America's 50 favorite political hangouts

Morgan Stewart

Great restaurants and bars where politics is always on the bill of fare

Have you ever wanted to dine alone in your favorite restaurant only to be seated next to a famous national pundit? Have you witnessed state legislative leaders outlining major compromises on a dinner napkin? Have you ever ordered a drink when a U.S. senator stood on the bar and announced his candidacy for vice president?

In the world of political hangouts, politicians, journalists, consultants, lobbyists, and hangers-on eat, drink, and let their hair down. Political hangouts are important for our leaders. They provide elected officials a chance to meet in a relaxed and unrehearsed atmosphere. The gathering places range in decor from highbrow mahogany-filled restaurants to grungy bars with license plates on the wall.

In the past, lobbyists bought dinner, the political bosses had their special booths, and all political debates were "off the record." But things may be changing. Many politicos are either too old or too married to continue old habits.

Take Rich Bond, 42, former Republican National Committee chairman. He claimed both age and marriage and referred me to Mary Matalin (who is neither old nor married) saying she would know the best places to go. But Matalin, 39, President Bush's 1992 deputy campaign manager, said she never bothered with bars. After hours, she said she hung out in her office, "where the red wine was always flowing freely."

The theory that power players are changing runs deep. Established journalists think politicians do not drink and carouse like they used to. "They're a generation of wine drinkers," said veteran columnist Jack Germond. "It's prune juice and Perrier," added Jack Nelson, the Washington bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times.

They say politicians are becoming more health-conscious homebodies. The gin mills and steak restaurants that lionized the Ted Kennedys and Tip O'Neills are making room for juice bars and health food cafes.

Others say the idea that politics is now run by the Grape Nuts generation is really a ruse. Money people (like lobbyists) and politicians are still into the alcohol. "We're back to the older days," said one bar owner.

There is at least a morsel of truth in all the theories. One reason polls are reluctant to openly frequent drinking establishments is because journalists have broached the anonymity associated with an after hours drink, making public figures a little skittish.

Overall, finding the best hangouts was easy. Limiting the list to 50 was tough. Here they are:

ALABAMA

John's 112 21st St., Birmingham

Owned by the Hontza family for 49 years, this restaurant is a favorite for both Senator Howell Heflin and Jack Germond. Germond favors the large round table where parties of one are seated, "You'll always meet somebody interesting," he said. Heflin loves the seafood.

ARKANSAS

Capital Bar 111 W. Markham St., Little Rock

Inside the Capital Hotel, the bar served as one of Clinton's campaign headquarters. In 1874, the hotel was centrally located in a war between Joseph Brooks and Eliasha Baxter. Both had declared themselves governor after a rigged election and decided to fight it out with guns. The clientele has mellowed since then.

Doe's Eat Place 1023 W. Markham St., Little Rock

Where else can you get a six-pound steak? Doe's was the hangout for the Clintonians during the 1992 Presidential campaign and is still a favorite of state legislators. Doe's is a hole-in-the-wall full of memorabilia.

CALIFORNIA

Frank Fat's 806 L St., Sacramento

This Chinese-Cantonese restaurant has been a favorite in California's capital since 1939. Notorious for legislators eating on the lobbyist's tab, political reform is not good for business. One historical claim includes a napkin on which legislators outlined the agreement for California's 1987 Tort Reform Bill.

Pennisi's Cafe 1030 J St., Sacramento

Home of the breakfast fundraiser, Pennisi's is a favorite lunch time restaurant for members of the state senate and the lobbyist corps. The decor is a blend of black and white tile, checkered floor and bistro-style chairs.

Posey's Cottage 1100 O St., Sacramento

This prime rib house is home to The Derby, a club of 50 to 60 legislators and lobbyists who meet every Tuesday for lunch. A great place for banquets and fundraisers, Posey's is very accommodating for sizable crowds.

A Shot of Class 1020 11 St., Sacramento

One block from the capitol, A Shot of Class is not just an establishment, but a truism. The art deco, 25-foot ceilings and big band dancing on the weekend really make it a favorite for fundraisers. The California cuisine adds a certain freshness indicative of California's political establishment.

FLORIDA

Club Palm Beach 101 S. Adams St., Tallahassee

Located next door to the capitol in the Sheraton Hotel, the Club maintains an old, classy decor with a full bar and a healthy crowd of politicos.

