Despite a name that harkens to a large hole in the ground for dead bodies, The Tombs has been a Georgetown institution since it opened in 1962. A popular spot among students for late night shenanigans, the restaurant has also developed a reputation of serving up the best panacea for the next morning’s headache in the area (not including Leo’s, of course). And while Bloody Marys and Mimosas were not on the menu for me or my dining partner, we arrived to the Tombs on Sunday morning with empty stomachs and high expectations.
Atmosphere, Originality and Service
Much like it’s direct competitor Martin’s Tavern, the Tomb’s is dimly lit and obsessively decorated. The walls are covered with memorabilia from Georgetown’s history, with particular attention to boating. It’s a bit chaotic, especially since seating is tight and the atmosphere is loud. But overall, the decor, containing wooden chairs, tables, and booths and the occasional stained-glass panel, is charming and original.
Service in the restaurant was good. Our waiter was an engaging and enjoyable Georgetown student, who refilled our water and coffee when needed. The food came a bit slowly, but considering how crowded the restaurant was, this was understandable.
Diversity of Menu
It’s no surprise that The Tombs, where according to their website “traditions run deep,” features a menu that is fairly, well, traditional. The classical dishes, omelettes, eggs benedict, and french toast are placed next to other brunch standards like huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, and smoked salmon plates. What The Tombs lacks in originality or creativity (the cutely named ‘Bulldog Omelette’ notwithstanding), it generally makes up for by offering almost every conventional brunch option imaginable.
I decided to order the ‘Steak and Eggs,’ which came with seasoned home fries, Bearnaise sauce, and an English muffin while my partner opted for the ‘Summer Quiche,’ which included zucchini, squash, red onions, gruyere cheese, and came with a mixed green salad.
The “Summer Quiche” and side salad. Daniel Varghese/The Georgetown Voice
Food Presentation
Presentation of food at Tombs is adequate, though altogether not that exciting. My partner’s salad and quiche appeared both colorful and fresh, though did not seem to be plated very intentionally. Similarly my steak and eggs, which appeared tender as they should, found themselves underneath a mound of potatoes and the english muffin.
The steak and (potato-obscured) eggs. Daniel Varghese/The Georgetown Voice
Food Quality
Neither the steak or the eggs in my dish exceeded my expectations. The eggs felt a bit tough, like they had been left over heat for a bit too long. And while the steak was cooked to a tender, juicy perfection, it was over-seasoned. Additionally, my english muffin was cold and untoasted, which meant eating it with the steak to counteract the extra salt was not an option. The saving grace of the dish was the seasoned home fries, which were crunchy, warm and peppery.
My partner’s dish was similarly “okay.” The quiche itself was fluffy and creamy, thanks to the gruyere, though it’s crust was thin and fragile. While the salad was tasty enough, it’s heaviness did not pair well with the delicate, ‘Summer Quiche.’ My partner had expected a lighter combination of berries and fresh greens, but instead received what seemed like a standard, generic dinner salad.
Food Price
Before taxes and gratuity, the Summer Quiche came in at $12.95, while the Steak and Eggs was a slightly more pricey $16.95. Both dishes left us full in stomachs, yet empty in wallets. But then again, no one goes to The Tombs for it’s value.
The Takeaway
The Tombs has benefitted greatly from being less than 3 blocks from the front gates. And while it offers generally decent fare, it seems to cost just a bit more money than it is worth. That being said, I can’t imagine myself going anywhere else on my 21st birthday.
Originality: 7
Diversity of Menu: 7
Presentation: 5
Quality: 6
Price: 4
Brunch Bracket Update: The Tombs, with a total of 29 points in the first round, has lost out to Martin’s Tavern, which earned a total of 34 points last week. Martin’s Tavern will advance to the second round of the Brunch Bracket.
