item to try. Order them even if you're skeptical.
- What is the Tabard Inn known for?
- A cozy, old-world atmosphere with a wood-burning fireplace, seasonal American cooking, and its famous house-made doughnuts. It feels like a hidden retreat in the middle of the city. The lounge is the signature space.
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- Dupont CircleNeighborhood0.42 km · 5 min walk
- Immigrant FoodRestaurant0.86 km · 11 min walk
- The White HouseAttraction1.08 km · 13 min walk
- El Sol Restaurante & TaqueriaRestaurant1.15 km · 14 min walk
- Old Ebbitt GrillRestaurant1.18 km · 15 min walk
Where to stay near Tabard Inn
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