You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels like... home? But, like, a home with a giant model train circling the ceiling and vintage airplanes hanging over your salad? That's basically the vibe at Clyde's of Chevy Chase. It’s been sitting there on Wisconsin Avenue since 1995, acting as the unofficial living room for everyone from power-lunching lobbyists to families trying to bribe their toddlers with french fries.
Honestly, in a neighborhood like Friendship Heights where retail stores seem to vanish overnight, Clyde’s has always felt permanent. It’s the anchor. But lately, things have been a bit weird. You might’ve noticed some scaffolding or a few "interim difficulties" if you’ve swung by recently.
Well, there’s a reason for that. After years of speculation about whether they’d follow the path of the Reston or Columbia locations (which, sadly, are no more), Clyde’s of Chevy Chase just signed a massive long-term lease extension. They aren't going anywhere. In fact, they’re doubling down with a serious renovation that’s currently in the works.
The "Saloon" Philosophy in the Heart of Chevy Chase
Stuart Davidson, the guy who started the whole Clyde’s empire back in '63, had a pretty simple mantra: "It’s more fun to eat in a saloon than drink in a restaurant." You can still feel that DNA today.
Most people don't realize that Clyde's was a pioneer. They were the first place in D.C. to do Sunday brunch. The first to hire women as servers. When the Chevy Chase location opened in the mid-90s, it brought that "big-room" energy to the Maryland line. It’s a massive space. It’s loud. It’s frantic during happy hour. And yet, it has these little pockets of Art Deco sophistication that make it feel more expensive than it actually is.
💡 You might also like: Virgo Love Horoscope for Today and Tomorrow: Why You Need to Stop Fixing People
The decor is a whole thing. If you haven't looked up lately, you're missing the point. We're talking:
- The Train: A G-scale model that chugs along a track near the ceiling.
- Aviation Vibes: Full-sized replicas of vintage planes suspended in mid-air.
- The "Chevy Chaser": A cocktail that’s basically a local rite of passage at this point.
Why Everyone’s Talking About the 2025-2026 Refresh
Let’s be real for a second. Before the current renovations started, the place was looking a little... tired? 1995 was a long time ago. The carpets had seen things. The upholstery had stories it probably shouldn't tell.
The CEO of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, Jeff Burges, actually sent out a pretty remarkably honest letter recently. He basically apologized for the state of things during the transition and confirmed that they are pouring money back into the venue. They’re updating the live performance space—which is huge because Chevy Chase desperately needs more nightlife—and giving the dining rooms a "fresh new look."
It's a risky move in this economy, but it’s also a vote of confidence. When the Tysons and Reston locations closed, people panicked. They thought the "Clyde's Era" was ending. But seeing the Chevy Chase spot get a glow-up proves that the "Grand American Saloon" concept still has legs.
📖 Related: Lo que nadie te dice sobre la moda verano 2025 mujer y por qué tu armario va a cambiar por completo
What to Actually Order (Beyond the Burger)
We have to talk about the food because, while the vibes are 10/10, you're there to eat. Most people default to the cheeseburger. It’s Cedar River Farms beef, never frozen, and consistently solid. But if you want to eat like a regular, you gotta branch out.
- The Maryland-Style Crisfield Stew: This is basically the Chesapeake Bay in a bowl. You get a lump crab cake, shrimp, mussels, and oysters in this Old Bay tomato broth. It’s messy and perfect.
- Oysters: Clyde's is obsessed with oysters. They have their own shell recycling program and exclusive varieties like the "Great Kiss." If you aren't starting with a dozen on the half-shell, you're doing it wrong.
- The Meatloaf: It’s glazed with bacon-horseradish and served with whipped Yukon Gold potatoes. It’s the kind of "sad day" food that actually makes the day better.
And look, I know some people complain that the fries can be a bit salty or the calamari is too breaded. That’s the trade-off with a high-volume kitchen. It’s not Michelin-star tweezers-and-microgreens dining. It’s high-end tavern food.
The Sustainability Secret
One thing that doesn't get enough press is how much work they put into their supply chain. They aren't just buying generic produce. They work with local outfits like Leigh’s Meats and Logan’s Sausage. They’ve even won awards for their "Steel Keg" program, which basically cuts down on thousands of single-use packages by sticking to reusable kegs for beer. It’s a small detail, but in 2026, those details matter.
Is It Still Worth the Trip to Friendship Heights?
Friendship Heights has had a rough few years. The Mazza Gallerie mall got demolished for residential units. Lord & Taylor is a ghost. But Clyde's is the reason people still cross the DC-Maryland line for dinner.
👉 See also: Free Women Looking for Older Men: What Most People Get Wrong About Age-Gap Dating
It serves as this weird, wonderful bridge between generations. You’ll see 80-year-olds who have been coming since opening day sitting next to Gen Z-ers who just discovered the $5 happy hour house wines.
Pro Tip for 2026: If you're planning a weekend visit, check the schedule. They’ve been opening early for "game days" and special events, sometimes as early as 10 AM. And since the renovations are ongoing, certain sections might be closed off—always call ahead if you have your heart set on sitting under a specific airplane.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you haven't been in a while, or you're a first-timer, here is how to maximize the experience:
- Hit the Happy Hour: It typically runs 3 PM to 7 PM. The $5 house liquors and $3 off starters are the best deal in the zip code.
- Park Smart: Don't fight for street parking on Wisconsin Ave. There’s a garage within a two-minute walk that’s much less stressful.
- Check the Live Music: Keep an eye on their updated schedule as the new performance space opens up; they're looking to bring back more local bands.
- Dietary Note: They are surprisingly good with gluten-free options. Just ask the server; the kitchen is well-trained on cross-contamination.
Clyde's of Chevy Chase isn't just a restaurant; it’s a survivor. In an era of "ghost kitchens" and QR-code menus, there's something genuinely comforting about a massive, noisy room filled with model trains and the smell of crab cakes. Go for the nostalgia, stay for the renovation.