Clyde's 210 S. Adams St., Tallahassee

Clyde's owner Guy Thompson claims an unusual mixture of Florida State University students and politicians. Thompson said campaign professionals enjoy his bar because "we don't get a lot of press people." An odd story: "Jesse Jackson came to the bar one. His car broke down across the street."

GEORGIA

Manuel's Tavern 602 North Highland, Atlanta

Owner Manuel Maloof claims that nearly every politician has stopped in for a beer and a Manuel hamburger since 1956. Manuel who served in local politics, lectures at local universities. In 1968, he was quoted as saying, "You take Einstein, Churchill, and Roosevelt and put 'em in a body like mine - put that up against some pretty boy like Ronald Reagan on TV, you'll get your brains bashed in."

Paschal's Brothers 830 M. L. King Jr. Dr., Atlanta

The headquarters for the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Peach state pols, the restaurant's clientele is predominantly political, and a sure give-away that something important is taking place. "This spot is a favorite for black politicians, and white politicians who need black support," Jack Germond said.

Pinkie Master's 318 Dryaton St., Savannah

When Jimmy Carter decided to run for president, there was only one place to make his announcement. Standing on Ruby Kirk's bar, the soon-to-be president made his proclamation and continued a long heritage, copied by Vice President Al Gore in 1992.

ILLINOIS

The Billy Goat Tavern 430 N. Michigan St., Chicago

If you see a live billy goat, named Billy, wandering the aisles, and hear a rendition of John Belushi's "cheeboiga, cheeboiga, cheeboiga," you're in the place that inspired Saturday Night Live's old diner spoof. Specializing in cheeseburgers and steaks, owner Sam Sianis established this restaurant 28 years ago. Since then, diners have included Mayor Richie Daly (a regular) and George Bush.

Blue Chicago 937 N. State St., Chicago

A great place to relax and enjoy the blues. Blue Chicago has the ear of every true music lover. One story has it that Senator Paul Simon and his wife discovered the bar when they heard the music as they made their way down State St.

Eli's 215 East Chicago Ave., Chicago

Want to know why Bill Clinton is jogging so much these days? Someone told Eli's the new chief executive liked dessert, so they baked Clinton a little cheesecake for his inauguration -- it weighed 2,300 pounds.

Limey's 625 South First St., Springfield

Limey's claims the best dance floor in Springfield, and apparently the throng of legislators serves as proof. "You can find enough legislators there to have a quorum," said one reporter. Billed as the "Home of the Unusual Shooters," Limey's offers such liquor delicacies as "The Creature from the Black Lagoon."

Morton's of Chicago 1050 North State St., Chicago

Dan Rostenkowski put Morton's on the map. A favorite of consultants and upscale steak lovers, Morton's has developed one of the best reputations for consistent service and fine food.

Play it Again, Sam's 222 S. College St., Springfield

Owned by the former Chicago legislator Joe Berrios, Sam's is the favorite of politicos and reporters alike. With good hamburgers and pizza, Berrios' eatery and bar is so heavily populated while the Illinois legislature is in session, reporters claim Sam's has the most in-the-know clientele.

IOWA

The Savery Hotel 4th and Locust St., Des Moines

Built in 1920, this beautiful hotel presents a vintage continental cuisine and the best wine list in the area. The hotel has its own wine cellar complete with humidifiers. The Savery is always crowded during the presidential caucuses.

LOUISIANA

Molly's at the Market 1107 Decatur St., New Orleans

Molly's has catered to every major politico to step inside the city limits. "It's a two-fisted drinking place where the men are en and the boys wish they were," said owner Jim Monaghan. Every conceivable item is on the wall including an urn containing the ashes of some guy named Irving. It's the kind of place you hope doesn't remind you of home, but it's comfortable anyway. Thursday night celebrity bartenders have included governors, senators, and mayors.

Ruth's Chris Steak House 711 N. Broad St., New Orleans

In 1983, when Edwin Edwards regained the governor's office for a third term, his victory celebration was not in the state capital of Baton Rouge, but in New Orleans at Chris's Steak House. For years, the restaurant has remained the city's top political hotspot. No respectable political animal goes without eating there on Friday afternoons.

