The Original Clyde’s Celebrates Its 50th Birthday

The front bar at Clyde’s of Georgetown, at 3236 M St., NW, was full and busy, the back rooms and the omelet room and the atrium were bustling and young waiters and waitresses scurried about carrying coffee and plates with Clyde’s omelettes and eggs Benedict — free to any customer who walked in before 10 a.m. The scene could have been a 1980s Georgetown Saturday morning rising out of and recovering from a Friday night. It was something better. It was a Monday morning — Aug. 12, 2013 — and Clyde’s was celebrating its 50th anniversary. That’s right: 50 years, and 14 restaurants and counting.

“It’s a Washington legend now, and we’re delighted to be a part of the history and success of D.C.,” said Tom Meyer, president of Clyde’s Restaurant Group. An ebullient Mayor Vincent Gray arrived and made it official, along with the District Council, proclaiming August 12 “Clyde’s of Georgetown Day.”

Later that day, an evening reception and party brought Clyde’s employees, past and present, together to celebrate, dance and cut the 50th birthday cake.