Tucked inside the Four Seasons hotel, Bourbon Steak lounge boasts big security measures.

D.C. Restaurants With Secret Service Entrances

Politicos use these private passages to get in and out of dinner

by Vinciane Ngomsi Nov 4, 2024, 10:00am EST

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Tucked inside the Four Seasons hotel, Bourbon Steak lounge boasts big security measures.

| Christian Horan

by Vinciane Ngomsi Nov 4, 2024, 10:00am EST

The U.S. Secret Service plays an important role in protecting the President and other high-profile officials in our nation’s capital, which includes ensuring their safety in public spaces like restaurants.

To facilitate this front line of defense for VIP diners, certain establishments around the nation’s capital have designated entrances and exits, allowing for discreet access and minimizing exposure to potential threats. Though complex, these protocols help maintain the privacy and security of officials while they dine, which is an overall benefit to patrons around them as well. Celebrities traveling here with handlers also take advantage of this very-D.C. perk while eating out.

While most of us likely won’t ever use (or see) these private passageways, we can at least take solace in knowing certain spots around D.C. are beloved by famous faces and regular diners alike. For a roundup of places well-known personalities patronize around the nation’s capital, go here.

Méli Wine & Mezze

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Up in Adams Morgan, the Greek(ish) food and wine spot makes sure its elite guests are well taken care of and out of sight when they arrive to dine on tzatziki, seared scallops, and more.

1630 Columbia Road Northwest, DC 20009

(202) 978-2333

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The Red Hen

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When President Joe Biden famously ate the beloved rigatoni here last year, it caused quite an uproar for the Bloomingdale trattoria. Not only does it boast a private entrance, but also an intelligence plan should something go awry when famous guests are in the vicinity.

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Capital One Dining

Book primetime tables set aside exclusively for eligible Capital One cardholders. Capital One Dining is the presenting partner of the Eater app .

1822 1st St NW (at Seaton Pl NW), Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 525-3021

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Bourbon Steak

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The Four Seasons hotel’s legendary power spot Bourbon Steak is frequented by a number of celebrities, from superstar athletes to those performing at the nearby Kennedy Center. If they’re hoping to make a sneaky exit and evade the hordes of visitors in the lobby, managers help pull off the disappearing trick via one of five corridors.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, DC 20007

(202) 342-0444

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Morton's The Steakhouse

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Because the U.S. Secret Service’s D.C. field office used to be in this Connecticut Avenue building, it would make sense that one of D.C.’s most frequented steakhouses would have a special entrance and private elevator. Conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh had to leave through the back with his security detail when activists crashed his dinner in summer 2022.

1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

(202) 955-5997

RPM Italian

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RPM prides themselves on a contemporary take to Italian fare, and they’re popular with some of Washington’s famous and those performing at Capital One Arena because they can slip in and out through an underground parking garage without fanfare. Superstar guests have included Drake, Coldplay, and BTS.

650 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 204-4480

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Carmine's

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Carmine’s boasts a private secure entrance that leads into one of its private dining rooms. This design was intentional, as owner Jeff Bank planned this entrance for individuals with security details. Since then it has been used by Senate and House leadership, members of the Supreme Court, cabinet secretaries, and more. However, when then-Vice President Joe Biden came to Carmine’s, he hilariously just walked in through the front door.

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OpenTable

425 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

202 737 7770

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The Duck and the Peach

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Because of its proximity to Capitol Hill, The Duck and the Peach is the preferred dining destination for lawmakers in the city. In order to protect their privacy, they’ve carved out a secret service entrance to enter and exit with ease. Sister restaurant La Collina next door also has an entrance of its own. The quaint cocktail bar the Wells does its best to protect the privacy of its patrons with its own special corridor as well.

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Capital One Dining

Book primetime tables set aside exclusively for eligible Capital One cardholders. Capital One Dining is the presenting partner of the Eater app .
SevenRooms

300 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 481-0548

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Mission - Navy Yard

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Mission Navy Yard and Royal Sands Social Club owner Fritz Brogan, himself a former political operative, designed both spaces with private elevators and entrances to private event rooms. They’ve been used for political fundraisers and names like AOC and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg when they met for nachos and tacos at Mission.

1221 Van St SE (at N St SE), Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 810-7010

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