MASSACHUSETTS

The Golden Dome 150 Bowdin St., Boston

Located on Beacon Hill, this spot is good for drinks and the basic meat and potatoes crowd. The Dome is a hit with state senators and legislators because it's just steps away from the capitol. Some rumor mongers say the bar announces roll call votes so legislators can run back to the capitol before their name is called.

The Hampshire House 84 Beacon St., Boston

The Hampshire House is the home of the Bull & Finch Pub, the inspiration for television's Cheers. Owner Tom Kershaw is making a mint because of the television depiction of his bar. As Boston's unofficial GOP headquarters, many state and local Republicans like to hold meetings and press conferences here.

The Last Hurrah 60 School St., Boston

Inside the Parker House Hotel is one of the most popular bar/restaurants on the East Coat. Players like Tip O'Neill, Ted Kennedy, Morley Safer, and former Boston mayor-tuned-governor James Curley did their drinking, and deals here.

MICHIGAN

Beggar's Banquet 218 Abbott Rd., Lansing

Yes, the name of this restaurant/bar was inspired by the Rolling Stones album. Opened by four hippies in 1973, just months before President Nixon's resignation, Beggar's still carries pickled bologna in the former president's honor. Guests include the last three governors and nearly every political somebody in the state. Politicians are treated like "regular Joes."

MINNESOTA

The Kelly Inn 161 St. Anthony, St. Paul

The hotel bar is the nerve center for much political deal making. This quaint establishment offers good cocktails and a pub-like atmosphere. The hotel is home to about 20 state legislators and senators for five months while the state house is in session.

The Lexington 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul

This young 57-year-old bar/restaurant is said to be the hottest political hangout in the state. Its old English-style bar, paintings and wood paneling make for comfortable drinking and dining. Staff say they truly miss the new governor Arne Carlson, but at least Lieutenant Governor Hubert Humphrey still visits.

MISSISSIPPI

Hal & Mal's 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson

Owners Hal and Malcom White are both political activists whose restaurant/bar naturally attracts politicians and campaign staffers. They specialize in southern food including red beans and rice and New Orleans-style Po' Boys (or subs for the rest of the world).

MISSOURI

Arthur Bryan's 1727 Brooklyn St., Kansas City

This restaurant was a favorite for Jimmy Carter, Missouri legislators, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Features include a fine array of meats cooked in the midwest barbecue fashion, smoked over a rack of hickory and oak.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Salty Dog 1181 Elm St., Nanchester

During the primary season, this is a favorite for presidential staffs. Among the endearing qualities: functioning heaters, $2.50 pitchers of beer, and waitresses who sell the T-shirts off their backs.

NEW YORK

Harry's 233 Broadway, New York

Located in the Woolworth building, Harry's is the preeminent New York political hangout. Harry's is located across the street from city hall and in close proximity to the police and firefighters' unions. Owner Mario Cascone's continental cuisine highlights Italian dishes and old-style meals.

McGeary's 4 Clinton Square, Albany

One of the few Irish bars in Albany, McGeary's offers a congenial atmosphere. Politicians are attracted to the bar for three reasons: a late night menu, a shuffleboard table and a location Mort Getman said "You couldn't find without a cop." The decor is Irish, of course, with political memorabilia on every wall.

The Place Grill 414 Broadway, Albany

A big place with a fun, rambunctious crowd where state legislators munch on burgers and dance the night away.

NORTH CAROLINA

42nd Street Oyster Bar 508 W. James, Raleigh

If politics and oysters are your gig, then 42nd Street Oyster Bar is your place. The oyster bar seats 68 and serves up to 100 bushels of oysters a week. In 1931, the effect of prohibition was quickly forgotten when local politicians opened up the bar that claimed the only draft beer in the state.

OHIO

Flanagan's 212 W. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati

Flanagan's is in the middle of downtown, two blocks from the Ohio River. With eight different bars, there's plenty of room to meet and greet. One of the attractions is the oversized patio for mild summer evenings. Clientele includes a potpourri of city and state officials.

Lindey's 169 E. Beck St., Columbus

Tucked away in German Village, where workers from the old breweries used to live, Lindey's is a Republican favorite. Party leader Bob Bennett has adopted it as his own stomping ground. Owner Sue Doody prides her 12-year-old restaurant for its great pasta and American Cuisine.

