THE HISTORY OF WHITLOW’S

The Whitlow’s tradition began in 1946 when David Whitlow opened his bar on the corner of 11th and E Street, NW. In 1971, Greg Cahill purchased the restaurant but made few changes to the beloved tavern that had become a fixture in the city. In 1989, Whitlow’s closed its doors to make way for a major redevelopment—one that, unfortunately, never materialized.

Determined to keep the Whitlow’s legacy alive, Greg and Susie Cahill, along with their son Jon Williams, re-opened Whitlow’s in Arlington, Virginia, on Wilson Boulevard in November 1995. The new location quickly became a neighborhood favorite, known for its homestyle cooking, lively brunches, happy hours, and live music. After 26 amazing years, the Arlington location closed its doors in June 2021.

Following an extensive search for a new home, the family chose the vibrant Shaw neighborhood in NW Washington, D.C., reopening Whitlow’s on U Street in 2023. Just a year later, an opportunity arose to move into the larger Brixton space, just three doors down, allowing Whitlow’s to continue growing in the heart of Shaw.

In 2024, Whitlow’s expanded beyond land with the launch of Whitlow’s on Water, a 50-foot-long tiki boat accommodating up to 48 passengers. Available for both public and private cruises from March to October, this exciting addition brought the Whitlow’s vibe to the water.

March 2025 was the opening of Whitlow’s at the Wharf, a new location along D.C.'s SW waterfront. Stunning waterfront views, a lively crowd, live music and the same great food, drinks, and hospitality that Whitlow’s is known for makes this expansion an exciting new chapter in the Whitlow’s story.