PENNSYLVANIA

Catalano's 461 S. Front St., Wormleysburg

Overlooking the Susquehanna River and across the water from the state capital of Harrisburg, the restaurant of Vince and Grace Catalano plays host to many Pennsylvania legislators. Regulars include U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, U.S. Representative Tom Ridge and former President Gerald Ford.

The Palm 200 S. Broad St., Philadelphia

The Palm specializes in prime steaks, and jumbo lobsters. The families of the current owners Bruce Bozzi and Wally Ganzi opened the original Palm in 1926 in New York City. Bozzi and Ganzi pride themselves on the special treatment given political and press notables.

RHODE ISLAND

The Capital Grill 1 Coolson Place, Providence

The Grill offers a working New York Stock Exchange ticker, portable telephones and fax machines. Patrick Kennedy is said to be a regular in this oak and mahogany-filled bar/restaurant just a few steps from the capitol. Patrons enjoy the "Stoli-Doli," a large vat of Stolichnaya vodka and fresh pineapples.

SOUTH DAKOTA

The River Center Tavern 920 West Sioux Ave., Pierre

In keeping with the vast expanse of wildlife that is South Dakota, this little political hotspot is adorned with mounted animals, and wildlife prints (something for both hunters and Greenpeace activists.) Less than half a block from the Missouri River, this is where many political campers feel right at home.

TEXAS

The Driskill Hotel 604 Brazos St., Austin

The Driskill has too long a political history to summarize here. Built in 1886, several months before the Texas capitol was completed, the hotel was the actual seat of the first Texas government. The original owner, Colonel Driskill, lost the hotel in a poker game to his brother-in-law, Doc Day, the speaker of the house. Local lobbyists even have their own table. It's all very conducive to back room politics, Lyndon Johnson-style.

The Quorum Club 400 W. 15th St., Austin

A private association mostly for state politicians and local business people, it is the only one with a public bar. Overlooking south Austin, this small establishment sports opulent dark green leather chairs, and its bartender, Drew Talley, gives you royal treatment.

Scholz's Bier Garten 1607 San Jacinto, Austin

Since 1866, Scholz's beer hall sits on the old U.S. Army grounds where General George Armstrong Custer billeted his troops before he rode off to Little Big Horn. Legend has it that there has been more legislation passed in Scholz's than in the state capital.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Duke Zeibert's 1050 Connecticut Ave., N.W.

The perennial power lunch house, Zeibert's has been the place to hang out for years. Lunch at Duke's is likely to feature such notables as Larry King, Jesse Jackson, Ted Turner, and Ted Kennedy. It's a veritable who's who in American politics.

The Hawk and Dove 329 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.

Established during the Vietnam War, local political animals make their way down "the Avenue" for a nightcap. Political dialogue runs deep in this place.

Head's 400 First St., S.E.

Owner Nelson Head's innovative barbecue restaurant is a favorite for White House staff, Congressmen, lobbyists, Republican and Democratic National Committee staffers, consultants, and the press. Located near the House of Representatives, this newcomer to Capitol Hill attracts political professionals young and old.

The Monocle 107 D St., NE

Back in the '60s, The Monocle was favored for beef and steaks, but as lifestyles change so do menus. Today, fish and pasta are the favorites. Owner John Valanos has kept The Monocle's best aspect: consistent service. Located next to the Senate buildings, The Monocle is frequented by senators and their staffs.

Mo Sussman's 1211 Connecticut Ave., NW

Recently renamed from Joe and Mo's, Sussman has not changed the place much. His solid American cuisine and classical decor is a favorite among the Washington elite. Sussman's is a power lunch special as well as a cherished dinner spot.

Old Ebbitt Grill 675 15th St., NW

Opened in 1865, the Ebbitt has been a favorite for administration staffers. No trip to Washington is complete without a bowl of chowder or a hamburger here. Probably the best dressed hamburger-eating clientele in the country. There are booths galore for romantic dinners and private meetings as well.

WISCONSIN

The Top of the Park 22 S. Carroll St.

Located on the eighth floor of the Inn on the Park, the Top boasts the best view of the capitol and Lake Monona, which attracts scores of pols and lobbyists.

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